Factual Channels Programming Intern Review

I work for the National Geographic TV Channels. 75% of my role consists of helping the UK programming team in delivering the schedules for both the National Geographic UK Channel and the UK National Geographic Wild Channel. Some of the jobs in this role include inputting schedules into the programming software, creating video on demand (VOD) schedules, screening programmes and assisting with monthly content review presentations. The other 25% of my role is spent working with the regional teams across Europe and Africa. Some tasks in the regional side of the role include collating premiere dates across the regions, writing promo briefs and attending monthly meetings with the different regional teams.

In my role I have learnt to use a range of new computer systems and softwares. These include BSS (the programming software used to create schedules), TechEdge (an audience research system) and VPS (a system where you can obtain information about all the programmes). Additionally, I have re-learnt how to use Excel since this was a software I had not used for many years. Existing skills that I have developed include my communication skills (both written and verbal), analytical skills and my sense of judgement.

Yes I was given responsibility in my placement. The tasks that I was told to do were important to the team and affected the running of the actual channel(s). For example, you are trusted to schedule programmes, and to contact the necessary people (in DC, or Europe and Africa) for certain important information. As well, you are in charge of creating and emailing out VOD schedules for external television companies. I actually get to see the synopses I have written on TV which I think proves that I am given a lot of responsibility and I'm seen as a valued member of the team.

My line managers were very supportive throughout my placement. They were interested in my professional development and supported me to achieve the goals I had in mind (e.g. to improve my confidence). As well, with having to work remotely from home it meant I had to be trained and learn how to use all the systems online via zoom or email. But my line managers gave me a lot of advice and guidance at the beginning of my placement to make sure I knew what I was doing. In particular, one of my line managers gave me Excel exercises to do during my first week after I told them I was not familiar with this application. Overall, I felt comfortable to approach my line managers with any problems or queries I had (both professionally and personally - e.g. to do with my personal development or skills). Additionally, being an intern at Disney means you are part of the 'Disney Intern Programme' which is run by the Talent Acquisition team. For this programme the company offer a range of sessions to support your growth personally and professionally. Examples of these sessions include a Personal Brand webinar and an Emotional Intelligence webinar.

Despite not going into the offices during my placement I still got a feel for the company culture. There are many ways to get yourself involved with the wider company outside of your role, such as joining the Employee Resource Groups (e.g. Women at Disney, Pride), signing up to online events, talks and webinars, and writing articles for the work website. As part of the 'Disney Intern Programme' I joined a fundraising group to raise money for one of the company's charity partners MediCinema. Additionally, the company held different activities to raise money for other charities. The company is also committed to diversity initiatives, and provided all the employees with a diversity training. They also had multiple webinars and talks about diversity and how this can be improved in the company. I feel that the company do try to be inclusive, which was amazing to see/hear, especially for a big company such as Disney.

I really enjoyed my placement, even though it was not what I initially expected from it when I applied in January 2020. Despite everything being virtual I still managed to learn a lot about the TV and media business, which is what I wanted out of my placement. I felt included in my team, who were also very supportive throughout my placement. As well, everyone that I met from the company (outside of my role) were really nice, and interns do get treated as valued members in the company.

Yes

Be yourself!! This applies to every stage of the application process - from writing your cover letter to your interview. The hiring managers are just looking for someone who is genuine and someone they want to work with. Don't worry about what others are saying or doing at the assessment centre, just focus on portraying your authentic self and you will do fine! As well, a top tip is that there are about 200 placement roles in the company even though there might only be 15 roles advertised online. If you want to work at this company do apply to the role(s) you are most interested in and your application might be pooled to different departments/roles. I initially applied for a marketing role but I ended up in the media networks/TV channels and had an amazing time!