Daniela Patino ’18

High School: Mayfield Senior School ’22
College: University of Texas at Austin ’26
Major: Communications and Media and Entertainment Industries

Where did you work?
Creative Artists Agency (CAA)

What were your primary responsibilities or projects you worked on?
As an intern, I was assigned different projects across my department. One major project was a summer-long intern assignment within the commercial endorsements department. I surveyed my intern class on their purchasing and spending habits in relation to ads, commercials, and sponsorships/endorsements they encounter in their everyday lives through social media, billboards, and TV commercials. The project concluded with a presentation to the agents in my department, providing updated data on my generation’s spending habits and what motivates us to purchase. Additionally, I assisted agents and their assistants with daily tasks such as updating client lists and grids, gathering social media data on new and current clients, editing rosters, and helping to create client pitches for various projects.

What was the overall work environment and company culture? 
I worked in Century City and my hours were typically from 8:30 am to 6:00 pm, and the dress code was a business formal and on some days business casual. The culture was fast-paced, rigorous, and entrepreneurial. Everyone constantly worked across teams and departments to stay at the top of the industry.

Did your summer internship align with your college major?
Yes.

What did you find the most enjoyable or most interesting part of your job?
I found the entire experience to be extremely fascinating and gained insight into very specific facets of the entertainment industry. In particular, learning how commercials and celebrity endorsements are pitched and executed was incredibly interesting.

Was there a skill you learned at Mayfield that helped you do your job better?
I came to Mayfield in 8th grade, which meant I had to focus on my communication skills in order to make friends. I also learned to explore my curiosities and interests during my short time there. Since most of my classmates had been at Mayfield since kindergarten, I had to make an effort to connect with the community. These communication and relationship-building skills carried with me through high school and college, and I still use them today in my internships and work experiences.

What new skills or knowledge did you acquire during your internship?
I acquired many new skills during this internship. I gained proficiency in several computer programs and systems while also developing interpersonal communication skills such as taking initiative to reach out to colleagues for informational chats to expand my knowledge. I also worked on my public speaking skills when presenting to agents.

What accomplishments are you most proud of from your internship?
I am most proud of the end-of-summer intern project that I presented with my co-intern. It was incredibly rewarding to see all of our hard work come together into a polished final presentation.

Did your internship change your thoughts or influence your future career path?
Yes, my internship made me even more excited about working in the entertainment industry. It also strengthened my interest in the department I interned in.

How did your summer internship contribute to your personal growth or self-confidence?
This summer, I was proud of the effort I put in beforehand to network and connect with people at the company who worked in areas I found interesting. Reconnecting with them once I started the internship and continuing to build those relationships was incredibly valuable. I also learned the importance of being reliable,
following through on everything you commit to, and consistently working hard. All of which helped me grow personally and professionally.