Gaining New Insights at Nat Geo

By Dean’s Intern David Lim at National Geographic

Returning from being abroad in Copenhagen, Denmark last spring has been a whirlwind of activity and reverse culture shock. Some things don’t ever seem to change though; I was presented with another opportunity this semester that I could not turn down. This semester, I’ve been able to return to the Dean’s Internship program, landing on my feet at the National Geographic Society.

In true fashion, nothing ever is stable in the world of media today; on my first day at National Geographic it was announced that the company would be split into National Geographic Partners and what would remain as the National Geographic Society. Being at an organization going through a large restructuring has been an enormous learning experience. Working with the communications team on press releases, lists, book publishing and much more has taken me out of my comfort zone as someone training to be a journalist. Seeing the public relations side of an organization has given me new insights into the media field, and has expanded my understanding of the industry as a whole. As National Geographic enters a new era, it remains poised to have a long term sustainable presence educating the world through exploration, discovery and storytelling.

As my time at American University draws to a close, I am thankful for the opportunities that I’ve been able to pursue. From my time at Bloomberg BNA to USA Today to National Geographic, I’ve been able to work with some of the most talented and driven professionals I’ve met in my life. And I owe AU for the connections, friends and programs that have made those experiences possible.