Junior Studies Event Planning as Paley Center Intern

As an advertising and public relations major, Emily Dorso ’15 received hands-on experience this summer as an intern with the Paley Center for Media in New York City.

“I knew I wanted an internship this summer to help narrow down what I want to do with my major,” said Dorso, of Long Island, NY.

Dorso had recognized the Paley Center name from YouTube videos she’s watched of interviews with actors. The center aims to lead the discussion on the “cultural, creative and social significance” of media, according to its website.

With its location in Midtown Manhattan, the center is also a popular rental venue. Dorso was hired as the events and membership intern where she helped from concept to execution of event planning, as well as helping assist in the development department.

“It was my responsibility to field rental inquiries and inform these potential clients on various topics, such as costs, capacities and capabilities of each of our spaces,”said Dorso, an Honors student.

Dorso was assigned a variety of development research projects, which ranged in subject from possible sponsorship candidates to famous television and film studios in the New York area. She learned how to draft contracts and create invoices, and sat in on venue pre-meetings where she observed how the center employees interact with media company representatives and gained insight on the industry.

Since Dorso is interested in a possible career in event planning, the internship was a great behind-the-scenes look and an invaluable experience.

“I made personal connections with industry leaders that are now references and future contacts, and in a world where networking is everything, the more professional contacts the better,” Dorso said.

Have a story idea? Contact Jamie Pilarczyk, Web Writer
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