Junior Alyssa Cruz is awarded prestigious summer internship at “60 Minutes”

Alyssa Cruz, a journalism news and information and Spanish double major, is taking all the hands-on experience she has gained at the Ohio University Scripps College of Communication to New York City this summer to be a part of one of the most successful programs in broadcast history. Cruz recently learned that she was accepted into the Paramount/CBS News Internship Program as the only intern for “60 Minutes.”

“I was blown away when I got the phone call,” said Cruz. “I start in June and will work on research for stories as well as logistics. They told me that they try to get interns out into the field on stories as well where possible.”

“60 Minutes” is a prime-time television news show which debuted in 1968 on CBS. Created by Don Hewitt and grounded in investigative journalism, “60 Minutes” is television’s longest continually running prime-time series. The first of the so-called TV newsmagazines, the program has become the industry standard for television journalism and has influenced similar programs on other networks. 60 Minutes placed in Nielsen’s annual top 10 for a record 23 consecutive seasons and has won more Emmy Awards than any other prime-time program.

“I’m intrigued by long-form and investigative storytelling,” said Cruz. “My end goal has always been to become a foreign correspondent. I have a big interest in global politics. That’s why I’m a double major. I’m excited to be able to be a part of that with “60 Minutes” this summer.” 

Cruz grew up in Toledo, Ohio and originally wanted to go out of state for college. But once she learned about Ohio University’s journalism program everything changed.

“I wanted to go somewhere with a good program and when I toured Ohio University, of course, I fell in love with the campus, but I also met great faculty,” said Cruz. “The faculty at the journalism school is just exemplary. They provide a great education, but also build a relationship with students through mentorship and general support. It’s what makes Ohio University different. There are so many experiential learning opportunities too. Ohio University values experiences.”

Cruz took advantage of those experiential learning opportunities as soon as she arrived on campus. As a freshman, she started working at The Post and joined the Ohio University chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists (OUSPJ). Cruz has been named Editor-in-Chief of The Post for next school year. She is also a Scripps College student ambassador.

With three years of hands-on experience under her belt, Cruz is grateful to be able to bring her knowledge to the “60 Minutes” internship, but also knows this experience will bring its own knowledge and learning that she can bring back to campus for her senior year.

“The classroom is great, but having those experiences make all the difference.”

About Scripps College of Communication

The Scripps College of Communication at Ohio University seeks not only to educate its students about today's communication industry but to produce innovative leaders who will shape the future of communication and its methods of delivery in a rapidly changing technological landscape.

Scripps provides leadership in communication by preparing students to be effective and responsible communicators in a global society, and by advancing the field through creative activity and research on communication concepts, issues and problems.

The Scripps College of Communication fosters multicultural awareness within a diverse community. It strives to create a climate of civility where leadership and innovation are prized, and responsibility and accountability are understood. The College values curriculum, research and creative activity that provide benefits to people regionally, nationally and internationally.