Illuminating Internship
Ohio Wesleyan Student's Experience Provides a 'Glimpse of What My Future Could Look Like'
Name: Max Baker '26
Hometown: Santa Monica, California
High School: Santa Monica High School
Majors: Communication and Film Studies
OWU Connection Experience: Studio Manager Intern for the T-Mobile Internship Program in Overland Park, Kansas
"I have an interest in media production in general, and while my end goal is to work in the videogame industry, the opportunity to learn from a summer spent at a (T-Mobile) was a chance I couldn't pass up on."
A Valuable Challenge
"I learned how to effectively communicate with senior executives in a large company through my various projects and gained insight into how a diverse marketing department operates. I also had to manage my workload while balancing my personal and professional life, all while living alone without the support system that college typically provides. That challenge turned out to be a valuable experience, as it gave me a glimpse of what my future could look like – working for a larger creative team, engaging with feedback, and collaborating on ideas with coworkers."
A Big Finish
"My favorite moment came near the end of my summer when I completed my biggest project. I had the opportunity to write, project manage, produce, direct, edit, and appear in T-Mobile's Summer 2025 intern recruitment video. Once the video was finished, I presented the final product – after weeks of studio reviews – to an audience of over 250 employees across the country via Zoom."
A Positive Push
"Julie Weller in the Admission Office is my mentor at OWU. I started as a tour guide during my freshman year and struggled to find my footing, but she always saw the best in me and encouraged me to reach for my fullest potential. Julie continuously motivates me to pursue bigger goals, even when I doubt my own abilities. She supported me throughout the process of applying for internships and celebrated with me when I got the job."
Outside the Classroom
Baker serves as the Chi Phi Fraternity Vice President, an Admission Office Intern, in Theatre Department Stage Management, and as the Communication Student Board Logistics Chair.
OWU was different – it was the first school that showed me they truly care about their students. … The entire purpose of the institution is to support students in chasing their goals and dreams.
Why I Chose OWU?
"Of all the liberal arts schools I applied to, most seemed to present a cookie-cutter image of their students during visits, as if they were saying I'd turn out just like every other alumnus after four years. OWU was different – it was the first school that showed me they truly care about their students. More importantly, the entire purpose of the institution is to support students in chasing their goals and dreams. When I came here, I was happy to find that everything they promised was true. That's a big reason why I became a tour guide – to show potential Bishops that this institution really is unique."
A Winding Path
"I had come in as a decided Psych major, but I switched from Psych to Philosophy, to Business, to Business Administration, to Comm and then added Film. So, I had quite the path to my final choices!"
My Plan After Graduation
"My plan after graduation is to get a job in the videogame industry. The Career Connection office has been an incredible source of motivation and support through the whole process of preparing to graduate next year."