An Inside Look at NBCUniversal's Page Program
Summer 2021 cohort applications open today, Monday, April 5th!
Looking for an opportunity to launch your career at one of the most prominent global media powerhouses? NBCUniversal’s Page Program is a 12 to 15-month rotational learning and development experience that offers early career talent with unparalleled exposure to the media industry. Page Program participants are fully immersed in NBCUniversal’s culture and have the opportunity to contribute to a wide variety of divisions such as Public Relations, Production, Marketing, Corporate Diversity, Ad Sales, and more -- totaling 4 rotational assignments throughout a year-long experience. The goal of the Page Program is to prepare new graduates for entry-level roles within NBCUniversal by providing them with exposure to a wider network of mentorship and sponsorship, hands-on real work experience, and career development.
Programs like the Page Program are imperative for early-career professionals and although we have transitioned into a digital environment for the time-being, NBCUniversal has maintained the integrity of the program by giving incoming graduates the complete experience of what they have to offer. NBCUniversal is committed to building a community of passionate and dedicated professionals who will one day progress into the world of media, no matter what direction they take. In addition to gaining valuable skills, Pages also become a part of a larger network of talented professionals from a diverse array of backgrounds, interests, and majors. NBCUniversal Pages receive a competitive hourly salary plus overtime and paid time off and are eligible for comprehensive health and wellness benefits. In addition, the program provides regular skill building labs, guest speaker events, and continuous feedback coaching throughout the duration of the program. In getting to know the program, we were thrilled to see that NBCUnversal truly cares about building a culture where all Pages feel they can succeed and belong.
We spoke with three current Jopwell members who are current Pages about their experience with the application process, valuable skills they’ve gained, and tips for making the most out of the opportunity. Continue reading to learn more about the program and what it’s like to be a part of the NBCUniversal community.
Jaden Cooper University of Pittsburgh 2020 Grad
How would you define the process of applying for the Page Program?
I found out about the program through Jopwell emails after I attended another event with Jopwell. I refined my profile a bit and ended up getting a targeted email from Jopwell that had the Page Program suggested as an opportunity for me to apply to based on my interests. It literally walked me through when the application deadline was and pushed me to where to apply to the program. I thought it was pretty neat because usually other outlets will send you “jobs in your area” etc., but this was actually a job that I was interested in and relevant to what I was looking for in my next opportunity and related to my interests.
What do assignments look like within the program?
I’m wrapping up my first assignment working with the talent development team. I’m working with HR to help them develop internal teams, helping them become better managers, independent contributors, and even better VPs. But the assignments vary. I just found out that my next assignment will be working with the Today Show. Recently, the focus has been on digital production and social media, so our assignments shift with what the focus of the company is. The opportunities are truly endless and there are over 65 assignments across the company that are available to Pages.
What are some valuable skills that people can expect to take away from the Page Program?
I really learned to network and I feel like I’ve learned how to hone in on my strengths. I work with a team that is devoted to helping me develop certain skills. I really wanted to develop my public speaking skills and they’ve provided me with opportunities to speak and exercise that skill. Recently, I was able to moderate Black History Month discussions for various programs that we hosted.
What were applicants looking for in the program, and how does the Page Program align?
When I went to college I wanted to be a lawyer and then when I graduated I wanted to do something in media. I had very little media experience. I had a show on campus, which was the closest thing to media experience that I had, and that ended when I was applying to the Page Program. So I was just looking for any opportunity that was going to help me get my foot in the door. I knew once I got in, I was going to leave my mark—it was just a matter of getting in the door. NBCUniversal is just tied to so much more than TV, it’s tied to DreamWorks, Universal Parks, Peacock, NBC Sports—their dominance reigns beyond TV and that was super enticing to me. I’m recognizing the opportunities that I’m receiving because I’m a part of the program. A couple of weeks ago, I was helping moderate the Tonight Show that featured Michelle Obama—that’s not something that commonly happens. I’m recognizing the power that being at a company like this has. NBCUniversal is where it’s at.
Zuri Cheathem Morehouse College 2020 Grad
How would you define the process of applying for the Page Program?
I graduated from Morehouse recently. A recruiter from Jopwell reached out to me about the Page Program because I applied before and when everything happened with the pandemic, I was still skeptical about applying when I went to the webinar that was hosted by Jopwell. I was able to ask questions that I was curious about and the event was super helpful in giving me the information that I needed. I didn’t initially understand the full potential of it. I can tell that they put a lot of effort into the program and they’ve made it a very comfortable and meaningful experience. I felt a lot more prepared in the virtual space. I’m excited about the opportunity to grow and having the ability to connect with other people sharing the experience.
What do assignments look like within the program?
My first assignment is being an assistant to a photo producer. We are responsible for organizing and executing photo shoots for various shows. There are also opportunities to join committees. I’m currently on the newsletter committee. I also have the opportunity to join the ERGs (Employee Resource Groups) at NBC.
What are some valuable skills that people can expect to take away from the Page Program?
Networking is a skill that people can expect to take advantage of. You’ll have a chance to connect with people who are managers and in leadership roles. I feel like I’ve also been able to build a really strong community.
What were applicants looking for in the program, and how does the Page Program align?
I was looking for a change of industry and a change of pace. Page was a development program and I was definitely looking to develop my professional skills. I’m learning things that I am able to take with me anywhere and elevate myself in any role. When people graduate people have an idea of what they want to do, but the Page program helped me realize that there’s so much more that I can explore. I’ve been able to explore what other industries look like.
Miah Hardy Spelman College 2019 Grad
How would you define the process of applying for the Page Program?
By using Jopwell, the process for applying to the Page Program was made a whole lot easier. I was able to attend the virtual information session about the program. I was able to hear from the team leaders and learn about the experiences of people who were in the program at the time. It made the program seem a lot more accessible than I initially thought. It ultimately encouraged me to apply.
What do assignments look like within the program?
Assignments vary. Currently, I’m working on building a rolodex of companies that NBCUniversal should work with within their CSR initiatives. It’s helped me discover the advocacy aspect that I’ve been searching for in the media industry.
What are some valuable skills that people can expect to take away from the Page Program?
Being in the program currently, I can see that people are able to walk into the program and develop their own unique set of skills. Not everyone has the same rotation, so there isn’t one set of skills that you take with you. But I think that everyone can walk away feeling like they have further developed their networking skills. Especially since we are remote, it’s important to get to know people outside of regular team meetings. We often have the opportunity to get outside of our cohorts and explore what other people are learning and what types of assignments they’re working on. Those connections help us build even more connections within the company. I also have learned the importance of time management. Because you are constantly moving to different teams and we have such a limited amount of time with each team, it’s important to be able to manage your time so you can give your best effort to your team.
What were applicants looking for in the program, and how does the Page Program align?
I knew that I was interested in the media industry so I was looking for an opportunity that was going to get my foot in the door. I ended up taking a gap year after I graduated and I was working for a non-profit doing social media and content, that’s when I realized that I was interested in media. Although I still love the social justice aspect of the non-profit industry. When it came to applying for an opportunity, I was looking for something where I could combine my interests. I wanted to find something where I could explore different realms of the media industry as well as a place where I could show up as my full self. The Page Program was perfect for this because of the variety of learning due to the rotational aspect of it. It’s been amazing because lately, I’ve been working with the team that works in the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) space, which has combined my passions. So far, it’s been a really rewarding experience because I’m learning an aspect of the media industry that I didn’t even know existed.
