Disney Professional Intern Spotlight: Tetteh, Disney|ABC Television Group Casting Intern
Where did you go to school?
I went to California Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks, CA.
Tell me a fun fact or two about you.
I was born in Australia and moved to the United States 10 years ago from Ghana, West Africa.
What inspired you to apply for a Disney|ABC Television Group (DATG) internship?
I’ve always wanted to work for DATG because of their groundbreaking, diverse and inclusive programming. Their programs reshape and challenge TV boundaries. They are not afraid to push the envelope when it comes to sensitive topics, and being part of a company that helps to start thought-provoking conversation through media is what inspired me to join the group.
Tell us about your journey with The Walt Disney Company, and describe your current role.
As of right now, my journey has just begun! My role involves helping the department with not only casting events, like our ABC Discovers: Talent Showcase, but also assisting them in finding up-and-coming talent. I do this by reviewing and editing casting materials of current and future talent for demo reels, and researching information regarding future talent. I’m also there to make things easier for the assistants. They are usually swamped with different jobs and my role in that regard is to help to make things move fast and be efficient while I work on the tasks they give me.
Describe your team.
I know everyone says this, but my team is pretty amazing! From day one they made me feel like one of them and every day there is always something funny that happens in our department. They all treat me like the little sibling in the family. We all have personalities that work well together and they are always there to help me to not only grow in the department but grow as a person in the industry. I actually look forward to seeing the people I work with every day.
What is your favorite project you’ve worked on so far?
I will have to say my favorite project I worked on so far was our ABC Discovers: Talent Showcase. The showcase introduces a diverse group of up-and-coming talent to casting directors, agents, and other industry professionals.
Some famous talent that got that their start through the showcase include: Lupita Nyong’o, Gina Rodriguez and Jesse Williams. Knowing this made working the event even more special.
I got to spend all day in the theatre where the event was held and was able to assist the actors and the coordinator with different tasks. At the end of the day, seeing the showcase come together was one of those moments that made me realize how lucky I am to be part of this company.
Tell me about a typical day in your office.
A typical day in the office involves me filing and creating show binders, providing support with editing for demo reels, and assisting the office with different tasks that range from working on talent bios to supporting the current assistants with light desk and phone coverage.
What qualities make you successful in your internship?
The qualities that make me successful in the internship are probably my eagerness to learn as well as my enthusiasm with whatever project is given to me. If you are eager to learn, everyone will be eager to teach you. I always walk around the department asking the assistants if they need help with anything. I’m sure it gets annoying for them, but to me it’s a way of showing them that I’m not there to hang out – I’m there to learn.
What opportunities are available to you as a Professional Intern with The Walt Disney Company?
There are tons of opportunities available to me as an intern, especially in the ABC building. I’m literally floors away from some of the biggest execs in the industry. You never know who you will come across in the elevator. With that you are able to arrange meet-and-greets with those people. There are also exciting events that are put on like speaker panels, intern mixers and field trips that give you the chance to learn more about the company as well as network with other interns.
What advice do you have for potential Professional Intern candidates?
Be yourself and don’t give up! I applied multiple times to be a Professional Intern and I eventually got in. It takes time but don’t get discouraged. HAVE FUN! Sign up for everything and go to all the programs. I have met so many amazing people by going to these events and these interactions add to your internship experience. Also, once you become an intern, learn and take advantage of all the resources that are available to you. Remember to take time to realize where you work. I think after a while we forget what an amazing company we work for. This probably sounds cheesy, but I sometimes take a walk around the lot and take a moment to remind myself and appreciate where I am.
Anything else you’d like to share?
The people in the Campus Recruitment office are not only there to help you through your internship but they are also there to help you grow as an individual. I always learn something new when I run into my campus recruiter. She is always there to give me advice and answer my long lists of questions.
