This month, I was enrolled in a multimedia reporting class via online at Full Sail University. At the start of this course, I had two main goals I wanted to achieve within the month. One goal being to find and interview more people. The other goal was to hone in on my interview skills so I am confident when interviewing my guests.
I can honestly say I feel as if I have gained interview knowledge based of the work we’ve done in the course. During weeks two and three, we were responsible for analyzing compelling multimedia stories done well the reporters. During both evaluations, I was able to pick up on the do’s and don’ts while interviewing your subject. One keen thing I learned was to familiarize myself with the subject. Knowing the background and being prepared for the topic of discussion can help me know what questions to ask or not ask.
Another thing I picked up on while evaluating interviews is to know its not what you ask it’s how you ask. While watching the 2008 interview with Sarah Palin done by Katie Couric of CBS News.Palin failed to answer several questions and Couric often had to repeat the question while rephrasing or informing Palin of some contradictions in her answer. This was a great example of an interview where you have to know the topic—because at times it was as if Couric had more knowledge than her interviewee, Palin.
Overall, my favorite two assignments would have to be from week three and week four. During week three, our mission was to find a “little person-big issue” story. Meaning that someone who is facing an issue within, but that same issue is an ongoing discussion throughout the world. I chose to do my story on overcoming challenges in the LGBT community. I really enjoyed doing this story simply because I haven’t done one quite like it before.
Lastly, week four’s assignment to was to research a company of our choice a find out their contact information, open positions, rate of pay and also type a query letter. I really appreciate Ms. Lee for this assignment. It is super beneficial when applying for jobs to know the company’s history, guidelines and incentives. This assignment didn’t feel like work it felt like real job hunting. Definitely will be doing my research more when applying for jobs from now on.
