Not only was he a part of the South Florida Media Network Bureau Program, but Osman A. Lopez-Barraza was able to secure a summer internship with the Hispanic Communications Network in Washington D.C.
Major: B.S. in Communication (Specialization in Broadcast Media)
Where did you intern?
For the summer of 2019, I interned at the Hispanic Communications Network as a production intern. I was also part of the South Florida Media Network (SFMN) Washington D.C Bureau.
What did you do there?
I worked closely with the evening drive-time show, ‘Encendio with Pedro Biaggi’. As an intern, I did several things. I created graphics for the lower-thirds for guests of the show. I also edited segments of the show to be aired and assisted with live recordings of the show.
How did you get your internship?
I was able to get my internship at the Hispanic Communications Network through the SFMN Washington Bureau. It was offered as a supplement to the program.
What projects did you work on?
I worked on a different array of projects. As I mentioned before, my responsibilities were to create and edit content, whether it be for social media posts, live shows or PSA’s. The internship offered a variety of opportunities and, most importantly, the freedom to give input.
What was the coolest thing that happened during your internship and in the SFMN Bureau?
One of the most memorable moments for me was when SFMN intern, Daniel Lederman, and I covered the occupancy of the Venezuelan embassy in DC. While visiting the office of FIU in DC, we spoke to FIU’s Assistant Vice President of Governmental Relations, Carlos Becerra, about the possibility of doing a Venezuela-related story. He quickly got in touch with someone at the Organization of American States (OAS) and granted us access to a hearing with the Ambassador from Venezuela to the OAS, Gustavo Tarre. We had the opportunity to speak to him and were invited to follow him to the Venezuelan embassy. We were able to produce our first story in which we covered the gathering outside of the embassy by the Venezuelan community demanding to get their embassy back.
What did you like most about your experiences in the internship and the SFMN Bureau?
I loved the opportunity to meet new people. Beyond the point of networking, the relationships that one is able to create through programs such as these are invaluable.
What did you learn about yourself?
I learned that taking a leap of faith pays off. I must say, I was almost unable to participate in the program, but I was able to make it come together and follow the dream I had of going to DC. I learned that focusing on a particular goal and really pushing and working hard for it will grant the results I am looking for.
How did you expand your professional network?
By attending every possible event. The office of FIU in DC does a great job of putting together events for both networking and learning about specific topics, I didn’t even consider. The most important thing is to overcome the fear of talking to people and just have at it!
How did it help you prove yourself in the “real world”?
It helps to look at an internship like a job. It helped to keep that mindset to prove to myself that “I could make the cut”. School is very different from a “real-world experience”. Working on the stories for SFMN was challenging, but I gave a different perspective on how to produce stories, from finding a lead to interviewing someone. Every step of the process helped me see that it was, in fact, doable.
What advice do you have for those beginning the internship process?
I would say don’t think about it twice. I never imagined I would be able to come to DC – even more so, that I would be writing and producing stories. That wouldn’t have happened if I had focused on the difficulties. So, to whoever is thinking about getting their first internship or thinking about going to DC, take that leap and put your heart and soul into it.
