Name: Macketta Johns
Hometown: Frederick, Maryland
Year: Class of 2019
Major: Journalism with a minor in event management
Internship: Johns spent the summer as the New Media Intern for Afterbuzz TV in Los Angeles, California. She was responsible for conducting creative descriptions for 209 after shows weekly. She assisted with the Big Brother after show from engagement on social media before the show, to writing tip sheets for all the guests brought on camera. Johns also managed quality control for 25 after shows every Friday, ensuring they were uploaded correctly, working properly and editing any changes. She also assisted with locating events in the Hollywood area for red carpet bookings.
How HPU helped you get there: “My communication professors have believed in me and motivated me constantly to be my best self. They have instilled the importance of wearing every hat rather than limiting myself to one, which is so truthful in the entertainment business. You need to be educated in more than one task.”
Most impactful mentor at HPU: “Dr. Eltantaway and Vern Biaett taught classes in my majors and minors, and have always supported me and inspired me with great wisdom! I know I can always go to their office just to talk and they will be there to listen. They want to see me win, which gives me great joy.”
What has your internship experience been like, and how is it preparing you for your future?: “Being around Maria Menounos, the Co-CEO of Afterbuzz, an Emmy award-winning host and established professional in the industry, has really motivated and inspired me. She is someone who hustled to get to where she is and is so humble. Keven Undergaro a phenomenal producer and Co-CEO is like having a personal life coach. Being in his presence has lifted my spirits on multiple occasions and taught me that turning a lemon into lemonade is truly possible. My experience has been phenomenal, and I have learned a ton. I have been able to network with so many people and learn so many things about the entertainment business I didn’t know before in a hands-on environment. It has assisted me in finding the direction of what job I’m going to be applying for soon!”