INTERNSHIP INSIGHT: John Duffy '20 - MLB Network

Posted: Aug 05, 2019

BEVERLY, Mass. – Endicott College is a pioneer in requiring comprehensive internship experiences in every program of study for undergraduate students. Here's a look into baseball student-athlete and sport management major John Duffy's (Stratford, Conn.) internship experience at the Major League Baseball Network (MLBN).

ECGULLS: Describe your overall internship experience.

DUFFY: My overall internship experience has exceeded all expectations. Throughout my time here I have truly felt like a full-time employee. I have been given responsibility and a certain amount of freedom that you might not typically get in an average internship. As a kid growing up obsessed with the game of baseball, interning here at MLB Network has been a dream come true. Meeting and having conversations with people like Mark DeRosa, Al Leiter, Herold Reynolds, and Pedro Martinez are moments that I will never forget.

I have learned so much by just talking to people, even if they weren't someone seen on TV. Mary Beck (Sr. VP of Marketing & Promotions), Karen Whritner (Sr. Director, Studio Operations), Steve Miller (VP Marketing & Promotions), Tim Shanahan (Sr. Manager Marketing & Promotions), and many others, were so impactful to my overall experience at MLB Network. They have all taught me something and I value every opportunity I have had to talk with them and pick their respective brain. I really feel like I have made valuable relationships throughout this internship and am extremely lucky to have been given this great opportunity.

ECGULLS: What have you learned from your internship?

DUFFY: There are a number of things that I have learned from this internship. The most important thing that I learned I would say is how important it is to express your ideas and take chances. I was fortunate enough to sit in on a panel discussion with the on-air talent and there was a common theme which was to be persistent and take chances. If you don't have that mindset then you are going to struggle to get to where you want to be. At first, it seemed like a common piece of advice, but after hearing their stories it really made me think about how important it is to adopt that mindset and live by it.

From a work perspective, I've learned a lot and have been a part of many projects. The first project I was introduced to was an event called MLB Network Family Day. My job was to retrieve things needed for the event and communicate with the vendors coming to the event to confirm the plans that were made. Throughout planning this event there were meetings where I was able to give my own personal opinion and suggestions. Another project that I was given was the MLB Network 2020 Calendar. This was one of my favorite tasks because I was responsible for not only finding the pictures but choosing which ones should be included in the calendar as well. During this process, I communicated with a number of MLB clubs as they sent me pictures that could be used.

The most recent and probably my favorite project involved two other co-workers of mine. Our task was to critique the existing MLBN Tour Video and completely reconfigure it in a way that was more appealing to the viewer. We were given complete freedom in this project as we were the ones that they relied on to make the video better. We were responsible for all aspects of the video which included the scene by scene outline, the script, the facts and information that we wanted to highlight and which talent we wanted to use for the video. We frequently had meetings with the producer and received really positive feedback. This project had definitely been the most rewarding because of the magnitude of the project and the amount of freedom and responsibility involved. There are numerous other tasks that I have done such as help prepare for the MLB All-Star Game, clip video, give tours, send packages to clubs, keep a record of signed baseballs and general planning.

Overall, my communication and people skills have grown tremendously, and I have gotten really comfortable working in a professional environment.

ECGULLS: How will this internship help you in your career moving forward?

DUFFY: This internship has given me a huge advantage moving forward. As an incoming senior, having this internship under my belt has given me confidence that I wouldn't have had otherwise. I am confident in my ability to land the job that I want after I graduate. Having confidence in your professional ability is extremely important in the workplace because it makes you an asset. I have learned through my internship that confidence attracts success. It will be that factor in getting that job, getting that deal done, or getting that promotion.

ECGULLS: What kind of networking have you done at your internship?

DUFFY: The most valuable thing that I have gained from interning at MLB Network is the relationships that I have made. I have built a great network within MLBN. I feel like I can go to anyone I have met and have a great conversation with them. It's important to me that those who see me every day know who I am, so I made it a point to introduce myself. I found that to be extremely beneficial. It has really allowed me to become comfortable with those that I work with.

ECGULLS: Do you have a favorite experience or story from your internship? If so, what was it?

DUFFY: There are many experiences from working here that I will never forget. My most memorable though I would say was being chosen to be a double for Dan Pleasac in a tailgate commercial that they were shooting. In between shots I was able to go inside the talent RV and hang out and talk with guys like Pedro Martinez, Harold Reynolds, Brian Kenny, Al Leiter, Matt Vasgersian, Mark DeRosa, John Smoltz, and Ryan Dempster. During this time, I was able to talk with them about baseball and listen to Pedro talk about his time at Mariano Rivera's Hall of Fame Induction party. Listening to them talk to each other about baseball and just being able to observe and listen was a moment I will never forget.

THE ENDICOTT INTERNSHIP MODEL

A philosophy of "learning by doing" permeates the college curriculum in which students are encouraged to integrate theory and practice in all of their studies.

Through their experiences in internships students will be prepared to:

Apply, integrate, and evaluate knowledge within a particular academic discipline
Develop competencies for careers and community service
Explore career options and gain field experience
Foster personal growth through increased self-confidence, interpersonal skills, an understanding of self and others, and a heightened awareness of ethical standards
Improve the ability to learn in a self-directed manner

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(Photo Credit - John Duffy '20)