Name: Hope Kretz

Internship, Co-op or Research Site: egta; Association of Television and Radio Sales Houses

Position Title: Communication, Database & Events Intern

Major(s)/Minor(s): Fine Arts; Animation/Interactive Media concentration

Expected Graduation Year: May 2017

Briefly describe your internship, co-op,  or research opportunity, including your day-to-day tasks, responsibilities, and assignments.

egta is a non-profit association based in Brussels, Belgium. It is the European trade association for marketers of advertising solutions across television screens, audio and web based platforms. It has the aim to help its members protect, grow and diversify their business around content edited and broadcast on a linear basis by their TV channels and radio stations.

I was honored to be selected as an international intern at egta where I assisted in creating an animated video, powerpoint presentations, designed templates and other resources which were used in their major events. My communication tasks included writing emails, updating the egta databases and website, assisting in "egtabite" delivery to company's members, along with numerous other design, administrative and organizational tasks. I worked and communicated with international members of the company and colleagues in order to gain valuable experience in an international setting. By attending work meetings and speaker presentations at egta's events, I learned valuable marketing and communication skills as well as valuable information about the TV and radio industry.

Describe the process of obtaining your internship, research, or co-op opportunity.

In the fall of 2015, I had an amazing experience studying a semester in Berlin, Germany. After this experience I knew I wanted to return to Europe to study and work again.  Upon returning to UMBC I started to scout internship opportunities  on the internet and through networking at UMBC.  I learned about the opportunity to intern at egta in Belgium and found it appealing because of its relevance to my field of study.  I applied to an internship position  by submitting a cover letter and resume to the contact person at egta. I then exchanged emails and a skype based interview with the the TV Director. They offered me the intern position and I accepted it. I then prepared my flight and other travel details to Brussels. I moved to Belgium and began my internship once I finished my Spring semester finals.

What have you enjoyed the most about your position or organization/company?

I enjoyed the work place atmosphere provided at egta. I enjoyed contributing to egta's main events and seeing the result of my work as the events took place. I enjoyed meeting and working with people from different countries throughout Europe. It was very interesting living and working in an international setting. In my free time, I was able to explore Brussels and other areas of Belgium and Europe. 

How do you believe you have made an impact through your work?

During the internship I created a variety of resources for egta. After leaving my position the company continues to use the resources I created. I made two videos that are featured on egta's web page and I edited their communication system and website that they will continue to utilize. I helped them in a variety of ways which I believed has benefited them. 

What advice would you give to another student who is seeking an internship or similar experience?

My advice is to keep an open mind and put yourself out there. If you want a certain experience, do work and research on your own time to find a way to make that experience possible. Rejection is just a part of the process so don’t be afraid to apply and contact a company because of the chance of rejection. 

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