How did you find out about the Sports Illustrated internship through the School of Journalism? 

I found out about the internship when my sports editor at The Daily Texan forwarded the opportunity to all of her sports reporters. With her encouragement, I ended up applying. 

What was the application like?

The application was fairly simple -- just a cover letter, resume, some sample works and recommendations. It took about a month to hear back from Wanda Cash, the journalism professor in charge of the application process. 

Is it unusual for a non-journalism major to receive the internship?

I don't have any data on it, but I've spoken to a few others who worked the internship before and they were all journalism majors. For what it's worth, the application definitely highlights that non-journalism and non-communication majors are eligible.

Are you taking other classes while you are in New York?

I'm taking an internship course to receive elective credit for the internship. I'm considering continuing business foundations or language online, but I'm yet to make a decision there.

What work will you be doing for your internship?

I'll be working solely for the Sports Illustrated magazine. The internship includes a lot of editorial and reporting work, including fact-checking, research, interviewing and even some writing. My job's purpose is to help their writers find sources and content for their stories and to make sure those stories are accurate.

Have you found a place to stay while you are over there?

Luckily, I'm a New York native, so the search didn't go farther than my home. I'll be staying with my parents in Westchester, New York, and commuting to Manhattan every day by train. It should be a taste of post-college life.

How do you feel about receiving the internship?

I was absolutely thrilled when I found out I'd be working at Sports Illustrated for the semester. I've been a SI reader since an early age, and as an aspiring sports writer I'm really excited to learn from the industry's best. I can't wait to see how the office operates and to meet some of the most talented journalists I've read.

Siegel has worked for The Daily Texan since Fall 2014. For the past two semesters, he has covered the Texas football beat. 

“The experience was incredibly enjoyable, as I am someone who lives and breathes football. To get out there and cover games, practices, press conferences and other team events was a dream come true.”

Siegel has also worked as a freelance writer for Fansided, a partner of Sports Illustrated, and as a public relations intern for a minor league baseball team, the Rockland Boulders, in Pomona, New York. He is pursuing a Business Foundations certificate along with a public relations degree. 

When did you join Texas AdGrad? This was my first semester; unfortunately I couldn’t fit it in my schedule any earlier.

What has been your role with AdGrad? I started on the Analytics team, but I basically made my own team working with Facebook ads… I thought it would be a cool opportunity for AdGrad to explore paid social media.

Why media? I love that there is data behind everything and concrete answers- there’s always a reason behind what you are doing. I’m a huge tech geek and I love the technology side of digital media and how quickly it evolves.

What is your dream job? To be president of an ad agency in New York.  

What are some of the most useful lessons you have learned while at the Stan Richards School (both in and out of the classroom)? Advertising has many of components that are very skills-based, but I think what I have learned that will benefit me most are the soft skills like time management and public speaking. If I had been asked two years ago what my biggest fear was, it would have been public speaking.

Favorite class at the Stan Richards School? Gene Kincaid’s digital media class. Message to Gene: we are all going to miss you!

What are some words you live by and why? “Kathryn, you have to be fearless” - Lisa Dobias. It’s all about being confident in yourself.

Plans after graduation? No official plans yet. Interviewing. Planning. Basically, to move to New York and work in the media department of a large ad agency.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years? Hopefully moving up the ladder.  

Your favorite ad? The Smartcar commercial by BBDO Germany.

Fun fact:

“I actually grew up with out a TV so I didn’t really see ads growing up. It definitely surprises people that I want to work in an industry that I grew up without.”

You realize you spend more time with your group than your roommates. 

The chances you find a classroom in Belo that is empty. 

When you think faster than you can speak.

You check in with your professor and realize you missed something.

Those meetings when you feel like you were actually productive.

Of course you struggle with the “go nowhere fast” meetings as well.

You finally figure out the big idea.

The night before your project is due.

You hand your project in and make your final presentation. 

The whole project becomes a blur.

You bid your teammates adieu.

Dr. Junker’s class is creating marketing videos for non-profit companies. Currently, groups are presenting their progress in class and Minis + Friends were invited to join for their group’s presentation. 

The miniature horses provide therapy for people and mostly work at a nursing home. The group mentioned that the senior citizens they met at the home brought them to tears when they saw them crying while petting the mini horses.

“I thought the presentation was very informative and well-done,” said Alexa Gonzaga, public relations junior. “I learned a lot about Minis + Friends and how the nonprofit impacts the community. Also, having a couple of miniature horses in class brightened everyone's day.”

A group working with DSACT (Down Syndrome Association of Central Texas) also presented their progress and showed a clip of their video which focuses on the concept “I wish.” Their video will show families and children with down syndrome telling everyone what they wish for, such as “I wish for my daughter to go to UT,” or “I wish I could tell you how I’m feeling.” The short snippet the group showed in class brought some students to tears. 

(Pictured left to right: Kendall King, Alex Visser, Erin Ball, Rachel Reid, Erica Kitchin and Hannah Matula) 

The footage for their video will come from the annual Buddy Walk that just occurred a few weeks ago in Austin. Students spoke about their experience getting film at the walk, how accepting everyone they spoke to were, and the challenges of finding an outlet to charge equipment. 

“I think both groups had very powerful, compelling stories, said John Paul Napleton, public relations and international relations & global studies junior. “Minis and Friends captured their nonprofit's unique form of therapy involving mini horses and its positive effects, specifically on the elderly. DSACT showed how families in the Austin area come together to show that children with disabilities are just like everyone else and have wishes and dreams just like you and me. Both groups truly showed their passion for their organizations and made both a powerful impact on their nonprofits and the viewers in class.”

The next few weeks in Dr. Junker’s course will be composed of more nonprofit presentations, (possibly) more tears and maybe a few more guests. There have been four presentations so far, but there are many more to go. Students are also working with the Ronald McDonald House Charities, Healing with Horses Ranch, Austin Creative Reuse, the Moody Writing Support Program and more!