Opportunities pave pathway to global internship for Bellisario College student

(Editor's Note: This is the sixth in a series of stories about students in the Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications completing summer internships in 2026.)

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Taking full advantage of the local and international opportunities available through the Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications, Brooke Jordan built a resume tailored for landing a position with a global entertainment company. This summer, that preparation led to an internship with one of the world's largest production studios.

The senior public relations major from York, Pennsylvania, has been working as a communications intern for BritBox, a streaming service that specializes in British television, since early June.

Jordan, a Bunton-Waller Scholar who’s also completing a digital media trends and analytics minor and the Smeal Business Fundamentals certificate, said the position blends everything she’s learned in the Bellisario College with the real-world experience one gets from working at a company that reaches millions.

She works full time at BBC Studios, which owns BritBox, in New York City. Having interned remotely for a boutique agency last summer, she said the experience of working in-person at a large corporation has been eye-opening.

“This is my first time in the corporate setting,” Jordan said. “Through the resources, modes of communication and overall structure, I see how differently the company functions.

“This summer feels more like an internship program. They are giving us experiences where we can learn new skills, network and grow as we’re entering our careers.”

Next stop: New York City

Jordan found the position via a LinkedIn job post in February. She was looking for internships in the entertainment industry, and the BritBox position’s emphasis on global communications fascinated her, she said. In April, she got the call for an interview and over the following weeks met with different recruiters and managers on her way to getting an offer.

“I wanted to be in New York City, really badly,” Jordan said. “That was a goal for me, to have a summer in the city before my senior year.”

Jordan’s responsibilities include tracking media coverage and building targeted lists of journalists, influencers and other relevant contacts. For example, she said, she may identify and recommend a podcast where BritBox leaders or on-screen talent could be interviewed.

Jordan said the people she works with are “all very nice and really care that we get a lot out of the experience.” And because BritBox is a part of a bigger company, she said she hopes to continue building her network by meeting more people in other departments.

“I will have an opportunity to lead a team meeting, and interns will give presentations about what they’ve worked on,” she said. “It won’t be for just the managers, but people who are very senior in the company too … so, I’m looking forward to that. I want that to go really well.”

The BritBox experience has helped confirm Jordan’s interest in entertainment communications, she said. When she returns to Happy Valley this August for her final year at Penn State, she plans to put that momentum to work.

Paving the way

Jordan started the journey to New York City during her first year in the Bellisario College. As a freshman, she said, she was determined to not only find her niche but also make a difference. She joined several clubs and organizations. She experimented with a few journalism-focused student groups like WKPS/The Lion FM and Daily Collegian.

A few groups had staying power and ultimately prepared her for the internship position she is enjoying this summer. She is an account associate for Happy Valley Comm, a student-run public relations firm, as well as the Spotify team lead for VALLEY Magazine, a student-run lifestyle and fashion publication.

“I think Brooke will succeed at anything she puts her mind to,” said friend and classmate Anna Mazzarelli, a senior journalism major. “I don’t know what she will be doing, but whatever it is she will be dominating in her field.”

As the Spotify team lead for the public relations team, Jordan monitors trends and builds playlists that align with the college experience. Jordan and Mazzarelli work together at VALLEY Magazine. Jordan joined the publication during her second semester at Penn State, and she said it’s been an integral part of her college career.

“Brooke is a great communicator and super motivated,” Mazzarelli said. “I’ve worked with her on VALLEY Magazine for almost four years now, and she is extremely on top of her team and is a great leader.”

A highlight of Jordan’s junior year was a spring break trip to Ireland for her COMM 450A Digital Campaigns class. She said the trip was particularly helpful because it was more than simply a week abroad.

“I was one of the students to go and actually work on a digital campaign,” she said. “And to be able to do that with a client in another country, pitch ideas, take questions, give recommendations … and do that with a cool group of students, I don't think that I've experienced anything like that before, and it was awesome.”

Jordan plans to graduate in May 2027. She said she plans to continue broadening her network and building skills while also enjoying her last year at Penn State. She added that, with each experience, she is more prepared and “less scared” to graduate.

With eyes set on a career in entertainment, especially a position in the music industry, Jordan said she plans to continue working on her presentation skills through a public speaking group like Toastmasters, as well as polishing her graphic design skills and overall creative thinking.

“If there’s an opportunity, I want to take it,” Jordan said. “You are always going to leave with something that’s new that you didn’t know before.”