When Terrence Tipps went to the "I Rock the Mike" radio convention in Miami, Fla., last December, he never knew where it would take him.
While he and his father, Thomas, were networking at that conference, they learned about an internship with ABC Radio in Dallas, Texas. Some people connected with the internship encouraged Terrence to apply and he did, never thinking he would get it.
But to his surprise he ended up getting the internship, and an opportunity of a lifetime.
"It was a great experience," the 22-year-old said during a phone interview last week as he was working his last days with the company, "and truly a blessing."
Before heading back for his final year at Western Carolina University, Terrence said he got a taste of many different facets of the business from sales and marketing to on-air talent, while in Dallas for 1 1/2 months. He said he thinks the wide-ranging experience will help him, as he has been encouraged to learn how to do several different jobs connected to the business to ensure his success.
Terrence hadn't thought of a career in radio until he attended a seminar his freshman year at WCU, during which students were given information about the different departments.
"One of my friends told me, 'That's you. Communication seems to be your thing.' So I signed up for communication," he said.
Thomas says his son has always been "a clown," wanting to entertain people. And he said Terrence has other important qualities that will help him, no matter what career he decides on.
"I can see him making it in the business, even if it's behind the scenes, because he's got the drive and determination for it," Thomas said.
He said he is proud of his son, not only for getting the internship, but also for the manner in which he presented himself.
"A lot of people don't get these chances, and if they do, they think, 'I don't know what to do,'" Thomas said.
But Terrence has remained coolheaded during his work at the company. In fact, Terrence was so impressive during his time with ABC, Thomas said they want him to come back next year.
"What he got was very, very, very rare," Thomas said.
While Terrence has enjoyed his studies, he said nothing compares to getting involved in the real thing.
"For a kid who doesn't know much about the business to come here and learn about it, was amazing," he said.
He lists some of the things he's learned about this summer, and some of the skills he's gained: making sales calls, contacting the difference networks, 24-hour formats, the engineering side of radio, marketing and research, play lists and how to put the music in the station's database, just for starters.
But maybe the biggest thing Terrence has learned through the experience was just stepping out of his comfort zone and asking for something.
"It just goes to show, if you put yourself out there, there's always someone willing to help," he said.
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