Class Year 2003
Undergraduate Major
Political Science
What do you do?
Production Assistant, National Public Radio
How did you get your current job?
The old-fashioned way...I had applied and was accepted in NPR's news internship program in the fall of 2003. Once my internship ended, my superiors offered me an opportunity to help with the network's coverage of the presidential election. I've gotten my current position by the generous recommendations of co-workers.
What do you like about your position? I love the fact that I get paid to listen, ask questions and be creative. My job is basically a continuing education. I also love the fast-paced nature of being in a daily news organization.
In particular I've loved the experience I've had producing out in the field. When I'm out in the field, I have more opportunity to really help shape the stories that I'm working on. The field producer often acts as a sound gatherer, problem solver and impromptu interviewer. Whether I was tracking down people to talk to, making my way through two hurricanes or wading through a sea of Obama supporters in Chicago on election night I have had the opportunity to think on my feet and help shape the network's coverage of some important events.
What do you dislike about your position?
Since I'm still relatively new in my job, I've had to learn to really take advantage of my time. Sometimes this means working weekends, missing dinner with friends, working late into the night and taking off to field produce at the last minute. Sometimes that's hard to handle, but most of the time when I've finished with the piece I'm glad that I've made the sacrifice because ultimately the experience producing pays off.
What kind of people do well in your career field?
Journalism is one of those fields where you are constantly juggling three or four things at a time- so its pretty important that you're able to keep yourself organized and mindful of your deadlines.
Its definitely a great field for a self-starter. Since we're constantly working under fixed deadlines there is little time to explain things in detail to people. The best journalists are efficient, curious, logical and aren't afraid to ask questions. It's also a field where you have to be willing to admit to your mistakes, and understand the humbling value of constructive criticism.
What activities where you involved in while at Sewanee? Sorority, Sewanee Purple, WUTS, Women's Center Board
Did any of your summer jobs or internships influence your thinking about careers after college? After college, I considered my previous internship experiences (I had interned for Scottish Parliament) and my major and figured that I was probably best suited for work on Capitol Hill or in some politically related field. I had always thought that journalism would be an exciting field, but was worried that I had little experience that would be useful. Luckily, NPR really values employees from various educational backgrounds and I've found that my liberal arts education has helped my work immensely here.
What advice would you give to students interested in working in your field?
I would advise students to be informed, be ambitious and be honest. These days, many internship programs and jobs are highly competative, and the best way to make yourself stand out is to exhibit that you know about the job you are applying for (the company, its products etc) and that you have something to offer that will make the company better.
I'd also offer the general advice to make sure you're well-informed going into an interview. You don't want to call your interviewer by the wrong name, or (for exmaple) discuss a program that you really like that isn't part of the network's shows.
Lastly I think its important to remember that when you are beginning in any job, there is no job (or salary) that is too small. My experience has been that the employees who are really valued are those who complete their tasks as thoroughly as possible- whether its a big assignment, or a small favor. Even if you don't get immediate recognition, your co-workers will always remember you as someone who is reliable in a pinch.
How can students best prepare themselves while still at Sewanee? Write.Write. Write. Listen thoughtfully. Radio production is as much about the sound you use as the script that the reporter reads from- so listening closely is an important skill to have. Ask lots of questions. Think about how someone different from yourself would approach a particular issue.
What would you do differently? I don't know that I would do much differently. It would be easy to say that more experience in journalism would have helped, but I also think that part of my value as an employee has come from the fact that I came into the job with a completely open mind.
What are your future plans?
I really enjoy production work, so I'm planning to continue on this track for as long as I can.
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