This is the ninth in a series about Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications students completing summer internships.
A hard-earned lesson about college life helped one Penn State student alter and improve his approach to find more success on campus and off — including an internship he hopes will open doors to an eventual career.
“I’ve learned and worked hard to be more organized,” said Cameron Hightower, a junior film production major. “It’s all about what you want to prioritize. I probably didn’t do that as well as possible when I first got to Penn State. Now, though, I have a routine that works.”
Hightower starts each day with a trip to the gym, believing healthy habits provide a strong foundation for success. Along with that, he’s busy. He works in the Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications equipment room, serves as co-chair of public relations for the Penn State Student Black Caucus, and has completed a storytelling internship with the Office of the President.
Another important internship represents his most recent success story.
He’s reading scripts and writing coverage — summarizing the submission, its premise and characters, as well as sharing his opinion on the piece — for Eclectic Pictures, a Hollywood-based production company. During Hightower’s three-month assignment that started in July he’s scheduled to complete at least 24 coverages.
His first two assignments amped his enthusiasm and built his confidence.
“One of the first scripts I covered was similar to ‘Umbrella Academy,’ with class warfare and high school students,” he said. “It’s just interesting to see how stories get put together, to see character development and to relay that information in a coverage. The first couple seemed like strong scripts.”
One of Hightower’s strengths — persistence — helped him secure the internship. With advice from Bob Martin, the assistant dean who leads the Office of Internships and Career Services in the Bellisario College, and Julie Miller, the manager of internships, Hightower focused on finding an internship that would get him connected to the film industry.
He found out about the opportunity on LinkedIn and then explored the company’s website for more context and details. After he applied, he followed up with a call, a website contact inquiry and a text. “I just didn’t want to miss the chance,” Hightower said.
Hightower said support from faculty and staff in the Bellisario College have helped him grow during his undergraduate career.
“You have to have good mentors and good people around you,” Hightower said. “Penn State has great mentors and they’ve encouraged me, supported me and helped me make things happen. They all do a great job helping you make connections, share their passion and support you to find your passion.
“They’ve all encouraged me to work hard for my goals. That has helped my consistency and motivated me to do my best with everything — from building a resume to diversifying my skillset.”
Hightower’s focus and work ethic consistently get noticed by those around him. They also point to his ability to help others.
“Cam’s work ethic is best described as determined. Give him a task and he’ll do whatever it takes to get it done,” said John Zangari, the Bellisario College’s equipment room assistant manager. He also noted Hightower’s support of others, which gets delivered personally and practically. “He has an incredibly creative spark that allows him to give recommendations to students in a constructive way to make sure they’re getting the gear they need.”
People notice Hightower’s energy and enthusiasm as well. That’s been his approach for years. In high school, he was an athlete and participated in the production of several musicals and plays. He was always busy.
He has a similar routine at Penn State. After those morning gym visits, he just stays busy.
“I’m not sure exactly what’s next — cinematography, script writing, whatever — so I want to try as much as possible, make connections and figure it out,” Hightower said. “I do hope to get into the Penn Hollywood Program when I’m a senior and it seems like the best way to do that is to be good at a lot of different things.”