Lincoln, Neb.--Eight emerging media arts students in the Johnny Carson School of Theatre and Film had internships this summer at Infosys.
Seniors Marley Svoboda, Cade Suing and John Horwath and juniors Isaac Cortez and Liang Endacott traveled to Bangalore, India, for their internships. Juniors Ari Ahmed, Elaine Smith and Calvin Doerr worked remotely from the U.S.
Most of the UNL interns were working in the marketing department at Infosys to create videos.
“I am working and living in Electronic City, Bangalore, on the Infosys campus for these eight weeks,” Svoboda said. “I wanted to do this internship because I heard great things from those who came last year. I heard that you get a comprehensive look at the culture in India, the work is exciting and the other interns and salaried Infosys employees are pleasant to be around.”
Endacott said her experience could be summed up as creating connections around the world and making new friends.
“The highlight of the experience has been meeting the other interns,” she said. “I’ve traveled across India with them and learned so much about the country, its people and Hinduism. My favorite project was my personal one, where I showcased the diversity within the InStep team. I was able to meet so many new people and learn about their cultures and background.”
Cortez was also in the marketing department working on video projects.
“The experience has been really fun and memorable,” he said. “My highlights for this trip would be being able to take trips and explore around India with fellow interns and making memories that will last a lifetime. It has given me insight into working in a corporate setting while teaching me how to balance creative vision with a brand’s goals.”
Ahmed, who is originally from Mankato, Minnesota, was a social media creator in the marketing department and worked remotely. He edited footage to be posted on the official Infosys social media pages.
“I wanted to do this internship because I believed it was a good opportunity to showcase my skills, gain real-life work experience and build my resume,” he said. “I was lucky enough to work alongside Elaine and Calvin, two of my peers in emerging media arts. We had fun navigating through the ups and downs for an experience that was new to all of us.”
Working remotely gave him flexibility, and he was glad he applied for the internship.
“I was able to apply for this internship thanks to Megan Elliott, who had connections with Infosys officials,” he said. “Many of my EMA classes focused heavily on Adobe applications, such as Photoshop and Premiere Pro, which proved highly relevant to this internship.”
Svoboda, who is originally from Rogersville, Missouri, said the internship has been a cultural opportunity that has shown her a lot more of the world.
“I say world because I have not only learned a lot about Indian culture, but also Europe and Asia from other interns,” she said.
The five emerging media arts students are creating two videos, one as a group and one individually.
“These videos will be posted on the Infosys LinkedIn and Instagram,” she said. “The goal is to get one million likes.”
Cortes said, “We have been storyboarding video ideas, shooting and editing.”
Endacott said the topic for the video could be anything related to India or Infosys.
“We chose to focus on the human aspect of the company—showing that the hardworking people are the true heart of Infosys, rather than AI or corporate executives,” she said.
Svoboda said she has had the chance to travel to see different parts of the country.
“Getting out of the city, you see all kinds of wildlife, and there is less Western influence,” she said. “My favorite project so far is my individual video. I have bene gathering clips of the sights and sounds of India. It makes me slow down and focus on the details of what is around me.”
For Cortes, who is originally from Grand Island, Nebraska, he has appreciated the chance to travel in India.
“Going to the Andaman Islands with 10 other interns for our final week as a reward for our hard work,” he said his lasting memory will be.
Svoboda is gaining important professional experience through this internship.
“The internship is helping me develop my creative process and video production skills,” she said. “Infosys is a respected company that holds a lot of weight. I expect the line on my resume will help me get future internships just as much as the knowledge I am gaining.”
Her goals for the internship included having a better understanding of the world outside the U.S. and growing her skills in video production.
“So far, I am succeeding at both of these goals,” she said. “It would also be nice to have friends to stay with if I want to travel to Europe. I am doing well in that area, too.”
Svoboda is considering three career paths—film, game design and sports media.
“The nice thing about the emerging media arts program is I can develop all of these skills at the same time,” she said. “I find it comforting that I have the opportunity to be so versatile in today’s job market.”
Endacott, who is originally from Gretna, Nebraska, said the internship is already leading to more connections.
“I have made a few connections and have already been commissioned due to my relationship with Infosys,” she said. “It has expanded my ability to network, seek out new opportunities and confidently apply my creative skills in a professional environment—skills that will benefit both my academic growth and future career.”
Svoboda encourages other students to apply for this internship.
“Find every opportunity that interests you and apply for it,” she said. “You never know what you might get, even if it’s a long shot. Even if you don’t end up with a job offer, interview experience is invaluable.”
Ahmed plans to eventually attend grad school for 3D animation and work for an animation or game company. He encourages other students to apply for internships like this.
“Take advantage of your university’s resources while you’re still a student,” he said. “UNL is a big school with many connections.”
Endacott said students shouldn’t be afraid to try new things or meet new people through opportunities like this internship.
“There are hidden opportunities all around,” she said. “You just have to put yourself out there to find them.”
Cortes is appreciative of this experience.
“This has been such an amazing and what feels like a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” he said. “And I am grateful for the opportunities that I have been given to come and explore India.”
