The last hurrah!

Well, this seems to be it for the Capstone experience. There’s been so much to ponder, create, develop, and complete these past two semesters and, to tell you the truth, I’ve grown from it all. When I walked through the doors of our Capstone classroom last January, I had no clue what to expect and was even more dumbfound when it came to thinking of a project idea to draft. I was struggling for ideas and was extremely frustrated. In fact, I was so frustrated; I gave up on thinking up ideas. Thankfully, Dr. B, the department chair, and Mr. Weaver, our Capstone adviser, really pushed me and gave me a solid idea, which became the recruiting video for the Westminster Football Program. My project was quite an undertaking. I had to understand my client’s (Coach Jeff Hand) ideas for the video as well as communicate my own ideas, without being intrusive or shrugging off his. I had ten game’s worth of highlights to compile and cut down to the very best plays from the season into one minute clips for each game. Then there were the interviews. A critical and senseless, yet unintentional, error on my part in setting up my shot for my player and coach interviews nearly ruined the project I had poured so much of my time into. Thanks to my fellow broadcast communications majors, Mr. Weaver, our chief engineer, Chuck Chirozzi, and the understanding from Coach Hand, coaches, and players, I was able to re-shoot the interviews and make my project look a hundred times better than it did before. Without those people, it would not have been and I fully realize that. After countless hours in the edit bay toying around to find the right shot and the perfect graphic and meeting with Coach and his staff, I completed my Capstone project. No one could have prepared me for the feeling I experienced upon total completion Capstone. Looking at the recruiting video, knowing I had labored so intensely and diligently to make it the best work possible, I felt a sense of accomplishment I have never felt before. I knew at this moment I had really grown worlds from that clueless person last January who couldn’t even think of a project idea. I was watching something that I knew would satisfy my client and his staff, but, moreover, I knew this project would serve me in the near future when I begin the job hunting. Walking away from the Capstone experience, I am taking a new positive attitude and sense of confidence in my work with me. These two things have, along with my project, developed as I ventured through the Capstone process. In the beginning, I thought very negatively about whatever my project would be and how it would probably not be good enough or measure up to anyone else’s. Then, once my idea developed and the ball got rolling, my attitude did a total 180. Soon, I realized this project was going to be as good as I could make it as long as I stayed positive and confident. Branching out into the real world with this attitude change and a boost in my confidence will serve me well with whatever job I undertake. Having confidence really gives you a leg up in interviews and in a job situation and coupling that with a positive attitude makes you an easy and pleasant person to work with. I’m looking forward to staying true to these qualities and contributing my ideas to the work force no matter where I end up. I feel now, more than ever, that my experience through Capstone really gave me a better sense of myself, in addition to making me realize my full potential and that’s something absolutely necessary to have when entering the real world. I walk away from this experience well tested, confident and ready to tackle whatever the real world has to throw at me!

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

A challenge to face

Over the past four years, I’ve genuinely enjoyed all of my broadcasting classes; however, there is one class that, despite my enjoyment, was extremely difficult. broadcast journalism, or simply BC 311 to students, was quite a bridge to cross for me. It wasn’t so much the difficulty, but really the work and extreme effort that needed to be put forth. Broadcast journalism forced me to strive for perfection in my newscasts before they were aired. Week after week, I found it challenging to collect sound bites or to form stories around the sound bites I already had. Attending the New Wilmington Borough meetings was a great help. There was always a story going on there and borough council members were always willing to speak on the record after the meetings. Most of the time, they gave great information that could really enhance a story.
Weekly deadlines for ACTs and WRAPs really put the pressure on me. When there were weeks when the news around the area was slow, I struggled and really went hunting for things or looked for updates on a previous story of great importance. The other issue was people not wanting to talk or refusing to comment over the phone. Hospital employees and police stations were some places where comments and sound bites were hard to come by. That was another difficult issue, because when a big story broke, especially an accident or fire, sometimes police or other emergency authorities could not comment on the situation or victims involved. It was a struggle to call them sometimes repeatedly in a newscast, but when you need information it became a necessary component when I was in the newsroom.
Things eventually got easier. I began preparing earlier and more often before my newscasts. I even made breakthroughs with the emergency agencies, which began to realize my persistence and would disclose information once it became available. My stories became stronger as the semester progressed, through hard work within class and having my peers along with Prof. Weaver read and revise each of my stories. The red marks on my stories decreased and I became more confident when seeking out stories. Borough stories became more vital to campus and the borough itself, such as the construction on Maple St. and the eventual elimination of some parking along that same street. I made sure my bites were concise, but to the point, and involved the most important people tied to that story.
Since completing broadcast journalism, I have kept all of my air checks from each newscast as well as a copy of many of my scripts. I’ve been able to help younger students in the major with their newscasts, in addition to their EP. The stories I wrote for broadcast journalism helped me overall with my writing and my confidence in asking and calling for sound bites. It also challenged me to go after the hard and sometimes controversial stories. It also helped me when I had to call for stories in the sports department this summer at KDKA. While I wasn’t collecting sound bites, many times we needed a comment from a coach or athlete regarding a story or situation. I made the calls and without hesitation. I knew my experience from broadcast journalism had prepared me for this. This experience will help when I enter the professional world, whether in news or in another career. I will be creating stories and need to use what I learned to create an exceptional piece of work.
Professionally, broadcast journalism was a wake up call. It forced me to act even more professional than I ever had before. I’m actually very thankful for this class. It forced me to work my absolute hardest, please my executive producer as well as my peers and professor, and make my stories interesting and informative, while also being easy to listen to and read. Since broadcast journalism, I’ve taken my new work ethic and ability to write concise and radio worthy stories, along with new found confidence in seeking out news worthy stories and making calls for exceptional sound bites. It was a challenging class, but in the end became the most helpful. Through all my hard work, I believe I can effectively craft news stories and all the challenges that go along with it.

