Student Voices: I’m Majoring in Film and Television and Now I’m Interning in Hollywood

College of Communication and Media senior Raciely Rodriguez, a Film and Television major, has been selected for the prestigious Television Academy Foundation Internship program. One of just five students chosen by Television Academy members from across the country for the 2025 Fall Internship Program, she is working as an editing intern at Geiger Post, a leading post-production facility in Hollywood, California.

“It feels surreal and such an honor to know that the same people who vote on the Emmys saw potential in me,” says Rodriguez of being selected for the paid internship. “It motivates me to push myself creatively and to live up to the high standards of this incredible opportunity.”

California Dreamin’ and a Transfer to Montclair

Rodriguez, who says she has been editing video since she was 11 years old, always had a passion for the work and a dream to one day go to Los Angeles. That dream may have played a part in leading her to Montclair State University as a transfer student in her junior year.

“I chose Montclair because of the Semester in L.A. Program,” she says. “I was not happy where I was – not with the school or major – and knew I wanted to switch to film as my school did not have that option.”

Not knowing which college in New Jersey had the best film school or programs, Rodriguez did an online search and Montclair was the first to pop up. “I’m happy to say Google did not lie! I looked through the school’s page and the first thing that caught my eye was the Semester in L.A. Program,” she says.

“I had been dreaming of L.A. since I was a little kid and as a student, I knew that having an internship would help me with my career,” she explains. “I was so excited I called the Admissions Office right away and asked if transfer students would be able to participate and they said ‘Yes.’ The rest is history!”

Expert, Caring Professors

Rodriguez, who started at Geiger Post in September, credits the Film and Television program with helping prepare her for the internship.

“The Film and Television program definitely has helped, especially the staff,” she says. “The professors in the program are like no other – they truly care about their students and want to help them achieve their goals.”

The Roselle, New Jersey, native is especially grateful for the instruction and mentoring of Professor Melissa Rodriguez, “who helped me succeed in getting my internship at the Television Academy, who taught me everything I know about editing and gave me the confidence in myself to pursue my passion.”

Among the many courses in the program, Rodriguez feels she was helped the most by the Introduction to the Control Room and Studio class taught by Professor Vernard Gantt.

“He pushed me and the other students to do things we thought we never could achieve,” she says. “His class is tough and the work is hard but achieving the goals for the class felt incredibly gratifying. He also gave us the opportunity to ask questions about the television world and how we could achieve our goals – and he would always give us the best advice I could ask for, words I still think of to this day.”

Advice for Aspiring Film Majors

Rodriguez will continue working at her Hollywood internship until December before returning to Montclair to finish out her senior year. “I will be graduating in May of 2026 and very excited, yet sad for leaving the staff and students I’ve grown so fond of.”

For students thinking about getting involved in the film or television industry, Rodriguez offers some advice: “Talk to your professors – most, if not all, were in the industry or still are. Ask them how they got their start, what kind of people they talked to, what steps helped them most in their careers. Let them know what your goals are – the professors love to connect students with industry friends.”

But most important of all, Rodriguez believes, is passion. “In film and television, all you need is passion. If you have the passion for it, people will take notice and want to help.”

“This is what I have learned so far and I’m happy to say I have the passion so I will keep learning.”

Ready to Start Your Montclair Journey?

Prospective Students and Parents: Plan your visit and take your first step in applying to become a Red Hawk. Learn more about the Film and Television program at the College of Communication and Media.

Journalists: Contact Media Relations for assets or to schedule an interview with faculty or students.