Haley Karinja was in second grade when she decided she would live in New York. It was a choice she made after her parents took her to see the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, and she became hooked on the Big Apple.
Now, more than a decade later, Karinja is a Fordham student residing in Manhattan, and she just had the chance to bring her parents to the show—not just as a fan but as an employee of Madison Square Garden Entertainment, the company behind the iconic Rockettes.
“It's just been really special and a full-circle moment, especially for a brand that I love so much,” Karinja said.
Haley Karinja stands onstage at Radio City Music Hall. Photo provided by Karinja.
Leading with Values
Karinja works as a digital content student associate for the Rockettes’ social media team. It’s a multifaceted internship that calls on her to analyze trends and metrics, brainstorm ideas, and create content. A digital technology and emerging media major with a minor in marketing, Karinja originally applied to the company hoping to go into sports and possibly work at Madison Square Garden.
“They asked me a lot of questions about me and my values, and I talked about women’s empowerment and my passion for women in sports,” Karinja said.
She was surprised to find they instead pointed her toward the Rockettes—a brand she was a fan of but wasn't initially considering.
“It was just a perfect fit,” she said.
Learning Outside the Classroom
Karinja’s duties send her from a cubicle to the stage of Radio City depending on the day. In a single week, her tasks might range from tracking social media engagements for analytics reporting, to pitching on-trend ideas for Instagram and TikTok content, to brainstorming innovative brand partnerships.
“It was cool to see the ideas that I brainstormed actually be executed in these shoots,” she said.
Her favorite moments have included meeting with artists like Jordan Chiles, Backstreet Boys, and the Broadway cast of Hadestown.
For Karinja, the ability to apply the lessons learned at Fordham to a real-world context has been invaluable.
“I learned [skills] in classes … but I think I’ve learned the most by actually doing. It's very hands-on learning,” she said.
Karinja credits Fordham’s Career Center for giving her the support to land an internship at a brand she’s loved her whole life. She got involved with the center early and often, meeting with career counselors once a month in her first year to consult on things like writing her resume, filling out applications, and optimizing her LinkedIn profile.
“They were really supportive throughout the whole process,” Karinja said. “Whenever I had a question, I was able to send an email and meet with someone.”
Originally only signed on for the fall and spring of her junior year, Karinja was asked by the Rockettes' social media team to return for her senior year as well.
“I'm really thankful that I get to live so close to these opportunities,” Karinja said. “I think Fordham’s location was really the main reason why I came here, and I’m so happy that that paid off. That decision was the right one.”