Tripping, but never falling

Sometimes you just have to roll with the punches and keep going. You may stumble and of course it's never easy, but we all have doo it at some point or another. For me, Monday proved to be that day when I stumbled.

I’d be having some second thoughts about my interviews for my Capstone project for a few days and finally came to the logical conclusion that I should consult my adviser, Mr. Weaver. I knew he would have some insightful words and even some criticism, which I needed being that my presentation date is looming in the distance. Looking at the interviews more, I knew they were not up to, not just my standards, but broadcast standards in general. I tried to be creative with a shot of the player standing in front of the grandstands and the “Westminster” board in the background. My attempt at creativity was foiled when I knew I left far too much headroom was left from the subject’s head to the top of the shot

I feared the worst and got it. Mr. Weaver confirmed that the interviews were not of good broadcast standards and I should reshoot them. Naturally, I panicked and cried (yes, I cry sometimes), fearing I would not be able to finish everything in time. I quickly collected myself and headed down to the athletic office to reschedule the interviews with some of the players and coaches I had originally interviewed. Thankfully, they were more than willing to help me out and we settled to reshoot the interviews on Tuesday all right in a row.

All went well and here I am, nearly 72 hours removed from the whole ordeal, realizing this has proven to be a blessing in disguise of sorts. I have edited for hours on end the past two days and am slowly reaching the end of my Capstone process.

In retrospect, after originally conducting 10 interviews (12 including coaches), I am extremely pleased with the six (four players, two coaches) interviews I did. I guess the saying’s true then; it really is quality over quantity in most instances. My brief, 30 second interviews with the players and coaches produced a wealth of information and a professional setting from the TV studio, making my Capstone look professional and more eye catching.

I’m now moving with great progress and really think that, though Monday seemed like the end of the world, it was just there to remind me that I can always produce better work and there is always room for improvement, large or small. You always need to look at the glass as half full. It really helped me this week.

As I move into the final phases of editing my last two interviews and taking care of small items and details in my project, I realize that this project is really bringing out the best in me. It’s challenging me and I’m actually enjoying it. It’s making me produce my absolute best work possible, not just for a grade, but for the football program who will use it when recruits come to visit in a couple short weeks.

As my presentation date draws nearer, I know that I am capable of creating and showing a polished, professional and enticing piece of work to the football coaches and players, my fellow professors and classmates, as well as my family and closest friends. I’m really looking forward to Monday in hopes that my project will be a complete and final display of my entire work in the broadcast communications department at Westminster College.

Dining 'n Shining my way into the real world!

Upon first thought, I didn’t really want to attend the Career Center’s annual Dine ‘n Shine event. I thought I knew all there was to know about interview and dinner etiquette, but I could not have been any more wrong. There were so many things I never even though of before. I was surprised to learn that around 80% of second interviews are conducted over lunch or dinner. That’s quite a staggering number. The other tips and tools I learned will certainly help me for that second interview, should it be over a meal.
Most people would never think to eat before attending a dinner or luncheon, but when you’re dealing with a second interview or conference where there will be a meal served you should eat beforehand. The reason: You’re not really going to have time to dedicate to eating a full meal if there’s discussion and questions going around. It seemed a little odd at first, but now I realize how smart of a tip this is. Not appearing gluttonous or over ordering food creates a good impression on a future employer or co-workers. It also gives you more time to discuss important matters or convey why you would make a stellar employee in an interview. I would hate to be trying to tell someone about myself and my work ethic while trying to eat a full meal. Having smaller portions is a great idea and it allows more time to have important discussions. Going along with the food, I also enjoyed the list of foods NOT to eat while at a luncheon or dinner interview/conference. Topping the list were French onion soup and spaghetti. Many people wouldn’t even think twice before ordering, so having that in mind comes in handy when ordering. Generally, the rule is to avoid anything remotely messy or something that could become messy.
In addition to the eating dos and don’ts, there were also some other table tips and tricks that will certainly come in handy someday. Cutting a few pieces of your meal is the polite way to eat and also eating continental style, keeping fork and knife in hand and not switching after cutting, cuts down on noise. Even the dress tips they showed us on how to tell the difference between business casual and business professional. It was a refresher on what to wear during interviews once I step out into the real work and what a potential dress code will be like in my given work environment. I now know what the true definition of business casual is and what is acceptable for that and business professional.
All of these tips, from table manners to dressing properly, really impressed upon me the value of knowing what to do in these situations once I apply for jobs and even when I am well into the work force. I plan on carrying all these tips with my as I embark upon my job interviews, knowing well that my follow up interview for any job could be a meal. It’s always helpful to have instruction on how to properly conduct yourself in those kinds of settings and now, with that knowledge, I can feel confident when I find myself in these kinds of situations.

Getting on the ball with job hunting

This week for our blog posting our assignment was to find an actual broadcast related job posting and write a cover letter for it. I found it a little difficult at first to find a job that I thought fit me best, but eventually I came across an on-air talent job at WXDX 105.9 Pittsburgh. I listen to "The X" quite frequently and think that my experience here at Titan Radio has preparred me well for a radio on-air job. I am very open to working on-air for radio and the job description suits me very well. There are also components to this job, not just on air, which is a plus. I am able to multitask and feel that I am capable of undertaking this job. Hopefully, this cover letter will help me and communicate my talents and responsibilities.

Clear Channel
200 Fleet Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15220

To Whom It May Concern:

I recently discovered your posting for an on air talent at 105.9 WXDX Pittsburgh. As a Broadcast Journalism major, who works extensively for my college’s radio and television stations, I believe that I am qualified to undertake an on-air job with Clear Channel, particularly WXDX Pittsburgh.

At Westminster College my responsibilities include writer, news reporter, producer, disc jockey and interviewer for our radio station, Titan Radio Digital 88.9 FM. Working as a regular disc jockey and radio news reporter, I am able effectively prepare myself for news shifts and on-air spots. I adequately research and create effective and entertaining talk break segments for radio and am able to ad lib confidently. I believe my knowledge of your alternative radio format will benefit both WXDX and myself.

I have also served as an on-air color commentator for Wilmington Area High School football game broadcasts on Titan Radio, in addition to sidelines reporter for Westminster College football. I am experienced in the television field as well. I am a regular interviewer for our “County Close-Up” segment and have anchored on some occasions. Also, I write and present a weekly on-air sports report for the Presidents Athletic Conference on our “Coach’s Corner” program.

I have produced, written, filmed, and edited a public service announcement and am currently in the final stages of producing and editing my senior Capstone project, which is a high school recruiting video for the Westminster Football Program. I feel that my experience with radio, television, sports broadcasting, and creating a PSA, have provided me with the proper training required for employment with this station. My coursework in broadcast journalism, sports broadcasting, radio and television announcing, public relations, media management, and audio production have fully prepared me to undertake this job with Clear Channel.

I would appreciate the opportunity to speak with you about this employment opportunity. Please, feel free to view my resume and contact me to explore my background further. Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

Christina Roseto