For Nick Fortuna ’26, this summer was all about speed, storytelling, and sports. A Graphic Design major, Fortuna spent his summer as a Short Form Content Intern at NESN, editing fast-paced video content and designing eye-catching graphics for one of New England’s leading sports networks. From YouTube Shorts to Instagram posts, his work helped shape the digital presence of a brand deeply embedded in Boston sports culture.
“I edited short form content for YouTube Shorts and Instagram, and designed thumbnails for their YouTube channel and cover photos for Instagram,” Fortuna explains. In a digital-first media landscape, those visuals matter. A strong thumbnail or a quick-turnaround clip can determine whether a piece of content captures attention or gets scrolled past.
Landing the opportunity came down to initiative. Fortuna reached out to a connection who had worked at NESN, which led him to the right application and contact person. That networking opened the door to a hands-on internship inside a professional sports media environment. One of the biggest skills he developed was working under pressure. “It definitely helped me create under pressure,” he says. “Some projects had quick turnarounds as a short on the same day, so it helped me get better at creating faster when it’s needed.”
The fast-paced workflow sharpened not only his technical editing skills, but also his decision-making. Producing daily content meant learning how to prioritize, adapt, and trust creative instincts while maintaining brand consistency.
One standout moment from the summer came at Women’s Appreciation Night at Fenway Park. Fortuna and the team spent the day filming interviews inside the historic ballpark before staying to watch the game.“It was super cool to see the different parts of the park, including the Broadcast Booth and TV studio NESN has there,” he says.
Beyond the excitement of Fenway, the internship expanded his professional network. Working alongside industry professionals gave him exposure to connections within NESN and across Boston’s sports organizations. The experience also reinforced the importance of consistency and professionalism in a real-world workplace.
“This definitely set me up for success in the future,” Fortuna reflects. “It helped develop my skills with graphic design and editing by working on it every day, and it helped my professional skills by working in a professional work environment.”
For Fortuna, the summer wasn’t just about creating content, but about understanding how media moves at the speed of the game. And with sharper skills, stronger connections, and real-world experience under his belt, he’s ready for whatever comes next.
