How I Got Into the NBC Universal Page Program by Addyson Farias
Editor’s note: Welcome to Behind The Offer, a series aimed at connecting early-career professionals with personal essays from their peers about how they landed their dream role—and how they can too!
Expect real application and interview advice from real people, as well as insider info on how to land your next internship, campus ambassador role, rotational program, and everything in between.
Today’s essay is from Addyson Farias, a 2025 graduate from the University of Wisconsin–Madison and East Coast page in the NBC Universal Page Program.
Addyson’s Bio:
My name is Addyson Farias, and I am an NBCUniversal Page. I was born and raised in South Bend, Indiana, and I now live in New York City, where I moved shortly after graduating from the University of Wisconsin–Madison. At UW, I studied Marketing and Digital Media, focusing on digital marketing, media studies, and technology.
My interest in these areas grew out of various internships, but I always knew I had a strong pull toward the media and entertainment industry - even if I wasn’t sure how to break into it. During undergrad, I spent much of my free time exploring my passions, whether through creating my own media projects or taking on leadership and volunteer roles to help foster student belonging on campus. These experiences kept me grounded and true to myself, even during the moments of uncertainty and stress we all face in college.
Setting the Scene
Being in college, and especially in Business school, is an incredibly competitive environment. I wasn’t admitted into Business school until my junior year, and I often felt like I was behind. Conversations constantly revolved around internships and full-time offers, and I struggled not to tie my worth to those achievements. I fell into the trap of thinking I wasn’t doing enough. I interviewed for several top companies, made it to the final rounds, and then faced rejection after rejection. Each one felt like a huge loss. Still, I continued to hold onto the belief that things would work out the way they were meant to! That mindset and determination to keep improving ultimately carried me through and set me up for the opportunity I was meant to have.
How I Landed the Opportunity
During my senior year of college, I made it a goal to dedicate one to two hours each day to career development - whether that meant applying for jobs or reaching out to professionals for career conversations. One day, I came across a full-time Analyst role at NBCUniversal on LinkedIn. At the time, I didn’t know anyone at the company and had little understanding of what it was like to work there, how the business units were structured, or what early-career opportunities even existed. Honestly, I just wanted my questions answered, so I reached out to a mutual friend who worked there, and she agreed to hop on a call to share her experience.
When we spoke, I had a list of questions ready but really just wanted a casual conversation to figure out whether the company - and the role - were a good fit for me. At one point, I asked about early-career opportunities, and she immediately mentioned the Page Program.
She asked if I’d ever considered applying. I told her I thought the program was only for people who wanted to work in production, but she quickly corrected me. She explained that Pages come from all different backgrounds and interests, and curiosity about the business as a whole is what really matters. She encouraged me to highlight my business background and gave me the best piece of advice she could:
Tell a story in my application about why I wanted the role and what it meant to me.
After that conversation, I was intrigued. The only problem... the application deadline was that very day, and I had so much homework to finish.
Still, I sat down and cranked out a cover letter, highlighting my best experiences and tying them creatively to business units I admired. For example, I drew on my social media background and talked about how I’d love to contribute to SNL’s social strategy, especially since they’d had record engagement that year. For the optional short personal statement, I wrote about visiting New York City as a child - an honest, sentimental memory that captured my excitement for the opportunity.
This application felt different.
Unlike the many times I had used ChatGPT to help speed up cover letters and resume edits, this one felt personal, authentic, and true to me. These were stories I could easily speak on, and they reflected not just my skills but my genuine excitement for the program.
NBCUniversal had always stood out to me as a pioneer in shaping media and culture in America. What inspired me most was their ability to remain relevant by continuously innovating. That was the kind of environment I wanted to be part of - one that embraces creativity and innovation. As someone drawn to business roles, I was also thankful to learn that rotational programs like the Page Program existed, because it showed me that NBCU genuinely invests in developing young professionals.
When I found out I had made it to the second-round HireVue interview, I knew I wanted to be intentional. I prepared by writing out and practicing personal stories that tied directly to the job description and Page competencies. I even recorded myself answering questions on my phone to get more comfortable.
When I learned that I had advanced to the final-round panel interview, I happened to be in New York City for spring break. The interview was scheduled for right after I got back to school, and I worried I wouldn’t have enough time to prepare. At first, imposter syndrome crept in: There are so many people more qualified than me. This program is a dream for so many—why would I deserve it?
But I had to push back against that mindset. I kept telling myself, Why not me?
I reminded myself that I was just as capable and deserving as anyone else, and that the only thing standing in my way was my own lack of belief in myself. I reached back out to my friend who first told me about the program, and she connected me with a current Page. She invited me to coffee at 30 Rock, where she shared her experience in the program and gave me tips for the panel. Looking back, that meeting gave me something more important than advice - it gave me the confidence I needed to walk into the interview believing I could do this!
To prepare,
I really doubled down on company research,
reflected on my experiences,
and studied the Page competencies to understand the mindset they were looking for.
