Jill Konopka, a Freelance reporter for WFSB-TV in Hartford, CT, is a 2002 graduate of SUNY Geneseo.

She is former Communication major with a wealth of insight into the fields of communication and media.

Read on to find out more about Jill’s experience at SUNY Geneseo and her useful advice for recent college

graduates looking to enter the media industry.

The Communication Major at SUNY Geneseo

      Jill explains that it was primarily the advice she received from her Communication professors that

helped her experiance the most her major had to offer. Her professors gave her the incentive to intern both

in her home of Albany and Rochester and also stressed the importance of getting involved

with on campus activities related to the major, such as the T.V. and radio stations.

      Jill says that her involvement with these activities not only provided her valuable real world experience,

but also gave her the chance to discuss and apply the material learned in class with her peers.

“I liked being a Communication major because it allowed you to explore so many

diverse career paths. Whether it was broadcasting, advertising or public relations there was so much to

learn and I feel I have a pretty good handle on all three.” -Jill Konopka

Finding Her First Job

        Finding her first on-air job was much harder than Jill had expected.  She advises anyone looking to

break into the broadcast industry to always appear polished, professional, and remain flexible with their living

situations.Since different television stations look for different things, sometimes moving to a different location is

the only option to find work.

       In searching for her first job, Jill also discovered the media industry values those who are proficient

in more than one language. She wishes that she had taken the opportunity to master Spanish in college

because a multitude of Spanish news stations are currently looking for employees that can translate and

work efficiently in both languages.

What New Employees Should Know

       Jill advises new employees in the media industry to “know first and foremost that your first job won't

likely be your last”. She firmly believes that every job should be used as another opportunity to get

your foot in the door and that rejection essentially comes with the territory of pursuing a career in the

media industry.

     Jill began her career as an associate producer before becoming a reporter and explains that

switching jobs can actually be helpful to gain greater understanding for what goes on in the newsroom.

Additional Useful Advice

      Jill’s advice for those seeking jobs in the media industry? Communicate with the people that currently

work in it! Find out what their schedules are like, their salaries, and what is expected in different positions. 

“You have to really love what you are doing to be 1700 miles from home on Christmas day because you're filling in anchoring at the station you work at.” -Jill Konopka

     Although it is evident that working in the media industry is not an easy task, Jill ultimately enjoys the

flexible nature of her career path and all of the wonderful people she has met because of it.