Prange Doubles Up With Two Summer Internships

July 12, 2016

The internship is a right of passage every summer for ambitious college students who are looking to gain valuable experience in their chosen field of study.

You can count George Washington basketball junior Kelli Prange amongst the students around the country who are spending their summer days working around the clock for real-life training.

Never one to back away from a challenge, Prange has upped the ante this summer by juggling a pair of internships on top of classwork and basketball workouts. She splits her days between internships at the Washington Mystics and WJLA-ABC7 in Rosslyn, Virginia.

GWsports.com caught up with Prange to discuss how she got each internship, her daily schedule during the summer and her favorite experiences at each job.

GWsports.com: How did you come to get each of your internships and what are your primary duties at each one?

Kelli Prange: After seeing what our Athletics Communications contact did for us over my first two seasons, it was something that caught my interest. I spoke with her about what she does and how I could "get my feet wet" in the field. After an application process, I was hired as an intern for the Washington Mystics.

I work there on game nights where I learn how to write and compile communication material, including press releases, media guides and game notes. I also interview Mike Thibault, the head coach of the Mystics, and players, along with the visiting coach and players, during post game.

For my other internship, being on television has always been a dream job for me. So when figuring out what kind of internships I wanted to pursue I started thinking of local news stations. I was introduced to WJLA-ABC7 by my grandfather, who markets and produces television shows and movies. He has many connections in the field and he found out that WJLA was looking for interns. Being around sports my entire life, I felt comfortable with my expertise and knowledge. At ABC7 I learn how to entertain and inform audiences by presenting information or entertainment in an accessible and attractive way. I learn fundamental news-gathering skills, how to find, confirm and report new stories, log tapes, research stories, assist during shoots, select footage and assist staff members.

GWsports.com: What is your schedule like between the two positions, plus any academic and basketball related commitments you may have?

Prange: My schedule this summer has been a little crazy. My day starts at 5:45 in the morning and I quickly gather my stuff for a 6:00 a.m. workout with our strength coach, Brandi Walker. Up until about 7:30 you can catch me in the Smith Center lifting and conditioning. After that, I head back to my room for breakfast and to get ready for my internship at ABC7.

I arrive at the Rosslyn studio between 10:00 and 10:30, and see what we have planned for the day. Whatever the story may be, I am usually out around town with Channel 7 until 3:30. After that, and depending on the Mystics game schedule, I may rush back to campus, change and head to the Verizon Center if there is a game. If that is the case, I arrive around 4:15 to prepare for a 7:00 game. Once the game is over and I finish my postgame duties I am able to leave around 10:00. On top of the workouts and internships, I am taking an online summer course. Usually I will have to do all of my schoolwork over the weekend, since I have little time to complete it during the week.

GWsports.com: How has being a student-athlete helped you in splitting time at two jobs?

Prange: I think that being a student-athlete has definitley helped me balance this busy schedule. During the school year, a student-athlete has to balance about five courses, practices, games, travel, volunteer work, team activities and studying. So I feel pretty comfortable with my schedule this summer

GWsports.com: What has been your favorite experience or assignment at each of your internships this summer?

Prange: My favorite experience at the Mystics was when they got their first win on June 18 against the Atlanta Dream. Although this game was not necessarily a nail biter, it was awesome to see their potential finally emerge.

At ABC7, my favorite experience so far was the first day in the office. It was just a few days after the passing of Muhammad Ali, so we decided to get reactions on it. We went to a local boxing gym in Southeast DC and interviewed a few boxers and coaches. I also had the privilege of going to a DC United practice and a Redskins Minicamp.

GWsports.com: How do you feel these internships will help you towards your eventual career goals?

Prange: My career goal as a broadcaster has truly been enhanced by both of these internships. I am gaining invaluable experience and learning the tools of the trade. I cannot thank them enough. I have been given the opportunity to write scripts, research stories, assist in news shoots, log tape and footage and interview players, staff and coaches. Everything that applies to broadcasting, I am able to learn it now. With this knowledge I hope that when I graduate I will have gained enough understanding and experience to enter the broadcasting field as a professional.