School of Communication Student Nicole Fuschino Lands Dream Internship with NBC's TODAY Show

Meet Nicole Fuschino

Job Title & Employer: Intern, NBC'S TODAY Show
Major/Program: Broadcast Reporting
Graduation: April 2020
Scholarships: Transfer Presidential, Myron Cope Scholarship
Hometown: Windber, Pa.
High School: Windber Area High School
Hobbies & Interests: Baking, dancing, writing

"My internship at the TODAY Show was a dream come true ... Without taking advantage of the opportunities Pittsburgh and Point Park had to offer, I am confident that I would have never been able to intern at TODAY."

Nicole Fuschino

Tell us about your internship with the TODAY Show.

My internship at the TODAY Show was a dream come true. I woke up every morning between 3 – 4 a.m. to work in the control room, green room, office or the TODAY plaza (depending on the day). I also got to help with the Ambush Makeover segment and attend on-location story shoots around Manhattan. When I wasn’t in the building, I was usually running around the streets of New York City getting producers random things for their segments. Every day was different, and I had no idea what to expect when I walked through the doors of 30 Rock each morning!

What kinds of networking opportunities did you experience as an intern?

I worked with the staff of the 7 a.m. and 8 a.m. hours of TODAY as well as the TODAY with Hoda & Jenna team, shadowing researchers, production assistants, producers and the anchors. I also had the opportunity to interact with other NBC staff when I worked for the 2019 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and the Impeachment hearings.

In what ways did this internship challenge you?

Moving to New York City was a big challenge. I lived in the center of Manhattan, so I learned how to navigate the subway system (with the help of my friends and Google Maps) and walk through enormous crowds of people each day. I got used to falling asleep to the sounds of fire truck sirens and ambulance horns instead of chirping birds like I’m used to in my hometown.

Why did you choose Point Park University?

I transferred to Point Park University my junior year. I always had Point Park in the back of my mind, but I chose a school closer to home at first because I didn’t know what I wanted to do. Once I became settled on broadcasting, I knew it was time to pack my bags and move to Pittsburgh for Point Park’s broadcast reporting program. Like all major decisions, I was hesitant at first, but it was the best decision I have ever made. Without taking advantage of the opportunities Pittsburgh and Point Park had to offer, I am confident that I would have never been able to intern at TODAY.

What advice do you have for a student considering Point Park?

Coming from a small town, I was a bit nervous about attending a college in Downtown Pittsburgh. A part of me always wanted to experience it, so I knew I eventually had to take the chance and go! I would tell a student considering Point Park that the location of the college is great for getting internships, which really sets you up for success.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

The School of Communication faculty and staff have been absolutely wonderful to me since I transferred. Emily Quidetto and Thomas Baggerman helped me transfer my credits over easily. Then when it was time for me to intern at TODAY, they helped me figure out an online class schedule so I could take classes from NYC and not have to postpone my graduation date. They have been absolutely wonderful, and I cannot say enough good things about them.

School of Communication Student Nicole Fuschino Lands Dream Internship with NBC's TODAY Show Student Profile