Practically experienced: internship underway
"Hi, this is Chris at Channel 4 Action News."
That's right, it's official. I finally found an internship I can do for credit.
I'm sure if you're someone who would actually care I've already bragged about it to you at some point, but just in case you haven't been such a victim: I have started working at WTAE in PIttsburgh.
It's awesome. So far I've reported on 3 different stories (though I perform the interviews, you never actually see anything but my hand holding the microphone during the broadcasts) and I've spent some time working the assignment desk (answering phones, writing scripts, and stuff like that).
It took a little while to work it into my tightly-packed schedule, but thankfully everything seems to have worked out alright. I work there 3 days a week for about 5 hours at a time, so I'll probably finish the required hours for the credits (120 hours, to be exact) long before the internship is over (projected to be sometime in December).
The internship was really intimidating at first, because even though I have some experience in journalism, I had very little experience in the broadcast sense. Fortunately, I've met some great people at the job who have been helpful, cooperative, and encouraging every step of the way. They've shown me the ropes and answered all my stupid questions. Now I'm actually starting to feel like I know what I'm doing, and I'm more comfortable taking on the new challenges that come my way while working. I'm practically experienced, I tell you.
Anyways, there's more reflection to come, but I want some time to collect my thoughts and write something a bit more insightful than this mind blurb. I'll check back in a few days and let you know more.
Comments
Hurrah for the liberal arts, and hurrah for your wisdom in taking advantage of the opportunities that challenging classes and your own hard work offer you at SHU.
Posted by: Dennis G. Jerz | October 7, 2007 6:56 PM
Thanks, Dr. Jerz. You've always been supportive of me in every respect, and I truly appreciate it.
It's funny, because some of the people I work with have been a little shocked when I told them I don't really have much broadcast experience; I guess they're surprised that I can manage to keep up with the other interns who have actually majored in broadcast journalism and took tons of classes related to it. I mean, sure, I'm still learning and my work may not be as polished as the work of some, but to pick things up this quickly, I obviously have to have something going for me.
I think it's my liberal arts education at SHU. It helps you develop a lot of valuable skills that are useful no matter what kind of work you do. Ultimately, it's not the school you go to, but what kind of education you get that makes the difference.
If you're a SHU student who is worried about finding a job after you graduate, stop worrying. If you work hard all four years, you'll graduate with all that you need to find your way, even if it takes a little longer than you'd like. Trust me on this one.
Posted by: ChrisU | October 7, 2007 11:04 AM
Congratulations, Chris. You've got a lot of talent, and this experience will help you hone those talents in a fast-paced, professional environment. I look forward to hearing about what you learn.
Posted by: Dennis G. Jerz | October 6, 2007 11:46 PM