Grad Year: 2019
Program: Bachelor of Arts, Journalism and Sports Media and Communication
Current Position: Digital Media Graduate Assistant with the West Virginia University Department of Intercollegiate Athletics
Current Location: Morgantown, WV
Where are you currently working? Describe your role.
I am currently the digital media graduate assistant with the West Virginia University (WVU) Department of Intercollegiate Athletics. This year, I've been focusing on photography, videography, video editing, and social media for our women's basketball team. I also assist with other sports and events as needed. So far this year, I've worked men's soccer, women's soccer, rowing, volleyball, men's basketball, and football events in a number of different capacity. I also assist with social media planning and execution. Because I am a graduate assistant, I'm also pursuing a Master of Science in Integrated Marketing Communications (IMC) through the Reed College of Media at WVU.
Please provide a timeline of different jobs you've had throughout your career.
1. "Voice" Intern - State Journal Register, 2015-2016
2. Digital Media Intern - Nebraska Athletics, 2017-2019
3. Social Media Intern - Hudl, 2019-2020
4. Digital Media Graduate Assistant - WVU Athletics, 2020-Present
What job do you believe helped you grow the most in your career and why?
It's hard to choose, because all of my jobs have helped me grow, but I think my internship with Nebraska Athletics was the most impactful. The relationships I made while working there led to both of my jobs prior. I learned a lot about social media, graphic design, video editing, and a lot about what I want to do in the future. I was forced to think on my feet and work through problems on the spot, and I think I grew a lot there from when I started as a freshman to my final semester.
What is one CoJMC class or experience that made an impact on you as a student?
I really enjoyed Nebraska Mosaic. I loved the set up of the class, and I felt that the work we were doing actually made a difference. I was able to explore a world in Lincoln that I never would have known about if I hadn't been in that class. Plus, Michelle Hassler is a great professor!
Name a person who helped you be successful at Nebraska and how:
Kelly Mosier. Kelly hired me as an intern at Nebraska Athletics, and took a chance on someone with no real digital or social experience, just a lot of enthusiasm. He gave me the tools to grow as a content creator, and has been an excellent resource for me since. He hired me for a second time at Hudl, and I got the opportunity to learn even more from him. I know I wouldn't be in the position I am today without Kelly, and I am very grateful to him for that. He also taught my Intro to Sports Media class in the spring semester of 2017, which was a fun time.
Fill in the blank: "The best thing about being a Husker is ___________________."
The best thing about being a Husker is the connections. Not only the connections you make while at Nebraska, but after Nebraska as well. Everywhere I go, there's someone who has some sort of tie to Nebraska and the Huskers.
Are you currently working on any special projects?
Not currently - at the end of March I had just wrapped up traveling to Kansas City for the Big 12 Women's Basketball Tournament, and later to the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament in San Antonio, which was a really cool experience! I was the team photographer on both trips, and ended up taking some of my favorite photos while there.
Have you completed any degrees postgraduate? If so, where, when and path of study:
I am currently pursuing my Master of Science in Integrated Marketing Communications at West Virginia University. My anticipated graduation date is December 2021.
What would you say is the most important skill or quality to have "out in the real world"?
Being a team player - talent can get you far, but being a good person to work with means a lot.
What advice do you have for current students, prospective students?
The CoJMC provided a lot of real-world opportunities for learning, and has a great team of academic and career advisors at your disposal (shout out Jill and Kris). You can learn a lot while also having space to grow and do your own thing. Plus, double-majoring is really easy - I got to learn two disciplines while still graduating a semester early.
What advice do you have for current students, prospective students?
I'd tell CoJMC students to take advantage of the opportunities they have, but also to give themselves space to breathe. Find hobbies or activities outside of journalism, sports media, broadcasting, etc. Burnout is very real, and can happen very quickly once you start your career. Make time to enjoy the college experience before it's over!
