SFC Alumni Joe Neri graduated in 2009 and regardless of an economic hiring freeze was presented with a job at Nickelodeon On-Air Promotions.

Joe's internship success story began while watching the Colbert Report and worrying about applying for internships.

He quickly realized that he could intern for the show he loved most. He raised his finger in declaration and said, "Hey, I could intern there!"

While visiting Comedy Central's website, Joe was directed to the MTVN Careers website where he submitted his resume.

Joe played the waiting game and on one fateful day in July he was called in for an interview.

Joe was presented with a list of internships to choose from and chose one with Nickelodeon On-Air Promotions.

Joe had done it! He successfully got himself an internship. Being a Communications - Film/Broadcast major, Joe was presented with an array of production related intern-duties, such as logging tapes, gathering music, and running work.

There was never a dull day at Nickelodeon, “one day you could be on the set of a promo shoot, then the next be searching for a pilgrim costume,” said Joe.

Although some intern duties may have appeared daunting, Joe now appreciates all that he has done as an intern.

While going on production runs, Joe was able to observe how the entire production process works, “I would bring a tape over to an editing facility, then sit in and observe the editor and producer working together.”

Joe made sure to make the most of his internship, and learned by observing the everyday responsibilities he had as an intern.

Now that Joe works full-time at Nickelodeon, he has some advice for other students who are looking for internships, regardless of their major.

“Someone who is looking for an internship should be open and not limit themselves. Look everywhere in your related field. That being said, try to stick to bigger name companies because it's less likely that you'd be taken advantage of as free labor than someone who is there to learn.”

Working at Nickelodeon, Joe admits that it truly is a great place to be, “My favorite part of the job is how dynamic it is. At any time, I could be called away to edit something together, or go out on a shoot. The other thing I love about the job is the people. Everyone is extremely nice, and they make it a fun atmosphere that is almost irresistible.”

With Joe’s internship success story, he was able to turn his field experience into a career. For now, he plans on staying with Nickelodeon to learn all he can.

In the future, he will continue making short films and documentaries to fulfill his dream job of becoming a director.