It’s not easy to wear several hats in a career, but our Hoboken Girl of the Week makes it look easy. Introducing Emma Kaptein, who is a Production Assistant for the New York Giants. That’s right Giants fans: Emma produces, edits, and coordinates videos for the NY Giants’ social media, website, and TV shows. So while you might have seen her work, you’ll now get to learn about exactly who is behind it all. Read on to learn all about Emma, a Hoboken resident, and jack of all trades — especially when it comes to media + football.
About Emma, according to her:
I started working for the New York Giants as a Production Intern in 2012, and it was the best internship I ever had! After I graduated from Montclair State University in the spring of 2013, I was hired as a freelance Production Assistant. I was a freelancer for a little over two years until the Giants created a full-time position for me in 2015! I knew I wanted to get into production at a young age. I started modeling and acting as a baby (for real, I was the “Gerber Baby” in a Gerber Baby ad). My parents met modeling in Paris in the ’80s and once my mom gave birth to me and my brother Eric, we became the model family and I was signed with Wilhelmina. I continue to model in my spare time, but the exposure of working on commercial sets and live TV shows is really what opened up my eyes and realized I wanted to work in television. I credit my thick skin from my experiences as a model.
On What Inspires Her
My parents are my biggest sources of inspiration. They push me every day to be the best Emma that I can be. They taught me that if I want something in life, it won’t be handed to me. Work hard and be a “go-getter.” My parents introduced me to Tony Robbins’ books and tapes at a young age and his teachings have tremendously helped me create the life I want to live.
Goals + Passions
The passion for my career comes naturally because my father raised me as a Giants fan. Most of my memories growing up with him revolve around going to the games at old Giants Stadium and hosting Super Bowl parties in my basement. I love everything about working for the Giants – it’s not just one thing. Football is my passion.
My personal goal for the upcoming year is to balance my work and personal life better. Once training camp starts it’s pretty much a grind, so making time for myself is my number one priority this year. I set a goal to hit the gym at least 4 times a week! As far as my career at the New York Giants goes, I want to connect with our fans more and attract new followers.
A Typical Day on the Job
I produce, edit, and coordinate video content for social media, Giants.com, and TV shows. I’m also an on-air host for features aired on Giants.com and social media. This year I’m really focusing on our social media content and started managing our Instagram account. For home games, I help coordinate our game day entertainment which includes pre-game ceremonies, anthem performers, halftime entertainment and fan giveaways/contests. I travel with the team for away games, and while I’m on the road with the team I work with our social/digital team.
READ: Hoboken Girl{s} of the Week: Jordan + Joelle {From the HG Team}
The Highs + Lows
I wear multiple hats in my role, and I absolutely love it because it gives me an opportunity to learn every day. The low of my job is when the team comes off a loss.
Highlight of Career {So Far}
The most rewarding part of my job is the interaction with our fans. My number one goal is to make them happy and feel like they are a part of this Giants organization. Growing up as a Giants fan, I understand how important it is.
Home games are the best days of the week. We want all our fans in the stands and guests on the field to have the best experience. Throughout the season we invite season ticket holders, military members, wounded warriors, and cancer survivors to be a part of our gameday presentation. Providing them with a once in a lifetime experience they will remember forever is the goal. When I see people cry of happiness standing on the field holding our flag for the national anthem, or shaking Odell Beckham Jr.’s hand during pregame, that makes my heart smile.
What a Day Off is Like
I hang out with my French Bulldog, Sophie! I barely see her with my crazy work hours so I always make sure to spend lots of time with her! I love taking her to the dog park to play with her favorite soccer ball (she was a soccer player in her past life, I swear), and cuddling with her up on the couch with a glass of red wine.
Advice to Someone Trying to Pursue the Same Career Path
I have two pieces of advice…
1. They always say, “the more you know..” which is absolutely true. The more well-rounded you are the better. Employers are looking for individuals that can do more than just one thing. I went into college thinking “I just want to be an on-air host” based on my experience as a model and actress. Little did I know that I would need to learn how to do everything else before I had the opportunity to stand in front of a camera. However, I realized I love producing content and coordinating live events more than being an on-air host.
2. Never take no for an answer and work harder than you did yesterday. You have to be extremely passionate about this industry or else you won’t last. Willing to work late hours, travel, and at most times put your social life on hold. It’s something not a lot of people are willing to do, but if you love it as much as I do, then it’s not a sacrifice. When I started out freelancing for the Giants, I was a video editor. I told myself that once I graduated college I would never take a job video editing because I disliked it so much, but when the Giants offered me the position I couldn’t say no. I knew it was a once in a lifetime opportunity, and there was room for me to grow.
Hoboken + Jersey City Favorites
What is your favorite restaurant in Hoboken or Jersey City?
Otto Strada.
What is your favorite boutique in Hoboken or Jersey City?
Alba.
What do you love most about Hoboken?
I’m a sucker for views. I absolutely love going for a run down by the water or even hanging out at the park with Sophie in the summertime.
What is your favorite thing to do in Hudson County?
I love trying new restaurants for date night with my boyfriend. Whenever a new place opens up and I read about it on Hoboken Girl, chances are you’ll find me there the next night!
How long have you lived and/or worked in Hoboken or Jersey City?
I have lived in Hoboken for almost 4 years!
^^ A true “fancy seeing you here!” moment — Emma along with the Hoboken Police Department at a Giants game!
What is your favorite outdoor place to spend time in Hoboken?
Pier 13.
What is your favorite place to work out in Hudson County?
CKO Hoboken on Madison street and Surya Yoga midtown.
Where do you go out with friends in the area?
Summertime you will find us at Pier 13 or grabbing drinks on City Bistro’s rooftop. If we ever want to have a crazy night and party like we’re 21 again, we’ll head downtown to Mills Tavern where we take lots of shots with our favorite bartender, Mikey!
What is something you think needs to come to Hoboken or Jersey City?
I would love to see more clothing/shoe stores. I was sad when Ruby & Jenna closed as it was my go-to store. I tend to find myself shopping at Garden State Plaza because they have everything I need (Banana Republic, Gap, Express, etc). It would be nice to have more options when you’re shopping in town!
Thanks for chatting with us, Emma! Stay tuned to see who we feature next week <3
See More: Hoboken Girl of the Week: Satya {4-Year Old Hoboken Resident}
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