Walker Post
Graduation Year
May 2018
Major
Broadcast Journalism
Minor
Sociology
Hometown
Chicago
Campus Activities
WPGU - On-Air Personality
Society of Professional Journalists UIUC - Vice President
Acacia Fraternity - Junior Dean
Tilt app - Campus Manager
The Clybourne – Bartender
The Rapport--Founder/Editor
Hobbies
Guitar, Fitness, Reading, Cycling
Instagram
wkpost
LinkedIn
Employer
WTTW/PBS
Internship Title
Chicago Tonight Intern
What were your duties?
- Conduct research and work closely with producers to ensure smoothly operated daily news segments
- Assist reporters and producers with reporting on stories, editing video packages and transcribing scripts
- Pitch story ideas to producers
- Greet and accommodate guests of the Chicago Tonight program
What did you most enjoy about your internship?
The thing I enjoyed most about the internship was meeting all of the guests. From Mayor Rahm Emanuel to Game of Thrones actors, the variety of interesting people that were on the show was awesome. As the intern I got to spend time with the guests behind the scenes. I was able to learn a lot from these people who were more than happy to offer career advice and definitely had great stories to tell.
What was the most difficult aspect of the internship?
The most difficult aspect was accomplishing everything I wanted to in a matter of two months. The internship flew by and I wished I had had more time to do reporting and get to know the staff better. Each producer, reporter, lighting director etc. has an incredible amount of wisdom that they are more than happy to share.
How did your experience at ILLINOIS and in the College of Media prepare you for your internship?
My experience with the University of Illinois and College of Media helped me prepare for the internship by giving me a solid foundation of reporting skills that were necessary at Chicago Tonight. Illinois has also taught me to go above and beyond what is expected of you in order to succeed.
How has your internship prepared you for a career?
The Chicago Tonight Internship has prepared me for a career in journalism by teaching me how important it is to be well rounded in your skill set. From writing updates, to pitching stories ideas, to highlighting the importance of social skills, the internship made me practice these things everyday. Being a journalist requires you to be actively engaged with your staff, audience and the news happening around you.
What recommendations do you have for other students about doing an internship?
I cannot stress enough the importance of creating and developing relationships. The relationships you form may be the reason you get your first internship or job. Once you land an internship, keep yourself busy! If you find yourself with free time on your hands, ask around and see who you can help or what else there is to learn.
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