My hope for a close friend in the furute

Going back to Westminster after 10 years is an interesting thought. When I arrive back on campus in 10 years one of the first people I hope to see is Nate Dodd. Nate is one of my closest friends both in and out of the newsroom. We met when he transferred from Bloomsburg University after first semester of freshman year. We remain extremely close and I consider him one of my few best friends. It’s great having something as understanding and fun loving as him around to give both advice and humor.
Nate’s work ethic will take him far in life. Since his arrival at Westminster, Nate has jumped head first into broadcasting. He has had many Titan Radio news shifts along with a radio jock shift every semester. Nate has also lent his hand into production, camera, and several other duties on the set of The County Line. His positive energy and hard work always shine through, even in seemingly difficult situations. Both of these qualities are testaments to Nate’s ability to take his career to the highest level. I have no doubt that they, in addition to his charismatic personality and assertive nature, will carry him far. These qualities will shine through in the future as he embarks upon his career.
Along the way, Nate developed an interest in public relations, which resulted in him picking up a minor in it. His work within his public relations courses improved his work within the broadcast department. Nate incorporated what he learned in PR into broadcasting by creating promos and other valuable ways of informing the public about the work within the broadcasting department. Despite a busy schedule of both PR and broadcasting classes, Nate remains involved in both departments. Along the way, he has gained a great deal of responsibility in both departments along with exuding much personality and ambition to succeed. Through his senior Capstone project of better promoting The County Line and Titan Radio, Nate has used both broadcasting and public relations skills to convey his message. His course work in both departments has enabled him to craft a professional and informative Capstone. With this display of work, Nate has put himself in a versatile position to pursue a career in either broadcasting or public relations. That said, I can easily see him working in a public relations department of a television news station. This gives Nate the best of both words. He loves working in television and public relations all at the same time and with a stellar background in broadcasting and grasp of public relations would be able to find a great job that incorporates both. Nate could use his saved work from broadcasting and PR, such as air checks, news scripts, production run downs, experiential work in PR, and overall Capstone project, to obtain a career that incorporates both fields. I believe he could really establish himself as a leader with his experience in these fields.
Nate may have to start out small, just as all of us may have to, but I can see his professional career moving along at a good pace if he pushes himself to work to the best of his ability, which I have seen him done many times before. In 10 years, I hope to see Nate back at homecoming gabbing about his job in both broadcasting and public relations. I certainly will not be surprised if Nate is very successful in one field or the other after his hard work and dedication in both departments during his time at Westminster.

Someone to look up to in broadcasting

There are several alums within the broadcast department here at Westminster that have helped me adjust over the past 3 years. While all of them helped me in their own way, one person stands out amongst the rest. Mike Wolenski was a great help when I became involved in broadcasting. From the time I took on my first jock shift, Mike was around to show me how to operate the board and teach me about doing a good talk break and how to lead into songs effectively. It was a great help to have someone who knew what they were doing helping me making each shift better. At the time, Mike had a busy schedule and was in the radio station constantly. I know there were probably days where he had a ton to do, but still stayed to help me get adjusted to the station. Mike was always very understanding and great with explaining how to operate everything. He always make sure that I had a good grasp on what I was doing and if I needed any other help. Best of all, Mike was personable. I could comfortably ask him for help, even if it was something really insignificant that I forgot to do. Mike used his Titan Radio expertise to give us tips and tricks on how to improve our presentation on the radio. He was also around when I transitioned into radio news. Though another BC major was my executive producer, Mike was always there for extra help. It was reassuring to have someone around who was as helpful as Mike. Because of him I was able to have great talk breaks for my air check tapes and to be creative during these breaks and when I introduced songs with long intros. Mike was also someone who was really driven and always working hard. He really provided a great example to follow for the students that he helped.