What are your job responsibilities/duties?
I work on a team that includes an investigative reporter and two other investigative producers covering topics such as public corruption, terrorism, government waste and crime. I pitch, research, conduct interviews, and supervise editing of my stories that typically air on our 6pm and 10pm newscasts. We are also the go-to team for breaking news.
What does a typical day look like?
I browse newspapers, social media, work e-mails before heading to our 9am editorial meeting. Some days I am out in the field doing surveillance for a story, other days I am in- house researching and writing. We do a story for the 6pm newscast Monday through Friday and are usually editing until just before airtime. If there is breaking news all schedules are thrown out and it is all hands on deck.
What do you most enjoy about your job?
I am constantly learning and no two days are the same. I love being a witness to history when covering big stories. One of my favorite assignments is to cover state and federal court cases because I am fascinated by the justice system.
I am also fortunate to work with wonderful and talented people who make my job fun.
What is the most difficult aspect of the job?
Sometimes the uncertainty of breaking news makes it difficult to plan other parts of your life.
What on-campus activities were you involved with? Where did you gain relevant experience?
I was involved with the Student Alumni Association and my sorority. Both helped me learn how to work well with a team and how to network. I also worked at WPGU and have fond memories of running to work in my pajamas before the sun came up in order to make it in time for my shift.
How did your experience at ILLINOIS and in the College of Media prepare you for your professional life? For this specific position?
Many of my teachers ran the classroom like a newsroom and that was great preparation for working in broadcast journalism.
What advice do you have for students interested in this field?
Take risks, be willing to move to a small market for your first job, be persistent, work harder than your co-workers and try out various positions in the newsroom until you find the right fit.
What is one thing that you know now that you wish you had known when you started in the field? When you graduated from the College?
I wish I would not have put so much pressure on myself to have a job immediately after graduation. Sometimes it takes months to find that first tv job.
