How did you spend your summer vacation? Samantha Balsamo ’22 interned with NBC Universal.

Balsamo worked remotely with NBC Universal as an advertising sales intern with NBC’s sports media division, which this year included the Olympics.

“In simple terms, I place commercials on television,” said Balsamo, who is a double major in communications: digital multimedia-sports media and strategic communications-advertising and marketing, as well as two minors in business and studio art.

“Helping the company during the Olympics is something I am proud of and excited to be a part of. There is no better opportunity than practicing what you do and doing the work on such a big scale,” Balsamo said. “What I do every day touches people’s lives, and having an impact on so many people is empowering.”

Working for NBC Universal has been challenging when the world is constantly changing, Balsamo said, and added it was her job to keep up with the changes. Though she would have enjoyed working from NBC’s headquarters in New York, working remotely allowed her to have a summer filled with family, friends and being able to mentally and physically take care of herself.

“I was given full responsibility for all network news shows, including the Today Show and NBC Nightly News,” Balsamo said. “The opportunity to step in while a co-worker was on vacation and my managers and VPs placing their trust in me allowed me to grow professionally.”

Balsamo offered a word of advice to those who are just starting, searching and learning: “Reach for the stars, because one day after being told no over and over again, your perseverance will pay off and you will be stronger for it.”