Katie comes to KWMAQ-TV in Chicago from KRQE-TV in Albuquerque after working as a multimedia journalist for WILX in Lansing, Michigan.

Awards:

Hearst Foundation Journalism Awards, Seventh Place for Hard News

1. Day-of-air reporting - No other internship will give you the opportunity to hone your reporting skills under deadline pressure like ATVN. Take advantage of every story and every day that you are given. Day-of-air writing, shooting, editing and reporting is crucial for your first job.

2. Pitching stories - Don’t just be on the look-out for good stories. Know how to pitch those ideas. If you’re interested in something, chances are others will be too.

3. Writing, shooting, editing - I sound like a broken record. But this is so important. Practice your writing, shooting and editing at ATVN. Seek the advice of your professors on writing tips. Ask professional photographers and editors you meet along the way at internships to give you tips on their craft. TRUST ME! It will come in handy.

Executive Producer, Reporter, Anchor, Producer, and everything else under the sun!

ATVN was my first job. I truly believe that. Especially with the how things are headed in the TV news industry, you’ll find that being able to write, shoot and edit your own packages is invaluable. I would not have felt so comfortable my first day on the job without being able to write and edit on Avid.

I tell this to everyone, but I think the best reporters also have a background in producing. Producers by the nature of the job know how to problem solve, they know what makes a good story, they know how to stack a show, etc. Understanding that as a reporter, you are contributing to the product of a newscast as a whole keeps you grounded. 

Be patient and know your worth. If you are graduating from ATVN, chances are you may already be ahead of the game, so be confident in your skills. Don’t apply to jobs just for the sake of applying. Only send tapes where you would go, live and work. Be ready for an adventure. Listen to Serena Cha - she is invaluable in your job hunting process. Make sure you know every aspect of the job you decide on taking. If possible, try to work in a positive workplace environment. Make a website, showcasing your resume and reel.

This was more than one thing, but you get the idea. Please don’t hesitate to contact me for any job-hunting questions. Mine was long and stressful. It took me close to 5 months to land my first job, but I was patient (or tried to be) and waited for the one that I thought was best for me. I am always here to help ATVN/USC grads