Jaiden Louden ’27 is traveling throughout the U.S. this summer as a member of the live production crew for WWE’s (World Wrestling Entertainment) Friday Night Smackdown, an internship he landed with the help of School of Communication Associate Professor Susan Cardillo.
When Jaiden first expressed an interest in a WWE internship, Cardillo contacted the organization’s s human resources department and arranged to bring Jaiden and other students to the WWE headquarters in April to learn more about opportunities there. “Professor Cardillo has helped many students obtain internships and jobs and has pushed us to work toward our career goals,” says Jaiden. “I definitely owe a lot to her.”
Jaiden plans to work in live television news, sports, or entertainment production with the long-term goal of being a producer or floor manager for the WWE. Now he’s getting real-world experience in the WWE’s production truck, the program’s backstage area, and even on the arena floor near the ring. “So far it’s been a great experience being able to travel the country and meet a few people that have been in my shoes and have made it in the field,” he says.
As a high school student, Jaiden says journalism and writing were interests, but once he saw UHart’s TV studio, the Mac editing labs, and the mobile sports production trailer, it became clear digital media and journalism was the perfect major for him. “Working in the Hartford Hawks sports production trailer, the student-run television station STN-2, and taking classes has prepared me for my goal to work in TV production. All these experiences have shaped my path to where I see my career after college.”
Jaiden says his class sizes are small and have a personal feeling to them. “This gives you a chance to work with your classmates and have one-on-ones with your professors, which has been super helpful when it comes to asking questions and getting information about work.”
In addition to his internship and on-campus experiences, Jaiden recently attended the National Association of Broadcasters trade show in Las Vegas with members of STN-2. There he connected with WWE staff and they gave him a tour of the facility where the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) films. He’s also visited the NBC Sports Headquarters in Stamford and did work with Make-A-Wish Foundation Connecticut.
He says his favorite thing about UHart is the people and being able to connect with different areas on campus. “Having a campus that has a good number of things to explore has given me a chance to not be so overwhelmed and open up more.” He advises new students to try to get involved and join a club or two. “This is where you will meet some of the best people and create a lot of great memories along the way.”
Jaiden Louden ’27, Digital Media and JournalismWorking in the Hartford Hawks sports production trailer, the student-run television station STN-2, and taking classes has prepared me for my goal to work in TV production. All these experiences have shaped my path to where I see my career after college.