Name: Alicia Battistoni
Internship Company: NBCUniversal
Title: DTC Intern (Fall 2019)
Can you tell us what department you worked in and provide a brief description of their work?
I'm on the Direct-to-Consumer team that is currently building NBCUniversal's forthcoming streaming platform, Peacock. The department works on all aspects of this product from the marketing approach to the pricing structure to the actual content that will be available.
What did you do for work before coming to Stern?
I worked in corporate public relations for five years, specializing in Private Equity, before coming to Stern.
What was your role or what projects did you work on?
My role shifted during my semester. Initially, I was brought in to work on an app called WatchBack, whose purpose was to drive consumer insights and expose audiences to niche streaming services. My projects involved sourcing content potential partners, successfully pitching them to join our platform, and then coordinating a monthly transfer of new content pieces to the app. I also worked on new online advertisements for the app as well as how we would describe it in app stores. My work pivoted when I was moved to the Peacock team, where now my responsibilities fall into two buckets. I conduct daily analyses of our competitors to create a detailed landscape of how many original and library shows and films are on competing platforms, as well as the type of content, whether it be a drama/thriller or reality show. I also help with data tagging and analytics to better facilitate any dealmaking when it comes to what kind of content do we want to acquire or create for viewers.
What skills or knowledge were necessary for success in your internship and how did Stern help prepare you?
The ability to quickly conduct research and discern what information is important has been a tremendous help, although I feel like I sharpened this tool during my career. From Stern, the most valuable knowledge has come from EMT courses and EMSA; understanding the complexity and stakes of the streaming wars and the ever-changing media landscape was what set me apart from other candidates according to my interviewer.
What advice would you give for people interested in this role?
I would encourage applicants to really hustle, meaning go to every event where you can network with employees at the company where you want to work, even if you feel like it might be meant for undergraduate students. The more you engage in a meaningful way with those at NBCU, the more likely you are to get your foot in the door. The opportunity to be hired directly by a manager will give you a much more expedited experience (and these opportunities are sometimes created and not necessarily on a job board). Having strong excel skills is a huge plus for someone in this role and, above all else, a deep DEEP passion and knowledge of media properties. Your love and enthusiasm for the company need to be contagious!
How would you describe your recruiting experience? Please include as much detail as possible (such as timeline, how you prepared, types of interviews, etc.)
My recruiting experience was pretty unorthodox. I attended a networking event called "NYU at NBCU" onsite at 30 Rock. The event was, for the most part, directed at undergraduate students, and at first, I thought it was a mistake to have attended. At the conclusion, the HR team at NBCU had several current employees come into the room for a networking round. It was during this time that I met my future manager, chatted with him a bit about his work, and left him with my resume with zero expectations. This event was in October. By early November, I received an email out of the blue from him, asking if I could come in for an interview this week because he had found my resume on his desk and thought it looked interesting. I prepped for my interview by reviewing all of NBCU's assets, including broadcast, cable, film, and parks. I spoke with students who had interned with the company, and I attended a mock interview with OCD. I went in for my interview later that week, and what was supposed to take 30 minutes went a full two hours, as he and I went back and forth on everything from the streaming wars, to Broadway productions, to Bravo's real housewives. I received my offer over the phone a week later and was set to start my internship in mid-January. I networked throughout my Spring 2019 internship and secured my role on the DTC team by August 2019 (after following up repeatedly over the summer).
What has been your best entertainment & media experience (class, event, internship, trip etc.) at Stern so far?
Hands down attending the Cannes Film Festival with Professor Lieberman and Professor Hardart was a life-changing experience. The ability to see how films are bought and sold and the exposure to incredible foreign films with my peers was an absolute blast.
What's your favorite TV show or movie right now?
Succession. I literally binged the second season this weekend while wrapped in a fluffy blanket like a burrito.