Although this opportunity seems to be the pivotal point of most people’s careers, for CV alumna – Hannah Biondi – the Super Bowl was only the beginning. In February 2014, she had the chance to intern with the National Football League’s Super Bowl XLVIII Public Relations Team.
After graduating from Chartiers Valley in 2010, Hannah was originally an education major at Penn State. However, she later discovered her passion for communications while working in the Communications Departments for Penn State Football and with Penn State’s Dance Marathon, THON.
“I loved all of my communications jobs and decided to switch [majors] because it seemed to be a better fit for me.”
As for Hannah’s opportunity to work with the NFL, she says it began with networking followed by an extremely competitive application process prior to being selected as an intern.
After earning her spot on the NFL’s team of interns – among two other PSU students – Hannah’s responsibilities included working at the Communications Help Desk and Radio Row, assisting with the Pepsi Super Bowl Halftime Show Bruno Mars press conference and working auxiliary press during the game.
“[The most exciting part of working with the NFL was] being able to learn so much about the inner workings of the Super Bowl.” Hannah recalled. “[I was surprised] how involved we were able to be in the execution of NFL Communications.”
Hannah says the overall experience helped her to see a lot of how the NFL works, as well as how to become a part of it.
Looking back on the opportunity, Hannah credits a majority of her success to her education.
“I think that Penn State has taught me extreme amounts about how to act as a professional and network at experiences like this. I was able to use all my communications skills to their full potential in this kind of professional setting,” Hannah explains.
Although her Super Bowl experience is over, Hannah has been working harder than ever. After graduating from Penn State with degrees in Public Relations and Integrative Arts in May, she went straight to work at Octagon as an Event Trainee.
“I travel the southern market of the United States to market BMW’s new 4 Series and put on the Un4gettable Test Drive Events. I assist with event logistics and consumer experience throughout the day’s events.”
Hannah says she would eventually like to make her way back to the sports industry, referring to her love of football.
“I hope to work in marketing events for some facet of the sports industry, whether it’s for a team specifically or something that goes along with it.”
Hannah looks back positively on her time at Chartiers Valley. She found her teachers helped prepare her for a future beyond high school, stating, “There were a few teachers at Chartiers Valley who taught me the importance of interpersonal skills and communication, and what that can do to help you achieve your goals.”
She also has some fond memories from CV, recalling being a Leadership Assistant for Mr. McGalla’s photography and graphic design class.
“I ended up studying art and using everything I learned to succeed in some of my internships during college,” Hannah says. “[That was one of my favorite memories,] well that, or silly-stringing during the principal's final speech at graduation.”
Hannah’s advice to current CV students is to test the waters in high school.
“Try a bunch of different things before you decide what you want to do when you grow up.” She suggests.
“You might find there is a lot more out there than you thought.”
