“That’s so fetch!” How Emily Lewis landed an internship with Paramount promoting ‘Mean Girls’
By Emily Estephan
The stars aligned for Fox School of Business senior marketing major and public relations minor Emily Lewis. This Wyalusing, Pennsylvania, native, shares how she landed an internship with Paramount that led to being an executive assistant for the new “Mean Girls” movie premiere in New York City.
Photo courtesy of Emily Lewis.
How did you find out about this internship?
I applied for the New York-based communications and corporate social responsibility internships at Paramount through the Paramount career site in September of 2022. In November, I saw that the Temple American Marketing Association (TU-AMA) student organization was hosting recruiters from Paramount on campus. I went to the info session, met with the recruiters afterwards and handed them my resume. They then told me to go back into my application and select that I had met with a recruiter, and this would move my application to the top of the pile. Yay!
I interned from June to August 2023 and was then extended for the fall semester. I was then asked to return in a temporary role over winter break. I worked as an executive assistant on the East Coast publicity team from December to January.
Paramount
Do you believe being active in Temple organizations helped you develop skills that were important in securing the Paramount position?
I’m the senior student coordinator for Temple Honors Ambassadors. As Honors Ambassadors we share our love for Temple with prospective students. In a way, this is what publicity is. It’s about convincing people to love what you love and find value in what you find valuable.
As the public engagement coordinator for The Temple News (TTN), I handle PR for Temple’s 102-year-old editorially independent student newspaper. I have learned about media production, journalism and relationship-building during my time at TTN – all incredibly important skills to have when working in entertainment publicity.
Finally, I’m a volunteer and camp counselor at Camp Kesem. Camp Kesem supports local children through and beyond a parent’s cancer diagnosis by providing year-round peer support and a week-long free summer camp. I love this organization and will take any opportunity to share it with others!
What were your responsibilities?
As an executive assistant, I was in charge of ground transportation for the “Mean Girls” film talent. In the two weeks leading up to the movie premiere in New York City, the cast and crew did lots of New York-based press. I was responsible for organizing and booking transportation to and from these events. It was a lot of work, but it was super rewarding! I also participated in press junkets, talent publicity activations and attended the movie premiere!
Watch the trailer and stream “Mean Girls” on Paramount+.
Was it nerve-wracking to work on such a big project? What did it feel like?
Yes, it was definitely nerve-wracking. During my time as an executive assistant, I had a lot more responsibility than when I was an intern. It was also exciting, though. Knowing that I was an important part of the team was such a great feeling!
Did you meet any celebrities?
Yes, I did! In my role, I was lucky enough to work with the cast and crew of several films including “Mean Girls” and “Mission: Impossible–Dead Reckoning Part One” as well as influencers and celebrity press.
What are some highlights (or inside secrets) about film publicity?
It’s so much fun, but a lot of work. The entertainment industry moves so fast that being a good multitasker and open to constant change is a must. No day was ever the same.
Do you have any advice for anyone who is nervous about their first internship?
Take it all in! Your team is there to help you so don’t stress out about “not knowing what you’re doing.” That’s why you’re there – to learn! Be open to feedback, do your best and have fun!
Center for Student Professional Development
A vital link between Fox School students and the business community.