Profile: Lance Weiss

Name: Lance Weiss
School/Year: COL '06
Major: Government  
Internship Title: Summer Intern, MTV

How did you get your internship?
I applied to 13 summer internships in both Los Angeles and New York and heard back from only two—Lifetime and MTV. Initially, I had sent my application to the general address for MTV in New York and heard nothing in response. After visiting the Career Education Center, I reapplied to MTV using the human resources contact the career counselor had given me and I heard back! After my interviews, I was turned down by both Lifetime and MTV. However, MTV later e-mailed me and offered me the chance to interview for an internship in its programming department for MTV, MTV2, and MTVu. I took the chance. I got up at 3:45am in the morning, skipped class, took a 3-hour train ride to New York, and met with the interviewer from MTV for only twenty minutes. They gave me the job on the spot. I think the reason I got the job is because I showed ambition and determination. Even after the initial rejection, I still demonstrated a strong interest in working there. I was willing to pay for my own train ticket and make the long trip. I kept going for it and I think MTV took note.

What were your responsibilities in the MTV programming department?
The programming department decides what programs go on the air and at what time. As an intern in this department, I previewed a lot of shows that are coming out in 2006. I was also responsible for logging in tapes and making tape copies. I wrote episode descriptions that appear on the Comcast On-Demand channels for shows such as Viva La Bam, Room Raiders, and High School Stories, which taught me a lot about producing tight, catchy writing. Just being there was cool because of the celebrities that stop by.

What did you find most challenging?
Getting all my work done. I was the only intern in my department, which is good because I got a lot of different work. But I had to learn to say no, or else I would become swamped with projects.

What was your favorite part?
Screening the new shows, meeting new people and the work environment. There’s no dress code, people listen to music at their desk all day long, the walls are covered in platinum records and everyone is excited about music and entertainment. It’s a great vibe to be around.

What was the result of the internship?
I had a very successful internship. I won the Viacom Worker of the Week out of 6,000 employees and was given a great evaluation. They don’t hire people a year in advance but I think I’d definitely have a good chance if I applied for a job there next spring.

What are your plans for the future?
I’d like to be a talk show host. I think it’d be a lot of fun. My plan is to work at MTV for a year or two and do stand-up comedy at night. If I got good enough, I’d love to do stand-up full time. We’ll see what happens.

Any advice for students looking for an internship in entertainment?
You gotta keep going for it. Don’t let people tell you no.

To learn more about where Lance has been and where he’s going, visit his web site.