College Experiences That Helped a Journalist at CNN Succeed
Matt's undergraduate success stemmed from building "a portfolio of work" through diverse writing and video experiences, showcasing skills beyond a political science degree. Mentorship proved equally vital; cultivating relationships with key professors provided valuable feedback and lasting professional connections, even leading to post-CNN job updates.
Portfolio Building, Mentorship, Writing Skills, Media Experience, Networking
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Matt Meyer
Journalist
CNN
UC Santa Barbara
Political Science, American Studies
Arts, Entertainment & Media
Communication and Marketing
Video Highlights
1. Built a portfolio of writing and video work to showcase skills and experience.
2. Developed mentorships with professors to gain feedback and guidance.
3. Actively sought diverse experiences, such as campus newspaper and local TV station work to build a well-rounded skillset
Transcript
What did you do in undergrad to set you up for success in your career?
A key thing I did as an undergrad was writing a ton and gaining different kinds of experience. I also got video experience, appearing in little videos for the campus newspaper. Eventually, I started appearing on the local government-run TV station.
I was doing things that built a portfolio of work. As an undergrad, I wasn't just saying, "I have a major in political science and I'm a college graduate, please give me a job." Instead, I could say, "Here are three different kinds of stories I've covered, and here are five articles that show my writing ability." So, I created a body of work.
The other thing I would say is that I was able to foster mentorships. I went to office hours for professors, not all of them, but those I really connected with. These were people who had done something cool in their careers and were now teaching us how to do it.
I would go to their office hours and ask for extra feedback. I didn't just look at my grades; I asked them to explain what I had done. I only developed this kind of relationship with two or three professors, but those people ended up being so key. They are still people I'll email. When I got the job at CNN, I sent one of my UCSD professors an update about where I was in my career because they were so foundational.