How to succeed in internships while really trying

KANSAS CITY, Mo. _  Before touring the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, the 2014 Sports Journalism Institute class received a lesson on succeeding at internships. Two Major League Baseball executives told students the ins and outs of the business and what they look for when hiring. 

Carlton Thompson, the vice president and executive editor of mlb.com, said the most important thing is attitude. Thompson also said interns must be on time and be ready to work without excuses. 

Thompson knows the drill; he had several unpaid internships early in his career. He said he did things others wouldn't do such as taking out the trash and learning agate, the section of game stats in very small type. 

"Find the jobs no one wants to do in the newsroom and do them to the best of your ability," said Thompson as he walked the museum with several SJI students.  

He also reminded students about the importance of managing content on their social media accounts. After reviewing an applicant’s resume and cover letter, he said he then checks all social media accounts. Students should refrain from inappropriate behavior such as posting pictures with alcohol and making offensive remarks.  

Jim Jenks, VP and executive producer MLB Advanced Media, said he finds interns' "sense of entitlement" offputting. He stressed that interns should always follow up with an editor after every assignment and continually self-assess.

"The smartest people are the ones who know they don’t know it all," Thompson said. 

_ Tierra Smith