What are your job responsibilities/duties?
I am currently an Associate Operator in the Playout position. This position is within the Control Room and utilizes the EPlay application to play back video for air from four separate ports,
What does a typical day look like?
Typically a day consists of me coming in and working on a studio show such as SportsCenter or Baseball Tonight, or working on football or basketball games that we air on our networks. I make sure the clips we need for the show are good for air, and play them as needed by the director.
What do you most enjoy about your job?
The thing I enjoy most about working for ESPN is having close contact and connections with people who are in positions I eventually want to end up in. Since I see these people on a daily basis, I am put in a position where I can gain great knowledge and even mentors.
What is the most difficult aspect of the job?
The most difficult part about my job is knowing that any mistakes I make are seen by whoever is watching our network. If I play the wrong clip, or accidentally eject a clip live on air, the audience at home will see it.
What on-campus activities were you involved with? Where did you gain relevant experience?
While on campus I was a part of ESPNU Campus Connection and Big Ten Student.
How did your experience at ILLINOIS and in the College of Media prepare you for your professional life? For this specific position?
My experience at ILLINOIS was great. It taught me to hustle and that there are no hand outs. That's the same thing that goes for the real world. The media world is changing. You may not get a job right after college, for me it took a year. But if you keep grinding, keep applying, what's meant for you and your life will happen. Never give up. EVER.
What advice do you have for students interested in this field?
For anyone that is interested in going into the Sports Broadcasting field, I would say to START NOW. Apply for those internships, start getting your reel together, and use your resources. Reach out to alum at companies you want to work at and see what positions are open. Start building those connections now so that when it's time for graduation you won't start freaking out.
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 knew that some of the jobs here at ESPN you don't even need a college degree for some of the positions that are available, meaning I could've started applying for full time positions here right after high school.
