Passaic Today

College of Communication and Media senior Raciely Rodriguez, a Film and Television major at Montclair State University, has been selected for the 2025 Fall Internship Program by the Television Academy Foundation. She is one of five students chosen nationwide to participate in this paid internship, working as an editing intern at Geiger Post, a post-production facility in Hollywood.

“It feels surreal and such an honor to know that the same people who vote on the Emmys saw potential in me,” said Rodriguez about her selection. “It motivates me to push myself creatively and to live up to the high standards of this incredible opportunity.”

Rodriguez has been interested in video editing since she was 11 years old. Her interest led her to transfer to Montclair State University as a junior after learning about its Semester in L.A. Program. She explained, “I chose Montclair because of the Semester in L.A. Program. I was not happy where I was – not with the school or major – and knew I wanted to switch to film as my school did not have that option.” After searching online for New Jersey colleges with strong film programs, she found Montclair State University and decided it was the right fit.

“I had been dreaming of L.A. since I was a little kid and as a student, I knew that having an internship would help me with my career,” Rodriguez said. “I was so excited I called the Admissions Office right away and asked if transfer students would be able to participate and they said ‘Yes.’ The rest is history!”

Rodriguez credits her professors at Montclair State University’s Film and Television program for preparing her for this opportunity. “The Film and Television program definitely has helped, especially the staff,” she noted. “The professors in the program are like no other – they truly care about their students and want to help them achieve their goals.”

She specifically thanked Professor Melissa Rodriguez for helping her secure her internship at the Television Academy Foundation: “who helped me succeed in getting my internship at the Television Academy, who taught me everything I know about editing and gave me the confidence in myself to pursue my passion.” Rodriguez also cited Professor Vernard Gantt’s Introduction to Control Room and Studio class as influential: “He pushed me and the other students to do things we thought we never could achieve... He also gave us the opportunity to ask questions about the television world and how we could achieve our goals – and he would always give us the best advice I could ask for, words I still think of to this day.”

Rodriguez will continue interning until December before returning for her final semester at Montclair State University. She expects to graduate in May 2026.

For students interested in film or television careers, Rodriguez advised: “Talk to your professors – most, if not all, were in the industry or still are. Ask them how they got their start, what kind of people they talked to, what steps helped them most in their careers. Let them know what your goals are – the professors love to connect students with industry friends.”

She emphasized passion as essential: “In film and television, all you need is passion. If you have the passion for it, people will take notice and want to help.”

“This is what I have learned so far and I’m happy to say I have the passion so I will keep learning.”

Prospective students can learn more about Montclair State University's College of Communication and Media Film & Television program by visiting its website.