CLARION – Clarion University senior Elijah Everett has more than job experience in mind after accepting an offer of an internship with BET (Black Entertainment Television) International.
“I want to have my own TV show that can present my message of creating values, which are being lost in our society,” said Everett, a mass media arts, journalism, and communication studies major. “My goal is to have an influence on people. I believe in doing for someone else and making progress in society in that way.”
Everett first heard about BET internships when he was completing his first internship with Clear Channel Broadcasting two years ago. This year he took the aggressive approach to reach his goal of working for BET.
“I called and asked about internships and faxed in the requested information,” he said. “About three hours later I received a phone call from them. I decided I would go interview with them at their headquarters in Washington, D.C.”
At his own expense, Everett flew to Washington, D.C., and want to the BET office to present his resume and casting call DVD. His resume impressed at the initial interview and within the space of an hour he had three additional interviews taking him from a marketing position to a creative services position to the assignment with BET International, which was launched in April. He will start in the position in mid-May and continue for six weeks.
“It was well worth my time and effort to go to Washington,” said Everett. “I am a spiritual guy and this is where God came in. You have to invest in yourself when it comes to dreams and hopes. I hope this leads to my own TV show so I can take care of my family and have financial stability.”
Everett grew up in the northern sections of Philadelphia and now lives in Folcroft. He is a son of Roberta Hilton of Folcroft and Lee Everett, and is a graduate of Academy Park High School.
“I had a friend who was attending Clarion and she told me about it,” recalled Everett. “I was also recruited to Clarion to play basketball. I liked it at Clarion, it was far away from home, quiet, and I could see the stars at night.”
Once on campus, Everett found plenty of activities to keep him busy. In addition to stints on both the varsity basketball and varsity football teams, he was a resident assistant, served as treasurer of the Residence Hall Council, was a member of the Men of Color Think Tank, Black Student Union, Philosophy Club, and Lift Every Voice Choir; participated in Harambee activities, and worked in the provost’s office. He got on the air experience at Clarion University’s television station WCUB, and student radio station WCUC, where he has had a show for the past five years, first playing Hip Hop and now gospel.
Everett already takes his message back to the high schools, volunteering to come into the schools and talk to the students about his experiences.
“I do this in my free time,” he explained. “I want to give them information about college. When I came to college I didn’t know what I wanted to do. I intended to go into business until I heard at a Clarion University orientation session about communication being a broad area.
“That appealed to me. I had skills in areas that I didn’t know I had. I found out what I liked to do and enjoyed it. I was able to find my way by myself, but I want to help others to know about it before they come to college. I am not afraid to state my own opinion.”
That attitude has taken Everett a long way. Further success with BET International will take him to another level.