Communication Students are Olympic Hopefuls

02/25/2011 5:55 PM

Bradley communication students are gearing up for Olympic competition, though rather than running, jumping, swimming, and diving, they’re writing, re-writing, and preparing to put their best foot forward in an interview. More than 100 communication majors will compete with their peers at select universities across the country for the opportunity to work for NBC at the 2012 Summer Olympic Games in London.

“Interning at the Olympics is a tremendous opportunity for our students. I am confident Bradley students will compete with others from the best universities in the nation, and will impress executives at NBC with their skill, experience and passion for sports communication,” said President Joanne Glasser.

NBC traditionally works with just five or six universities across the country to fill coveted internship spots, but the growing distinction of Bradley’s one-of-a-kind sports communication program and long tradition of fostering star broadcasters convinced network executives to pull the University into its elite talent pool.

Interns will fulfill a variety of duties for NBC over a three-to-five week period. Some interns will be on the front lines in London and others will be behind the scenes in New York. All of them will gain access to world-class broadcasting professionals and star athletes few college students ever achieve.

Department of Communication Chairman Dr. Paul Gullifor planted the seed for the partnership last May when he took a group of communication students to NBC as part of a May Interim expedition course to New York City.

“Our students made a terrific impression. They were well-prepared, enthusiastic and asked great questions. The NBC folks were very impressed by the caliber of our students,” Gullifor said.

Senior Katy Feddersen attended that meeting and was elated to hear last week that the deal had come to fruition.

“I know we’re in exclusive company,” Feddersen said. “We’re fortunate to have a supportive communication department that has put us in a great position to do well in all the different job applications, whether it’s logging tape, being runners, or working in production.”

The application process is underway with the Smith Career Center and faculty in the Slane College of Communications and Fine Arts helping students craft top-notch rթsumթs and cover letters. Gullifor will submit the applications to NBC next month and expects to welcome network representatives to the Hilltop for interviews with students shortly thereafter.

“The entire university, from the students to President Joanne Glasser, are so energized by this opportunity,” Gullifor said. “It’s encouraging to see that when there’s a good idea at Bradley, you can make it happen. This is truly a collaborative effort.”