For Slippery Rock University senior Bailey Kuhn, a lifelong passion for the Pittsburgh Penguins hockey team turned into a career-defining opportunity behind the cameras of one of the NHL’s most successful franchises.
Kuhn, a strategic communication and media major from Volant (Grove City HS), worked as an onsite video producer and editor intern for the Penguins from May 29 to Aug. 8. Kuhn was tasked with recording and editing practices, press conferences and community events involving the NHL team. Kuhn also gained insight into the daily operations in various departments at the PPG Paints Arena.
“What stood out to me most were their values and culture,” Kuhn said. “Even though I was ‘just an intern,’ I truly felt like I had a place within the organization. I had my own workspace, received a lot of helpful feedback and got to see a lot of things the average fan doesn’t.”
A typical day for Kuhn included setting up player interviews, filming drills at practice, capturing press conferences and logging footage to be used across the team’s social media and broadcast channels. Through these responsibilities, Kuhn was able to gain first-hand experience with the use of professional equipment, such as Sony FS7 cameras that are used throughout the sport and media industries. She even had the chance to meet Penguins legends Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin.
“I think this experience really challenged me, not only by giving me the chance to work with high-definition cameras but also by allowing me to gain experience in a professional environment,” Kuhn said. “I met so many different people during this experience, including the players themselves, and took every opportunity I could to make new connections.”
Kuhn, who has a minor in sport management, first applied online with a faculty recommendation from Brian Crow, professor of sport management. After interviewing with the five-person PensTV hiring committee, she was selected from more than 80 applicants.
“At the beginning, I honestly didn’t feel like I deserved the position,” Kuhn said. “But once I found out that I was chosen, I was genuinely shocked. It made me realize I was there for a reason and that I’ve worked hard to get there, and being part of an NHL team was an incredibly rewarding experience.”
With a dual concentration in digital media production and integrated marketing communication, Kuhn was able to leverage classroom experience and faculty mentorship from SRU to secure her spot in the internship. Her career readiness helped her thrive in one of sport media’s most challenging environments.
“Video Production with Dr. (Brett) Barnett helped me the most in learning Adobe Premiere and basic editing skills. If I hadn’t had that foundation, I would’ve struggled during my internship,” Kuhn said. “Message Preparation with Dr. (Franklyn) Charles also helped me, especially with interviewing. It was awesome to take what I learned in class and apply it with the players, whether that was micing them up or just setting up the shot.”
Although Kuhn’s internship ended in August, her internship with the Penguins served as confirmation of where her career is headed. Kuhn was invited back for future opportunities, including game-day control room experience and assistance with events at PPG Paints Arena. As recently as Sept. 17, she helped coordinate Creative Day by arranging headshot photos of the players.
“This experience made me realize that I’m capable of doing this kind of work and that sports media is definitely the career path I want to pursue,” she said. “I know I can create good content and be proud of the effort I’ve put into my assignments over the years at SRU. It confirmed for me that this is something I want to do and the work I’ve put in is paying off.” More information about strategic communication and media programs is available on the department’s webpage.