Major:
Journalism
Year Graduated:
2013
Hometown:
Kingsport, Tennessee
Current City:
New York, New York
Current Employer:
Associate Director at CBS Sports
Top played song on your playlist?:
Right now, I’ve been listening to Beyoncé’s new album Lemonade on repeat, but my top song changes once I hear a new favorite beat!
Where has your CI degree taken you?:
Since graduating in May of 2013, I decided to move to New York City shortly after and pursue my dream career in broadcast television. First, I became a Production Assistant for CBS Sports. After a couple of years and many hours of training, observing and learning I became a Freelance Associate Director. It was challenging but the College of Communication and Information made it possible for me.
As an AD I have many different roles at CBS. On the weekends, you can find me in a mini control room with a technical director and an omneon operator integrating commercials and scores for NFL, SEC football, NCAA basketball and PGA golf tournaments. I am also an AD in the studio. I count in and out of tape pieces, integrate commercials and make sure the show stays on time as programming scheduled. I time exactly when we have to be back from halftime for the start of the second half and when we have to be off-air. On other days of the week I also work for CBS This Morning, playing back live on-air graphics, printing and sourcing scripts for the director, among other jobs.
While I was in college I was an ambassador for CI, I interned for UK Public Relations Video Department and I worked every weekend as the Assignment Editor for the Lexington CBS affiliate, WKYT. All of those opportunities got me to where I am today.
In addition to the opportunities in Lexington, during the summer of 2012 I interned for the VP of Broadcast Operations at CBS Sports in New York City. This is where I met mentors, friends and now people who are my co-workers and made a huge impact on my career.
What is your favorite thing about your job?:
I never have the same day twice; it’s an adventure every day! My all-time favorite thing though is definitely the thrill and adrenaline rush that live television gives me.
What¹s the most valuable thing you learned in CI?:
The most valuable thing that CI taught me is learning to trust the people you work with, especially when you’re on-air in the middle of a show. Everyone on the show has their own job to do and as long as they hold up their part, then the show will go smoothly.
What advice would you give to current CI students?:
The best advice I can give a current student is to always take the opportunities that are presented to you, even if it is out of your comfort zone. Every opportunity is a chance to learn about the industry and what you like or dislike about certain jobs. Also, I cannot stress enough to participate in multiple internships, you can learn a lot. Find a mentor or someone that you connect with, stay in touch and someday it could turn into you landing your first job!