BEHIND THE SCENES

Communication major Kathryn Dawson puts education into action during CBS internship

Dawson said connections built through ECU helped her land the summer internship position at CBS.

Kathryn Dawson contributed to what happens behind the camera as an intern for CBS’ “48 Hours” this summer.

The East Carolina University senior is majoring in communication with a focus in journalism and a minor in English.

From June 4 to Aug. 10, Dawson rotated through different departments with three other interns at “48 Hours.” She has been on several shoots for a new series, helped develop promotional campaign strategies, produced social media content, assisted in the selection and development of potential stories and has been responsible for finding and booking interview locations.

She also met some of the people in front of the camera at CBS: Steve Hartman, known for his “On the Road” reports that were on the “CBS Evening News;” nightly news anchor Jeff Glor; and morning news anchors Gayle King, Norah O’Donnell and John Dickerson.

“It’s been amazing to learn from such talented and driven people,” Dawson said. “I have learned to step out of my comfort zone, to adapt to new environments, to work well in group settings when people do not always agree with you and, most importantly, I have learned how to accept constructive criticism well.”

ECU and in particular, associate professor Glenn Hubbard, helped prepare Dawson for the internship, she said. “He really believes in me and encourages me when it comes to being a reporter.”

The internship ignited an even greater passion for local news for Dawson, who plans to work as a reporter after graduation.

In April, Dawson was one of several students who traveled to Las Vegas with Hubbard to produce the Broadcast Education Association’s Festival of Media Arts awards show, where she met a CBS representative at a job fair during the trip.

Turns out, the representative was the same person she had two rounds of interviews with earlier this year, although she wasn’t initially selected for the internship. After re-introducing herself and more discussion, she ended up getting the job.

“It is unbelievable to think about how much this internship has prepared me for my future,” Dawson said. “I have become more independent, more knowledgeable, and I have learned so much about the production side of things as opposed to the reporting side.”

While she plans to work as a reporter after graduation, she will be a more determined student during senior year, she said. “It makes me want to become a better reporter, and my desire to tell meaningful stories has only increased,” said Dawson, a Burlington native. “I am very passionate about local news and impacting the community around me.”