To my surprise, it was far less intimidating than I expected - everyone was welcoming, and the environment felt supportive. Still, when it was over, doubt crept in. I couldn’t tell which way it would go, and imposter syndrome had me convinced I’d let another opportunity slip away.
But the truth was, that feeling only showed me how much I wanted this. So when I finally got the call that I was in, I was shocked - but also, deep down, I knew it!
I had this quiet certainty that I was meant for this role, that I was ready for the next big step.
Getting the offer felt like the validation I needed - that all the late nights, applications, and moments of doubt had truly been worth it!
Interview and Application Advice
My biggest piece of advice is to
take the time to really understand why you want to be in the program.
How does it align with your career goals?
What do you hope to gain from the experience?
How do you see yourself contributing as a Page?
It can be really helpful to learn more about what the program offers by hearing from people who have experienced it firsthand - whether that’s through articles, panels, or casual conversations. Getting those perspectives can give you a clearer sense of what to expect and help you decide if the program feels like the right fit. For me, those insights offered both practical tips for preparing and the reassurance that I was a good fit for the program.
Finally, prepare until you feel confident and ready. Set yourself up for success by having others review your resume, practicing interview questions, and keeping up with industry trends. Knowledge is important, but remember - you know yourself better than anyone else.
Trust that, and show it throughout the application process with confidence and authenticity.
My Current Role and Experience in the Program
My time in the Page Program has been nothing short of exhilarating. I’ve already met countless individuals who genuinely care about my success, and I’ve learned so much - not only about the industry and production, but also about myself.
For my first assignment, I joined the NBCUniversal Creative Group's Client Partnerships team. On the accounts side, I help coordinate creative campaigns featuring digital and print assets for major events such as the Winter Olympics, the NBA All-Star Game, and Super Bowl LX. Much of my role involves building and updating timelines, communicating with designers and copywriters on project progress, and creating detailed reports for both our clients and the creative director.
Beyond that, Pages also get to serve as ambassadors of NBCUniversal. Each week, I give tours of NBC Studios, guiding guests through the building, sharing its history, and offering a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the world of television. It’s exciting to meet people from all over the world and share in their enthusiasm.
In addition, I work in audience services for shows like The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Late Night with Seth Meyers, The Kelly Clarkson Show, and Saturday Night Live. It’s a dynamic, fast-paced role that puts me right in the action and constantly pushes me outside of my comfort zone!
Looking ahead, I’ve been able to explore roles that align with my interests by meeting supervisors and Pages in different rotations. In October, I’ll be joining the Ad Sales, Marketing, and Brand Partnerships team, where I’ll collaborate with network partners to pitch and execute campaigns. I’m excited for this next chapter and the chance to continue broadening my skills across the business.
Program Perks
The Page Program offers competitive pay at $22 an hour, with overtime at $33 an hour. Pages also receive access to health and wellness benefits, paid time off, and company holidays.
Beyond the tangible perks, what stands out most is the culture.
The Page Program fosters an inclusive, respectful environment where every Page feels they can succeed. Mentorships, workshops, and internal programming are built into the experience, ensuring constant growth and support.
Another unique benefit is that Pages are eligible to apply for internal roles during the “grad” period, once they complete a year in the program. With mentorship and support throughout the hiring process, the program truly sets you up for long-term success.
For me, the program has already reshaped how I view my career.
I’ve realized there’s no rush to lock myself into one path - I have time to explore and discover the role that feels right. The program gives you space to test different interests, expand your mindset, and build new skills. I’ve also learned just how important mentorship is for my growth.
Being surrounded by such a driven, brilliant group of peers makes the experience even more meaningful than the shiny opportunities we often highlight. Yes, we get to step into incredible spaces and meet fascinating people, but the real magic lies in this sense of belonging as Page!
We’re all truly on our own paths, yet we’re learning and navigating this journey together - and that’s what makes us successful.
Follow my page journey on LinkedIn
HOW TO APPLY
〰️
HOW TO APPLY 〰️
Editor’s Note:
The NBCUniversal Page Program is a 12-to-16-month, full-time role for early career talent with a passion for media who have at least completed a bachelor’s degree. Pages are hired 3 times per year in cohorts. Based in New York, NY, and Universal City, CA, Pages will work across NBCUniversal businesses in three (4-month-long) assignments and serve as an ambassador of NBCU.
As a rotational learning and development experience, the program is designed to equip early career professionals with the skills, experience, and network to launch successful careers in the media industry. Pages gain unparalleled exposure and learn from the best in the business, working with multiple assignment supervisors and alongside the ongoing investment and support of Page leadership and the Early Careers team.
Compensation & Benefits:
$22/hour + overtime eligible
Comprehensive health & wellness benefits
Eligible for company 401k plan with a 3.5% company match up to IRS/plan limits with 100% vesting
Paid time off + company holidays
$2,000 net stipend upon starting the program
Additional relocation funds available for those who qualify
