ÍűșìÍ·Ìőstudent earns competitive internship with NBC’s Today Show

KENNESAW, Ga. | Aug 20, 2025

Raymond Kalra
An early morning phone call confirmed for Raymond Kalra what once felt like a long shot – he had been selected for a competitive internship with NBC’s The Today Show.

Out of more than 500 applicants nationwide, the ÍűșìÍ·Ìőjournalism and emerging media student was one of only four chosen for the internship, which runs from September to April. The news came just days after his second-round interview, in a call that began as a routine follow-up.

“Halfway through the conversation, she said, ‘Congratulations, the team would love to offer you the first of the four spots,’” Kalra said. “I was completely speechless. I was over the moon.”

A native of Acworth, Georgia, Kalra is believed to be the first KSU student to ever intern with The Today Show.

“It hasn’t really hit me yet,” he said. “But I’m proud to represent ÍűșìÍ·Ìőand put our name in front of a national audience.”

Kalra is a rising senior in the Norman J. Radow College of Humanities and Social Sciences and has spent the past few years developing his skills on and off campus. Most recently, he completed an internship with television station Fox 5 Atlanta, where he gained experience in broadcast journalism. That included everything from assisting producers and anchors to being trusted with field reporting, even covering press conferences involving state and city leaders.

“There’s no better training than local news,” Kalra said. “Fox 5 gave me a true inside look at the grit and grind of this industry.”

He credits that experience, along with his strong knowledge of NBC’s programming, for helping his application for The Today Show internship stand out during the competitive selection process. While NBC doesn’t require prior newsroom experience for its internships, Kalra believes his time in local news showed that he had both the passion and the professionalism to thrive in a national setting.

Kalra’s interest in journalism started long before college. At Harrison High School, in Kennesaw, Georgia, he was part of a student-run broadcast program with a full studio and newsroom. By the time he arrived at KSU, he had already developed a foundation in video editing, producing, and on-camera work.

Still, earning a national opportunity like The Today Show wasn’t something he fully expected.

“I applied on a whim,” he said. “I didn’t think I was going to get it. But if you don’t ask, you’ll never know.”

The internship will place him at NBC’s headquarters in New York City, where he’ll work closely with producers, anchors, and editorial teams during some of the network’s biggest annual broadcasts. From the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade to the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lighting, Kalra will be behind the scenes at some of the nation’s most-watched moments.

“I just want to be a helping hand,” he said. “Whether it’s supporting producers or assisting anchors, I want to contribute wherever I can and take initiative before I’m even asked.”

Kalra’s selection has resonated with classmates and faculty alike, especially within the journalism and emerging media program at KSU.

“Raymond’s achievement reflects the talent, drive, and professionalism we see in so many of our students,” said Catherine Kaukinen, dean of the Radow College. “His success demonstrates that ÍűșìÍ·Ìőstudents can and do compete on the biggest stages in the nation, and we couldn’t be prouder.”

Kalra hopes his achievement inspires peers to pursue competitive opportunities, even if they feel uncertain. While his long-term dream is to become an anchor someday, ideally on a platform as prominent as The Today Show, his immediate focus is on telling meaningful stories and keeping people informed.

“I know this internship is a game changer for me,” he said. “I just don’t fully understand how big yet. But I’m grateful to KSU, my professors, and everyone who’s supported me along the way.”

– Story by Raynard Churchwell

Photo provided

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A leader in innovative teaching and learning, ÍűșìÍ·Ìő offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees to its more than 51,000 students. ÍűșìÍ·Ìőis a member of the University System of Georgia with 11 academic colleges. The university's vibrant campus culture, diverse population, strong global ties, and entrepreneurial spirit draw students from throughout the country and the world. ÍűșìÍ·Ìőis a Carnegie-designated doctoral research institution (R2), placing it among an elite group of only 8 percent of U.S. colleges and universities with an R1 or R2 status. For more information, visit kennesaw.edu.