Testimonials from Successful Summer Fellows

"It's been nearly 20 years... and I still see the IRTS Summer Fellowship program as not only one of the greatest professional opportunities I've ever experienced -- but one of the greatest professional development opportunities I've ever heard of -- in any field.

I can still remember the day they called me - in my little garage apartment in Murray, Kentucky - to tell me I could choose between the Today Show, the CBS Evening News & the ABC Radio Network... for my fellowship.   That summer was like an out-of-body experience for me... remarkable on so many levels.

I learned a great deal... about the industry... about what it means to 'succeed' in this business... and a lot about myself. I'm forever greatful... to the organization... and for the experience. There's nothing else like it. "

- Rick Kupchella, Anchor & Reporter
KARE Television/Minneapolis

"I cannot imagine that my life would have taken such an adventurous and
satisfying path, were it not for the IRTS Summer Fellow program. In the
course of just a few summer months, I learned more than my entire senior
year of college. The caliber of people I met and depth of experience I
enjoyed via IRTS was unparalleled. Thank you, IRTS. The experience has
affected me positively and indelibly."

- Melissa Jordan Grey, President, NewBlue, Inc.

"I can't say enough good things about IRTS and the Summer Fellowship Program. The summer I spent in the program gave me invaluable broadcast television experience, life experience, and showed me the imporrtance of things like networking and professionalism
(and thank you notes!).

I landed my first full time job at TV Land, working for another former fellow, through the connections I made that summer. I sincerely believe that I would not be where I am today in my career without IRTS."

- Jessica McCadden, Writer/Producer/Editor
NBC Universal, Electronic Publicity Production

" IRTS afforded me the opportunity to fully understand the breadth and depth
the media industry had to offer.  I learned about an entire field (Media
Research) that was much deeper than I ever expected.  My fellowship took
what I learned in school and applied a real-world, unforgettable experience
that helped me focus my career planning and understand better how to succeed in the television business.  I credit my IRTS Fellowship with giving me a kickstart above many college students in the media business by offering me
leadership experience, exposure to executives throughout the industry and
opportunities to network, interview and expand my knowledge base of media."

- Brad Dancer, VP, Research & Emerging Technologies
National Geographic Channel

"I am deeply grateful to the IRTS summer fellowship program - the contacts I made enabled me to move immediately into major market air work."

- Jessica Ettinger Gottesman, JD
Anchor
1010 WINS Radio, New York
CBS Broadcasting

"The IRTS Summer Fellowship program was my first taste of what working
in the "real world" was actually like. The hands-on training I got
and the contacts I made gave me a huge leg up when I entered the job
market myself. And the opportunity to live, work and play with such
creative and talented co-fellows was a completely unique and
incredible experience -- I'm still close with many of the other
Fellows in my program."

- Jason Reich, writer
The Daily Show with Jon Stewart
(IRTS Summer Fellow 1997)

"The International Radio & Television Society Fellowship was one of the most invaluable programs I ever participated in. The experience was the bridge for me between my University education and my broadcasting career. It was both educational and fun. The informational session we had at CBS Sports clinched it for me -- I knew that sports broadcasting would be my world from that day on. Many of the people involved with the program are good friends and some are still mentors to me. I recommend the program for all serious broadcasting students."


- Ann Liguori, President, Ann Liguori Productions, Inc.
Sports Talk Show Host, WFAN
WFAN golf correspondent
Executive Producer/Host 'Sports Innerview,' syndicated cable
Author, 'A Passion for Golf, Celebrity Musings About the Game'

"I believe it is safe to say that I would not be where I am today without the IRTS. The Summer Fellowship Program in 1979 gave me the opportunity and the confidence to move from the Midwest and experience the best of New York City. It gave me the chance to meet with and learn from leaders representing every facet of the media industry. And being involved with IRTS taught me that there are people of good will at every level who desire to improve their work, their company and their industry by helping a new generation of bright and enthusiastic individuals achieve their own definition of success. I am indebted to the IRTS for playing a significant part in my success, and for affording me the continuing opportunity to mentor, network and learn from the best in our business. "

- Tim Davis, Executive VP, Media
The Ad Council
(IRTS Summer Fellow 1979)

"The Summer Fellowship Program has a remarkable way of opening doors for
its participants. The internship placement alone, afforded by the program,
can provide an immediate boost to the career advancement of a recent
college graduate. Without the experience gained during my summer fellowship
-- both on the job and in the city -- it's fair to say I likely would not
be where I am today."

- Jeffery Dengate
Features Editor, NBA.com
National Basketball Association