Muhlenberg athletes are spending the summer of 2024 enjoying fantastic experiences on campus, in their hometowns, across the country and even around the world. Rising sophomore football player John Roeder, a media & communication major and political science minor, wrote about his internship at Service Electric Network, which allowed him to prepare for his intended career in sports broadcasting and rub shoulders with professional athletes. His is pictured above interviewing Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley.

This summer, I had the incredible opportunity to work as an intern with Service Electric Network (SEN), immersing myself in the fast-paced world of sports broadcasting. I shadowed reporters on various shoots covering local Lehigh Valley sporting events, including games featuring the Iron Pigs and the DeVonta Smith Celebrity Softball Game.

My responsibilities ranged from video editing and shooting clips to interviewing local players, coaches and even professional athletes like Saquon Barkley, [Eagles defensive end] Brandon Graham, [Jets tight end] Kenny Yeboah and [Commanders wide receiver] Jahan Dotson. Additionally, I had the chance to record stand-up segments about these events, further honing my on-camera skills.

I decided to pursue this internship because I am passionate about broadcasting, particularly in the sports field. This opportunity aligns perfectly with my career aspirations. Working in this environment has been incredibly rewarding, as I get to collaborate with talented professionals who are experts in their field. The hands-on experience has been invaluable, allowing me to witness the intricacies of sports reporting and broadcasting up close.

My experiences at Muhlenberg College have prepared me well for this internship. Working on the MuleTV team, along with video editing classes, provided me with a solid foundation in using a camera, editing on Adobe Premiere Pro and developing comfort in front of the camera.

This internship is a significant stepping stone in my journey toward a career in sports broadcasting. The experience of working with industry professionals has provided me practical skills and insights that are crucial for my development. I plan to leverage this experience to secure a more prominent internship in a major city during my junior or senior year. The connections I've made and the knowledge I've gained will undoubtedly open doors for future opportunities.

One of the aspects I enjoy most about this internship is the people I work with. The SEN team is skilled but also welcoming and supportive, making each day a learning experience. The cool experiences, like interviewing top athletes and covering high-profile events, have been thrilling. These moments not only enhance my resume, but also provide me with stories that I'll cherish and draw upon as I continue to pursue my passion for sports broadcasting.

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