President of Carolina Productions, Kallie Linsberg, is a driven 20-year-old. The second-year sports and entertainment management student earned the position in January, and will carry it out through December. Involved in multiple extracurricular activities at USC, she doesn’t intend to let an opportunity pass her by– with enthusiasm and endurance, she landed a summer internship at the 2012 Olympics in London.
How did you first get involved with CP?
I saw Carolina Productions stuff set up at my orientation, and asked about it then. When I found out they did event planning, I knew it would be right up my alley because of my major. I immediately joined that fall.
It’s awesome that you became head of CP as only a sophmore. How did you accomplish that?
I was very involved during the meetings and at events, so when it came time to apply for committee spots everyone encouraged me to go for it. The position for president never even crossed my mind until last year’s president asked me if I would ever consider applying for it. My first thought was, “heck no!” I always saw myself more as a behind the scenes worker.
-What has been the biggest challenge thus far?
Sometimes it’s difficult to know when to act as a leader and when to be a friend, but I stay positive and am direct. Nobody is perfect. I always welcome criticism and suggestions from the team about how I can improve.
-Who was your favorite performer last year with Carolina Productions?
ESPN founder Bill Rasmussen. He was inspiring and had great advice. We got to have lunch with him and he told us to always go for what you want and know that nothing is too far out of reach– ESPN got rejected by several companies before someone took a shot at them.
-What excites you most about your internship at the Olympics?
This will be my first time leaving the country! My to-do list for London grows every day. The program gives us freedom to pick the venue with which we will work, and I get to assist the events coordinator. I’m thrilled that it will be a learning experience and hopefully will gain more responsibility through the summer if they like my work and attitude.
-What advice would you give to your classmates?
There are so many wonderful opportunities offered here that have opened many doors for me already, so I’d say get involved in something! Doing it early makes a difference because if you have the exposure and experience when an opportunity arrives, you’ll be more prepared than other people. Just go for it!
