After her freshman year at Rider, Mikaela landed an internship through NBCUniversal’s Campus 2 Career program. She held additional paid internships through the Emma Bowen Foundation and the NBCUniversal program each summer throughout college.
Why Mikaela chose Rider
Because her sister was a graduate of Rider, Mikaela was already familiar with the university. When she came to campus for Accepted Students Day, the aspiring producer talked to current students about their hands-on experiences in the Rider University Network (RUN) studio, with the National Broadcasting Society (NBS) and at internships. She also heard about their job prospects. "I was impressed. It was exactly what I wanted to do," says Mikaela.
Rider offers so many real-life experiences and networking opportunities. I truly believe that anything is possible at Rider.
Social media producer, The News with Shepard Smith, CNBC
Rider's impact on Mikaela's success
Mikaela immediately joined the NBS Rider Chapter and began working in the RUN studio, reporting and doing behind-the-scenes work for The Loop. The busy freshman also produced a short film and became involved with the Multicultural Student Leadership Institute and the Emerging Leaders program. She continued working with RUN throughout her four years at Rider and became producer of its Entertainment News Show The Spotlight.
Mikaela traveled to Atlanta, Ga., and Los Angeles for the NBS Annual Convention, as a freshman and sophomore, respectively. She was also featured in a show that was nominated for an award. "The NBS provides a tremendous opportunity to network and gain recognition for the films and shows we produce,” says Mikaela. "I know it will play a role in realizing my dream of becoming a producer."
She later landed an internship through the Emma Bowen Foundation for Minority Interests in Media, which partners with corporations to create career opportunities in the media industry for minority youth. During the summer of 2015, she interned at USA Network in the Brand Marketing and Promotions Department through NBCUniversal's Campus 2 Career Program. She continued to intern through NBCUniversal's program each summer throughout college: at USA Network in the Off-Air Production Department, at SYFY in the Marketing Production Department, and back at USA Network in the Production Department.
Mikaela credits her involvement in the studio, with NBS, and other Rider programs for giving her career a strong start. "I had an idea of my career path, but I didn't realize how much Rider would help me. My participation in these programs solidified my passion," she says. "I have gained invaluable, hands-on experience, and it's truly amazing."
Continued success
Following graduation, Mikaela landed a role as a producer and social media manager at the Caucus Educational Corporation, where she oversaw all of Steve Adubato's programs on NJPBS and Thirteen. In February 2022, she accepted a position at CNBC as a social media producer for “The News with Shepard Smith.”
In her role, Mikaela works with show producers to ensure the highest quality content is reaching the show's social media audience by determining which segments will be posted on their Twitter, Instagram and Facebook accounts. Working in the high-paced environment that is the news field, she cites various experiences, challenges and successes in her time at Rider that have prepared her to succeed within the industry.
“Throughout my college career, I always had to adapt to the new challenges that were in front of me — and I still do this every single day. The news industry is a very quick, changing environment. You have to be quick on your feet and be ready for any challenge that is thrown at you at any point of the day. Working with social media every day pushes me out of my comfort zone, but at the end of the day, it is so rewarding when everything works out. Rider taught me to never be scared to step out of your comfort zone and try something new because you never know where that risk will take you,” she says.