Students

“Pathway to Success”: FAMU SJGC students gain valuable experience in summer internships at Disney

Staff Reports on Jul 27, 2023

Students from FAMU’s School of Journalism & Graphic Communication visit the Good Morning America set as part of their summer internships at ABC News media outlets.

In Fall 2022, the Disney Storytellers Fund at FAMU was created with a $1 million grant from The Walt Disney Company as part of the Disney Future Storytellers program. Disney Future Storytellers is The Walt Disney Company’s commitment to empowering the next generation of storytellers and innovators.

Some FAMU scholars majoring in journalism, public relations and graphic design are spending the summer in internships at Disney, including ABC News in New York City. Their internship specialties range from investigative journalism, graphic design, digital content production, publicity and special events. Working in various ABC News departments has given students the experience they need to grow their storytelling skills.

Sherby Perez, FAMU School of Journalism & Graphic Communication student and Disney Storytellers Fund scholar, is serving as an Assignment Desk intern this summer for ABC News.

“My writing skills have undergone a remarkable transformation, particularly in the realm of breaking news,” says Broadcast Journalism major Sherby Perez. “I discovered the assignment desk’s pivotal role in orchestrating seamless productions for prestigious shows like Good Morning America (GMA), Prime Time, and ABC World News Tonight with David Muir.”

Throughout their internships, the Disney Storytellers Fund at FAMU scholars have received hands-on experience and continued exposure to the media industry as they sharpen their respective skill sets.

Graphic Design student Darryl Smith understands the value of this development opportunity. “Interning with a Disney-owned media outlet will give me the tools and pathway to success. This internship will help me climb the ladder of the graphic design industry with the use of my networking skills, growth as a designer and exposure to professional work ethic,” he says.

Darryl Smith, FAMU School of Journalism & Graphic Communication student and Disney Storytellers Fund scholar, is spending the summer as a Graphic Design intern with ABC News.

For senior Broadcast Journalism major Briana Michel, the lessons she has learned go beyond the newsroom. “ABC News has taught me that there is a balance between the news industry and a happy life – all I have to do is look around. From the 10-week intern to the 25+ year producer, we’re in a business that encourages you to be a student for life… to never stop learning.”