Where did you do your internship and what did you do?
I was a Brand Marketing and Product Management intern at the Walt Disney Company, Buena Vista Home Entertainment (BVHE), where I prepared strategic marketing analysis regarding advances in home entertainment technologies. I also researched trends in media consumption behavior and next generation DVD technologies, resulting in recommendations of marketing concepts designed to extend the Disney DVD© brand.

How did you get it?
I contacted them in January of 2002 and developed a rapport with a Kellogg alumni member who is a member of the BE management team.

Did you need prior media experience?
Prior experience with Disney and United Cinemas International were very helpful in securing the position.

What surprised you the most about your time there? And disappointed you the most?
Having worked at Disney before, I had a sense of the culture and the modus operandi. However, I had forgotten how distinct the culture is of each Disney business unit. I was delighted with my internship experience! As the internship program matures, BVHE will continue to strengthen certain aspects.

What were the top 3 things you learned? (Or mattered most to you.)

• The importance of the home entertainment business unit as a distribution channel
• The economics of DVD as well as technology management considerations, (in regards to the next-generation DVD console adoption)
• The need to continually stay current on news in the industry

Do you have any advice for students about getting internships, there and in general?
Be persistent, passionate, and patient when looking for an internship in the entertainment industry.