Hometown: Memphis, TN

Degree: Sports Communication, 2008

What are the responsibilities of your current position?

As a member of the news production department for WPTY(ABC 24), my duty is to mix the audio for the evening newscasts. As a sports assistant for the station, my duties include videography, editing, writing web updates and stories for the station's website, and helping the sports department brainstorm story ideas. As a staff writer for Rivals.com, I cover prep sports such as football and basketball. I also cover football, women’s basketball, and men’s basketball for the University of Memphis.

How did your education at MSU prepare you for working in the field?

While at Mississippi State, I had the opportunity to get an in depth look at the sports business world through sports administration and television broadcasting. The opportunities to see experienced professionals in their elements were endless. I remember attending numerous career fairs, symposiums, and outings to cities where professional organizations resided. One year, I was fortunate to visit Memphis with the S.P.O.R.T.S. Honor Society (Students Professional Organization for Research and Training in Sports). We got a chance to visit all the professional organizations in Memphis: The Memphis Grizzlies, Memphis Redbirds, The Liberty Bowl, and the Memphis Racquet Club. I will not forget that experience, getting a chance to see all the decision makers in their element and seeing the operations in full effect.

What advice would you give to current students looking for internships or jobs in the field?

The advice I would give to students looking for internships in their field is to start early and do as many as you can. The more experience you gain will benefit you in the long run. Even if you can’t receive credit for it in your freshman or sophomore year, it doesn’t mean that you can’t record it on your resume as experience you have gained. Also, if you start early, you can narrow down your interests in that field and know exactly if that is the direction you would like to stay in and pinpoint down to the exact mark of what it is you want to do specifically. Create as many opportunities for yourself and take advantage of every opportunity.