Why We Love Our Alumni

… We’ve got each others’ backs. I just got back from an amazing trip to NYC. I go with my dad every year, and I was hoping to shake things up this time around with a fun, new activity. So, I randomly Facebooked a Mizzou alumus who works at the Today Show. Erica Zucco is a producer there and was more than willing to walk us around the NBC building, letting us peek into control rooms and studios. She was so sweet and accommodating. My dad reminded me how important it is to remember how well Erica treated us, so that I can do the same for future Mizzou students who need a favor down the road. So, take that as a holiday tip! This year, I’m thankful for you guys!

 

Get Really Good at Stuff

MU senior Angie Case is majoring in convergence journalism. She snuck in the back of the broadcasters’ #realworldlunch for a few tips that could help multimedia folk, like herself.

Case says she was struck by what convergence grad Chris Spurlock shared about journalists marketing themselves. She remembers him suggesting students find a niche to differentiate themselves from others, as too many boast being able to do it all.

“This made me realize that even though in convergence we learn to do everything, finding one or two things to focus in on and learn really well will give me an edge in certain jobs because I will have an expertise that sets me apart,” Case says.

That’s one of the reasons Case spends her time blogging about local theatre at Standing Ovation. So, find your niche folks. Thanks for the tip, Spurlock!

What About the Students that Missed #realworldlunch?

Not everybody could make it to Jen’s #realworldlunch… Let’s not forget that those who missed it have questions about the biz too!

Radio/TV senior Stu Downing asks, “What are newsrooms like outside of KOMU? I’m sure every one is slightly different, but are there similarities? What should I expect?”

Alumni, comment here and help Stu and other students out!

Networking

Missing the #realworldlunch crowd? So are we. We thought it would be helpful to create a contact form so you can leave your information, as well as see who else attended.

Jen’s always telling us how powerful networking is…so get ready, get set, NETWORK!

 

Star Struck at #realworldlunch

Mizzou student and KOMU 8 producer Sam Kubota unashamedly admits to being star struck at this year’s Real World Lunch.

“I met my hero, Nancy Loo, and she followed me on Twitter. Real life!” (Those of you that know Sam can probably hear her shouting this with a big, infectious smile.)

She and Loo have been tweeting, which goes to show how the web makes communication between alumni and students easier than ever before.

That’s why the Real World Lunch team is working on info forms to allow everyone to list their contact information and a bit more about themselves. That’s something all Jen’s lunch friends will have access to… and it’s coming soon!

SHAKESPEARE’S FANS… aka ALL OF YOU!

Shakespeare’s Pizza is planning to open a new location on Peachtree Drive, near Nifong. This won’t affect where Jen gets her #realworldlunch pizza… But alumni, take note. Get more of your delicious Shakespeare’s pizza and avoid the downtown crowds next homecoming! We hope it will be open by then!

Job Trajectory: Many Paths to Take

Radio/TV student Jessie Smith says she looks forward to the Real World Lunch every year. However, as a senior, she looked forward to this year’s event more than ever. She (and many students like her) have worried about where to go after graduation to set her on the right track.

“I think journalism students get so caught up in the traditional route of small market to bigger market, one mand band to photog, reporter to anchor, that we close ourselves off to the thousands of opportunities that are out there,” says Smith.

Real World Alumni have embraced new media and many have made a career in it. This gives students like Smith hope that they have the power to road-map their own lives… the current trajectory model doesn’t have full control anymore.

Smith thanks all the alumni for sharing their experiences!