Ava Strauss is a senior completing a for-credit internship in sports broadcasting with Jerry Geleff Media, a broadcasting and media production company covering high school athletics in Berks County. Mr. Jerry Geleff, owner, says he's thrilled to have Ava's help and believes that businesses benefit when they provide internship opportunities to Exeter's students. "The internship program has been a real win for everybody involved. Ava has done an amazing job for us, providing an angle to our broadcasts on The Exeter Sports Network that we didn't have before with her sideline reporting and other on-air contributions. For Ava, she's getting some real-world experience in the business of sports journalism, broadcast production, and interviewing, and she's getting to hone some "behind the scenes" skills like editing of audio and soundboard operation. I would highly suggest to other businesses to get involved in this program with Exeter because, from my perspective, I've found a gem."

Ava, can you tell us a bit about what your plans are for after graduation? Have you selected a college and a major?
After graduation I plan on attending a 4-year university to study Sports Broadcasting & Journalism. This is all under the “Communications” umbrella. I haven’t decided on a school yet, but I plan on applying soon.

Can you tell us a bit about your internship? What does a typical day look like for you?
My schedule is usually pretty relaxed. My typical work consists of interviewing athletes, editing audio for my podcast and my mentor, and reporting at our football games.

How did you select your internship? Did someone help you select it? Did you seek out the opportunity on your own? Were you asked to do the internship?
I selected this internship because it felt like a great fit. It was first introduced to me by Mr. Ricketts, the internship coordinator at Exeter Township Senior High School. I soon met my mentor before I started (the internship). It was a great connection, especially after meeting with the rest of the team. They have made everything accessible and the communication is great.

Do you think your internship is helping you feel more confident about your decision to go to college and pursue your major?
Yes! I feel very confident that I made a good decision in partaking in this internship. I am very excited and ready to continue my career path in this field.

What do you like most about your internship?
What I like most about my internship is that I get a lot of creativity freedom. All of the podcasts and posts I make are all up to me. Yes, it’s assisted by my mentor, but he lets me do majority of what I want to do to make it my own.

And finally, what would be your advice to a high school student who's thinking about Exeter's internship program?
My advice to a high school student thinking about doing an Exeter internship is to do it! There are so many options and opportunities involved in an internship. It also lets you see if you enjoy being in that specific type of work environment in order to decide if you would like to continue a career path in that field.