Joy Holmes Spotlight

2018 Communication (B.A.) Graduate

What Are You Doing Professionally Now?

I am working as a multimedia journalist for a local radio station. I do mostly video, but also voice on-air, practice photojournalism, and write stories for the web. 

How did you get your job?

I started at the radio station as an intern. I was then hired on full-time. 

On a typical day in your position, what do you do?

The great thing about my position is that no two days look the same. My day either starts in the office or out in the field covering a story. I’ll spend some time writing and editing video, but occasionally I’ll have days scheduled to anchor on the radio, so I will spend the day stacking news casts and digging up fresh stories. 

What special advice would you give someone entering your field of work?

My advice would be to work hard and step outside of your comfort zone. You may find yourself in uncomfortable situations, but you have to face them head on. Straying outside of your comfort zone means you’re growing, and journalism isn’t a field you want to be stagnant in. Don’t be afraid of a challenge!

If you were in the position to hire new graduates, what would you look for in them?

I would look for someone who doesn’t cover the same ol’ stories or take the easy way out. I like to see people with enterprise stories, or stories that make them stand out. But most importantly, I would look for someone who wants to keep learning and improving.

Was there anything specific that you learned while attending UNG that has been especially beneficial in your career?

Each one of my journalism teachers taught me something different that really stuck with me. I still follow writing techniques from UNG’s introductory journalism classes. UNG structured a strong journalism base during my studies, so I built from the basics to find my niche in broadcasting. Professor Cabaniss always stressed the fundamentals, and I use them in every form of journalism I practice today.