Campus Life

UWF intern learning the ropes at “The View”

Every day Keith Quinones, communication arts student, is faced with new adventures during his internship with ABC's hit television show "The View." Each day is unique working in a different area of production, but he wouldn't have it any other way. Some days he shadows producers or works in the editing room, control room or graphics department. Other days he braves the New York cold to greet audience members. He's even delivered packages to Sherri Shepherd's apartment and Whoopi Goldberg's office.

Every day Keith Quinones, communication arts student, is faced with new adventures during his internship with ABC’s hit television show “The View.” Each day is unique working in a different area of production, but he wouldn’t have it any other way. Some days he shadows producers or works in the editing room, control room or graphics department. Other days he braves the New York cold to greet audience members. He’s even delivered packages to Sherri Shepherd’s apartment and Whoopi Goldberg’s office.

“My day is far from a normal daily routine,” said Quinones.

Although he wasn’t originally planning to participate in an internship during his collegiate career, Quinones stumbled across the internship opportunity with “The View” and knew he couldn’t pass it up.

“I felt overwhelmed with just the thought of working on daytime TV’s most highly rated show,” said Quinones. “Although it didn’t sink in right away that I had gotten it, I was very excited and grateful for the opportunity.”

Taking full advantage of the first-hand experience, Quinones has learned that with every big production, producers are constantly busy working, and regardless of how star-struck he may be, he remains professional at all times.

“I learned quickly that any celebrity can and will be at any corner and in any elevator,” said Quinones. “It’s a must in this business to remain professional and treat them as any normal person. It is still nerve racking at times walking past Tom Cruise or even Paul McCartney without showing any type of reaction.”

Along with networking, hard-work and dedication, Quinones knows the experience will thicken his skin and help with future endeavors in daytime TV. Learning advice from the pros, Quinones has been able to make a big impression, even on high-profile celebrities like Barbara Walters.

“I decided to give Barbara Walters a thank you card for the internship opportunity since she is the creator and executive producer for the show,” said Quinones. “The next day her assistant contacted me to tell me Barbara Walters wanted to meet me. I guess no other intern has reached out before, so she wanted to personally thank me.”

Quinones credits his study abroad experience in Europe, his experience as a resident advisor and the guidance he’s received from the UWF Communications Arts Department for giving him the leadership skills needed to land him his dream internship.

“Everyone at UWF has always been of great help, both in administration and professors,” said Quinones. “All of the professors I’ve had have always encouraged students to stop by their offices, even if it’s for a small chat. I feel this open door policy is extremely effective and really allows students to build relationships with their professors.”

Learn more about UWF’s Communication Arts program at uwf.edu/commarts.

Written by Megan Tyson, University Marketing Communications