As a young Black man, I seized the opportunity to work as an NBC News intern at the 2024 Republican National Convention, immersing myself in the behind-the scenes operations at the high-profile event.
This was a unique opportunity that few young Black men my age in Milwaukee would ever get, so I made every effort to make the most of it.
My summer internship with the Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service prepared me well for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
As I walked through the busy Fiserv Forum, I was amazed by how big and complicated the event was.
During my time there, my job required me to make sure that the NBC staff received food and beverages, and that trailers were cleaned and presentable. The trailers were used for us interns and the staff members to grab a snack or when it was time to eat lunch.
I was able to see the behind-the-scenes TV crew from NBC.
The RNC, which was held July 15-18, was a big event for the media, with lots of news crews and camera crews trying to get the best shots.
As the only African American on the NBC production team, I felt nervous, but the camera crew made me feel welcomed and heard.
During the camera crew’s rehearsal time, I was able to express my thoughts and ideas, and they were willing to answer all of my questions.
This was very important to me because I wanted to know the benefits of being in TV production as a journalist.
They gave me valuable information about camera work and audio.
One of the most important meetings I had was with a Black woman by the name of Karen James Sloan, who is an executive producer at CNBC News in Washington, D.C.
Meeting with a Black woman was important because there were few Black people whom I saw at the RNC convention.
She taught me important things about how to have etiquette in the corporate world as a producer.
Her three main points were: organization, thinking about the bigger picture and attention to detail.
It’s important to talk clearly, make decisions without hesitation and aim to do an excellent job in every way, she said.
I also had the opportunity to briefly converse with Cassy Mitchell, a Black photographer for NBC News in Chicago.
He was the only Black photographer that I saw at the convention.
I learned a lot about how a big news company like NBC News operates by working with its team.
I saw for myself the careful planning and teamwork needed to make sure a live TV show goes smoothly, from setting up the cameras and microphones to organizing interviews and comments.
The way they handled everything was professional and made me realize how much work goes into putting on a big political event for people to watch.
What stood out to me the most was that there were many Donald Trump supporters who were strongly sticking by one another at the convention.
I heard from many conservative Republicans who agreed with one another on former President Donald Trump making America a better place.
Reflecting on my internship at the 2024 Republican National Convention with NBC News, a few key lessons stand out.
I learned the importance of diversity and thoughtfulness.
Attention to detail and responsibility were crucial in my role, guaranteeing NBC staff were well-supported and managed easily.
Interactions with industry leaders underscore the importance of professionalism and etiquette within the corporate world.
As a young Black man, gaining these experiences is crucial. It’s essential for more individuals from diverse backgrounds to have similar opportunities to develop the skills and confidence needed to succeed, whether in media or other professional settings.
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