Immersed Into Sports Media

Maryland Sprinter Jasmine Sharps participated in the CBS Sports Immersion Program, where she attended the Big Ten Men’s Basketball Tournament from March 13–16 in Chicago.

For the fourth consecutive year, CBS Sports and the Big Ten teamed up to provide 12 current Big Ten student-athletes with an experiential program to expose them to the inner workings of sports journalism, media, and broadcasting careers during the women’s and men’s basketball tournaments. Student-athletes learned from CBS Sports producers, directors, on-air talent, operation leads, and Big Ten Conference staff.

Sharps enhanced and explored careers in media, was added to diverse pipelines for CBS Sports and Paramount Global, and developed relationships with the CBS Sports staff — as well as encountered many more life-changing experiences.

The freshman studying communication is a native of Glen Burnie, Maryland, and a graduate of Archbishop Carroll High School and IMG Academy. A highly decorated high school athlete, she was a six-time All-American, seven-time state champion, and three-time state record holder, earning multiple Washington Post honors including Indoor Athlete of the Year. 

Sharps was featured on the Big Ten’s LinkedIn post recapping the week, and she shared her experience at the Big Ten Men’s Basketball Tournament in Indianapolis as part of the CBS Sports Immersion Program and how she became interested in a career in sports media:

What initially drew you to the CBS Immersion Program?

What first drew me to the CBS Immersion Program was the opportunity to see how sports media works in real life. I have always been interested in sports and the media side of it, but I never fully understood how much work goes into it. This program gave me the chance to learn what really happens during big games and how everything comes together behind the scenes. I was especially excited about the hands-on experience and the chance to learn directly from professionals who work in the industry every day. I also saw it as a great opportunity to step out of my comfort zone, meet new people, and explore a possible career path in sports media.

What types of activities, assignments, or behind-the-scenes experiences were you involved in during your time with CBS?

During the program, I was able to take part in a lot of hands-on activities. I helped with social media during a live game by capturing moments from fans and showing the energy of the tournament. I also got the chance to go inside the production trucks, where I saw how the game is filmed and broadcast. It was really interesting to see all the work that happens that most people don’t get to see.

Who were some of the most impactful people you met, and how did they influence your experience?

One of the most meaningful parts of the experience was the people I met. Everyone I met made a difference. The other students and athletes taught me the importance of teamwork, confidence, and strong communication skills. They encouraged me to ask questions, be bold, and show my personality. I also met professionals from CBS, the Big Ten, and Paramount+, who shared valuable advice and taught me a lot about careers in sports and media.

Did the program change how you view careers in sports/media? 

This program changed how I view careers in this field. I learned that there is much more work behind the scenes than people realize. It’s not just about filming a game—there are hours of preparation, planning, and teamwork that go into making everything run smoothly.

How would you describe your overall experience in the program in a few words?

Overall, I would describe my experience as fun, exciting, eye-opening, and something I am truly grateful for. It was a meaningful opportunity that I will always remember.

What advice would you give to future students considering the CBS Immersion Program?

My advice to future students is simple: do it. This program is an amazing experience where you can meet new people, make connections, and learn more about your future career. It also gives you the chance to see people doing jobs you may want one day, which is really inspiring.