Claudia E. Gillum
By Hazel Scott/ASU
Alabama State University Journalism student, Claudia E. Gillum, a graduating senior, has secured a paid internship as a social media strategist on Comedy Central’s iconic “The Daily Show” in New York City.
“It’s a competitive process,” said Gillum. “What drew me to this amazing opportunity was my participation last year in the Showtime/MTV Entertainment Studios Storytellers Lab, a nine-month program that selected 25 students across 12 HBCUs to network and learn various skills. I was one of two ASU students selected to attend the program. An emerging talent recruiter from Paramount contacted me after my Storytellers Lab experience. The Storytellers Lab opened doors for me in content creation and social media strategy, making ‘The Daily Show’ internship a perfect fit for me.”
Along with Storytellers Lab, her previous experience as a student reporter/writer with the University’s The Hornet Tribune also helped in Gillum’s selection.
“These experiences, my classes, and content I’ve made as a student-athlete have prepared me for the world of content creation,” she added. “Working for a national TV show will allow me to apply what I’ve learned (at ASU) and tailor content to reach various demographics.”
During her internship, Gillum will undertake responsibilities such as supporting the social strategy of the show’s accounts, including the engagement strategy, ideation and creation of posts, and keeping the show’s team updated on news, cultural events, and internet trends.
Gillum, who also is a member of ASU’s women’s soccer team, states that “The Daily Show” internship will help her achieve her career aspirations. After May’s graduation, she plans to continue her collegiate soccer career at Wilmington University while earning her master's in Digital Communication with a concentration in Social Media Strategy.
“This internship will give me experience and prepare me for courses I will take at the graduate level. Though I do not have a specific career in mind yet, I know this internship will introduce me to a new world of possibilities,” she said.
Gillum credits her education and experiences at ASU for helping her secure this amazing opportunity at “The Daily Show.”
“From soccer to working with The Hornet Tribune, I have been pushed to step outside of my comfort zone during my time at ASU. Thanks to my professors and adviser, Dr. Carlos Morrison, I have been given many learning opportunities that have guided me to this internship,” she said. “I’m looking for a lot of memorable moments.”