Internship a ‘reel’-life adventure for student

For Holden Jones of Jacksonville, a senior in Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s cinema and photography program, it was a matter of perseverance. Jones will participate this summer in an eight-week internship in California learning about commercials – from conceptualization and pre-production to production and post-production. He is one of 50 students selected from 1,500 nationwide for an Emmy Foundation Internship, and chosen from among 21 applications for the commercials category. He will work at three different places while in Los Angeles from July 5 to Aug. 26: Radical Media, TBWA and Chiat Day. Jones, the son of Marcy and Terry Jones of Jacksonville, is a 2012 Chancellor’s Academic Scholar. He is a double major in cinema production and television production. He was an executive producer for the award-winning “alt.news 26:46” when the student-produced television magazine program captured its 31st Professional Regional Emmy and is now in London studying. He will return to the United States next month, “submit some forms, and my college career will come to a close,” he said. While Jones and at least two other students have been finalists in prior years, this is the first time a student in the College of Mass Communication and Media Arts has received the internship, said H.D. Motyl, associate professor in Radio, Television and Digital Media. “This is an amazing feat for Holden to be chosen for this very competitive and prestigious internship,” Motyl said. “Besides working closely with an industry mentor, he will have the opportunity to meet and work with a variety of other industry folks and gain knowledge and experience from them. This internship can really jump-start a career, and put Holden on a fast track.” Jan Thompson, a professor in the radio, television, and digital media, is also the faculty adviser for “alt.news 26:46.” The internship is “highly coveted” and “demonstrates Holden’s talent and tenacity and showcases how Holden was prepared by SIU to take the next step in the professional world,” she said. Jones said he remained undeterred after two prior internship applications fell short. Motyl noted that each year, Jones honed his application letters and polished video interviews required of finalists. “Perseverance is essential, especially in this industry,” Jones said. “It’s very rare that someone can start their career in their dream job or role, so working hard to work your way up is important and builds a strong work ethic. I had heard so many good things about the internship that I committed myself to applying every year until I got it or graduated.” Source-myjournalcourier For further assistance related to Internship related queries in India, Dubai or Singapore, please visit: http://www.pursueasia.com