Over the summer, Alana Nappi made some unforgettable connections. She worked with characters like the Smurfs, and even the Rock during her internship at Paramount Studios in Los Angeles. For Alana, a student at Binghamton University’s School of Management, this was more than just an internship; it was a dream come true.
At Paramount, Alana joined the global content distribution sales team. She helped coordinate the sale of films and TV shows across various platforms like cable and streaming services. It’s fascinating how what you see on your screen is strategically planned. Alana had a front-row seat to all this action.
“I analyzed viewership data to understand which shows were popular,” Alana explained. “This helped us target the right audience for different platforms. If a show wasn’t performing well, we explored whether it might thrive on another platform instead. Seeing this strategy in action made me even more excited about a career in entertainment and content sales.”
Many students, including Alana, are drawn to Binghamton’s School of Management because of its strong reputation and the networking opportunities it offers. “There are so many alumni willing to connect with students,” she said. “You can explore various career paths and follow your passions, which is key to finding where you belong.”
Alana didn’t start in the entertainment field; her journey began in high school through community theater. She discovered a space where she could express herself, and it unwittingly prepared her for the business world. “Being vulnerable on stage taught me how to sell myself,” she reflected. “That confidence is invaluable in any sales role.”
Her path to the internship was supported by Emily Pinkhasov, a former Binghamton student who works in ad sales at Paramount. With Pinkhasov’s guidance, Alana cast a wide net for internship opportunities and secured a position at Paramount while abroad in Dublin.
Once she arrived in LA, the experience exceeded all her expectations. “We toured the iconic Paramount lot and learned so much about the behind-the-scenes processes,” Alana shared. “The intricacies of content distribution are mind-blowing! For instance, it was eye-opening to understand why some shows are exclusive to platforms like Netflix or Peacock at different times.”
This hands-on experience illustrates how important internships are in shaping career paths. According to a recent survey from the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), over 60% of students who intern secure a job offer after graduation. Alana’s story aligns perfectly with this trend, emphasizing the value of early professional exposure.
For anyone eager to see the fruits of Alana’s labor, it’s simple: just switch on your streaming service and enjoy the show. The behind-the-scenes work is often unseen, but it’s vital to the entertainment we love.
