Over the past year, Cassidy Del Greco put her journalism major into practice as an intern on CNN's Off-Platform and New Audiences team. As a member of Gen Z — people born from 1997 through 2012 — she was determined to show her peers how younger audiences consume news.
"I really love that CNN wants to hear from a younger voice and is looking to gain fresh perspectives about how to tell stories in a way that intrigues new audiences," said Del Greco, who graduated from the University of Florida this month.
She spent the past year balancing work with her final year of classes, but it all paid off: Del Greco is putting aside her cap and gown and joining CNN full-time this summer as an associate producer with the Global Digital Programming team.
We caught up with the recent graduate before her big move to New York City and learned what advice she has for student journalists interested in following a path similar to hers.
What inspired you to pursue a career in journalism and digital media?
I have always been a nerd for the internet. I love following stories and knowing what was going on across the world, so when I got to UF, it was easy. It's funny because in high school I was pretty much forced to take AP English and writing courses, and I hated writing. My teachers always told me I had a knack for storytelling, but I never wanted to do it. When I was able to take a stab at journalism, I realized being part of the bigger picture, delivering stories to others, was something I really loved to do.
Why did you want to intern at Warner Bros. Discovery?
I wanted to learn from and work with the best of the best, delivering the stories that matter to and impact people globally. I saw the opportunity that came with national and digital news. In my first interview, I also felt immediately welcomed, and that played a huge role in deciding to take my first internship within the organization.
Do you have any wisdom to share with student journalists trying to balance the demands of school and internships?
My biggest piece of advice would be to choose yourself in both your career and your personal life. Make sure you log off when you're supposed to; you still need to finish your homework and final projects. That said, take every opportunity that presents itself. If the team needs an extra eye on a project? Do it. Make yourself known. Also, communicate! Your team at an internship, your professors, your friends and family, everyone wants to see you succeed. Don't be afraid to voice your needs and deadlines. Your team will support you.
What is one of your favorite projects you've worked on for CNN so far?
I have been so fortunate to work on many incredible projects and stories for CNN's Off-Platform and New Audiences team. My favorite so far was the competitor analysis I completed in my first semester of internship, where I did a deep dive into CNN's social media accounts to see where we had opportunities for growth and new avenues for success. It was so interesting to look at industry trends and grasp what we could do differently, and analyze the great wins we were already making.
How does your perspective as a member of Gen Z elevate the work you do for CNN?
I offer a different, unique perspective compared to some of my peers. When a story drops, my initial thought for how we might package it usually differs from other members of the team, and combining those ideas has led to not only great teamwork but incredible digital packages and social media posts. Being a member of Gen Z also puts me in the seat of those younger audiences we are aiming to reach. It's pretty easy for me to think about how I would receive a story and what would catch my eye.
What have you enjoyed most about working at CNN in general?
The people! CNN is packed with some of the most talented people, but also some of the kindest. Each person on the Digital team has jumped at the chance to take me under their wing, and because of this I have been able to expand my knowledge of digital news more than I ever could have hoped for. I really love that the company fosters growth, and I have felt supported and uplifted each day I have logged on to work.
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