Learning in the classroom is the pinnacle of education, but some students take it above and beyond. This Summer, one student in particular took a step outside of the classroom and into the newsroom.
Ahmaad Harvey, a Senior Mass Communications major from Wesson, Mississippi, earned an internship at one of the top news stations in Mississippi. Harvey was a part of the WLBT-3 Gray Media Training class of Summer 2023. He, alongside eleven other interns, got hands-on experience in the newsroom and other departments.
“The most important thing I’ve learned is how to own your worth. Just because I was an intern didn’t mean I couldn’t shine,” said Harvey.
Headed by Director of Operations, Michael A. White Jr., the program wants to show what students can do with a Mass Communications degree.
Gray Television, Inc., owns and operates high-quality local television stations in 113 media markets. The Gray Media Training Center, at WLBT-TV in Jackson, Mississippi, trains, prepares, and equips future media industry leaders for success.
Gray Media Training Program participants will receive hands-on learning about the 5 core competencies of the media industry which are News, Marketing, Production, Engineering and Advertising Sales.
Harvey’s favorite part of his internship was learning about the Marketing Sales and Creative Services departments.
He found out about the internship program from his classmates. Several students within Alcorn’s Mass Communications Department have graduated from the Gray Media Training Center. The camaraderie at Alcorn transferred to Harvey’s fellow interns.
“My favorite experience was the bond that I made with my fellow interns at the station as well as the employees I’ve befriended. It’s not only what you learn, but who you meet. Networking and making connections are one of the most important parts of an internship,” stated Harvey.
Harvey was also able to create two commercials during his time in the program. He encourages everyone in the Mass Communications Department to apply for internships, especially the Gray Media Training program.
