UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — If you caught a BBC documentary this summer, then Penn State School of Music senior Torra Bridges may have had a hand in getting it to your screen. Bridges, who is double-majoring in violin performance and business, is a programming and content strategy intern at BBC Studios in New York City, where she screens documentaries and plans and strategizes content for BBC viewers.
Bridges learned about the internship from Ashley Shank, lecturer in music education and student teacher coordinator, and applied through the T. Howard Foundation, which focuses on providing people of color with intern and career opportunities in the music, media and tech industries.
The internship aligns with Bridges’ goal to work on the business and marketing side of the music industry.
“As a musician, I always thought that I would have a career as a performer, but over my years at Pen State, I realized that I have passions for developing other artists and working on the business side of music,” said Bridges. “I also have an interest in the media industry due to my current internship. I am grateful that I am able to broaden my horizons and get myself involved in other industries and areas this summer.”
According to Bridges, her extracurricular activities helped to prepare her for the BBC internship. She is a marketing and public relations intern for the School of Music and president of the Orchestra Committee, a start-up club.
“The BBC found value in my skills that I have gained over my years at Penn State,” she said, noting the internship has allowed her to build on her skills while making personal and professional connections.
“My favorite part of this internship is the connections and people that I get to work with,” she said. “I also enjoyed learning all things media and strategy this summer, and it allowed me to start thinking about going into a strategy-based career.”
Bridges forged her own path at Penn State, involving herself in music-related activities that incorporated her interests in business and marketing. She advises other students to pursue activities that show they are self-starters, self-motivated and creative.
“These are all character traits that are flexible and can help you out in your career but also show you are a well-rounded person,” she said. “I also recommend finding your passion and working within that passion toward your goals.”
Bridges said she is grateful for the opportunities she gained at the University, as well as the faculty and staff mentors who have guided her along the way.
“Penn State is such a big school with opportunities in every corner, even opportunities that have a path that is unclear. There's also ample opportunity to be a self-starter and start your own club or initiatives if you see a problem.”
Her parting advice to students pursuing internships is simple: Be yourself.
“It not only makes you comfortable," Bridges said, "it makes you stand apart!”