Paige Seastedt turns a lifelong love of TV into a dream internship at NBCUniversal

Growing up in Nebraska, Paige Seastedt never imagined she would one day be brushing shoulders with celebrities backstage at the Critics Choice Awards or capturing red carpet arrivals for Bravo TV. But with a lifelong love of movies and television, and the chance to study at a university just a short drive from Los Angeles, she jumped at the opportunity to turn that passion into real-world experience at NBCUniversal.

Since then, Seastedt has explored both the fast-paced world of publicity and the creative side of her current role as a social marketing intern, gaining hands-on experience with some of Bravo and E!’s biggest shows and events.

“My mom watched Bravo from the very beginning and got me hooked,” Seastedt said. “The first show I got super into was ‘Vanderpump Rules.’”

That early love of television helped guide Seastedt through the interview process, and once she began her internship, she quickly realized she was exactly where she was meant to be.

Even though she stepped into the role eager and confident about joining an industry she had admired since childhood, Seastedt says her confidence has truly grown through the accomplishments she’s achieved and seen highlighted in the media.

For example, Seastedt developed a mystery seating chart graphic for “The Real Housewives of Miami” reunion that Bravo shared on Instagram. The post sparked over 2,500 likes and 200 comments, with fans eagerly debating and predicting where their favorite cast members would sit.

“Reunions are the main thing Bravo’s iconic for, so having something I created put out there was a really big deal for me,” Seastedt said. “People were really interactive with that post and it encouraged a lot of engagement.”

Seastedt noted that “Bachelor in Paradise” later created its own mystery seating chart inspired by her idea, which was something she thought was very cool to see in her role as a social marketing intern.

“They put a lot of trust in me to lead creative projects and let me execute my ideas,” Seastedt said. “It gives me confidence and confirms that these are the areas where I thrive.”

According to Seastedt, gaining confidence has made it easier to pitch her ideas during brainstorms, especially with the encouragement and support she receives from her team.
However, Seastedt’s creativity isn’t limited to a digital space. She’s also found herself in the middle of some unforgettable live moments.

This year, Seastedt attended the 30th annual Critics Choice Awards, where she met A-list actors and assisted behind the scenes, guiding winners to press outlets and helping them return to their seats.

“It’s such a silly moment, but I remember Adam Brody came backstage and panicked because he couldn’t find the bathroom,” Seastedt said. “I was able to help him with that and it was such a surreal moment because it reminded me that these are just real people.”

Additionally, Seastedt said the “Vanderpump Rules” photoshoot has been one of her favorite moments at her internship this summer.

“We haven’t been able to post any of that content yet because it’s a brand new cast and no one knows who’s in it yet,” Seastedt said. “It was the cast’s first-ever shoot like this, but it was also mine too, so I felt like I really related to the talent.”

Seastedt also expressed excitement about getting a tour of SUR, the restaurant made iconic by “Vanderpump Rules.”

“I was able to meet and shoot content with Lisa Vanderpump, which was such a full-circle moment for me,” Seastedt said. “To be able to say that I’m a part of the new reboot after watching the show for so many years is amazing.”

Looking ahead, Seastedt is excited to attend Bravocon this November in Las Vegas. Bravocon is a three-day annual convention where Bravo fans gather to celebrate the network’s reality shows and stars.

Seastedt shared that she’ll be the first intern flown out for the event, something that makes the opportunity feel even more special.

“We have a three-hour brainstorm about it next week for all the content we’re going to get,” Seastedt. “Because they believe in me enough to fly me out there, I want to exceed their expectations.”

As Seastedt wraps up her first few weeks at SDSU, she’s eager to pursue a career in social marketing, a path that already feels more like passion than work.

“It would be amazing to stay on my current team after graduation because it’s so much fun,” Seasted said. “I love NBCUniversal.”

For other journalism and media studies students hoping to follow in her footsteps, Seastedt encourages leaning into what excites you most. 

“Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there,” she said. “Take every opportunity you can get and build yourself up because any experience is a valuable experience.”

Seastedt’s path from Bravo fan to social marketing intern reflects the value of following your passions and saying yes to new experiences. As she continues her journey at SDSU and beyond, her story offers a glimpse of the opportunities that await students who are eager to dive in and make their mark.