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From Behind a Desk to Behind a Camera: Sofia Grimsgard

From Behind a Desk to Behind a Camera

By: Kelsey Blaylock, Engaged Learning Student Media Team

Tuesday, January 30, 2018

Sofia Grimsgard ready for an interview — Sofia Grimsgard

“I learned how the real world works in relation to the media industry. Although classes and an education are extremely important, I would've never known that broadcast news and public relations were passions of mine unless I actually got out into the field and experienced them for myself,” said Grimsgard.

Grimsgard participated in her first internship in Los Angeles the summer before her sophomore year. Grimsgard was able to work with the entertainment side of media and was an assistant to Brandi Chang, a host for Young Hollywood, which created one of her favorite experiences in entertainment yet.

“My boss got sick an hour before we had to cover the red-carpet premiere of ‘The Neon Demon.’ Within that hour, I had to learn about the movie to interview stars like Keanu Reeves, Elle Fanning, and Tony Hawk. Although it was nerve-wracking, it allowed me to fully throw myself into the real-world and a real career path. It was probably one of my favorite life memories in general,” said Grimsgard.

Although it was nerve-wracking, it allowed me to fully throw myself into the real-world and a real career path.

Grimsgard has also interned at an NBC affiliate in Austin, Texas where she was able to apply her journalism education that she gained from IU courses, such as broadcast reporting classes, public relations writing class, and a visual communication class, that gave her the knowledge she needed in order to succeed in a fast-paced, professional setting.

“All of the people that I worked with were very impressed with the skills that I had acquired from just a few classes at IU,” said Grimsgard.

At her NBC affiliate internship, Grimsgard learned how to improve her broadcast writing, how to handle breaking news stories, experience the local newsroom environment, and was able to pitch stories in meetings.

Sofia Grimsgard on the set for a television news show.

Sofia Grimsgard sitting on a red chair pressing a large button in a mock set up for The Voice television show

Sofia Grimsgard on the red carpet at The Conjuring 2 premiere

Grimsgard suggests the entertainment and NBC internship mentioned to any media student following a similar route and to intern in either Los Angeles, California or Austin, Texas.

“Reach out to the IU alumni network and others on LinkedIn. The worst they can say is no or not reply, but you can potentially make a lifelong connection from a message or informational interview,” said Grimsgard.

Grimsgard had some assistance learning about internship opportunities through her career advisor, but she found both of these internships herself through online connections. Grimsgard believes in being self-sufficient and putting yourself out there through networking connections such as LinkedIn, the IU Career Development Center, and other various websites and resources.

Upon graduation, Grimsgard plans on moving to either Los Angeles or New York City. She hopes to work in production/public relations or start out as a multimedia journalist in a small market while working her way up to a top 10 broadcast market. The education and experiences Grimsgard has taken advantage of at Indiana University and beyond will certainly help her get there.

There are a multitude of similar internships available to apply for. Make an appointment with an Indiana University career coach at the Career Development Center for a chance to gain the same experience as Grimsgard, learn new skills, and utilize old ones. A career coach can help build your résumé, prep you for interviews, and explore your options in order to set you on the right path.