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Meredith, Broadcast Meteorologist at TV Broadcasting Company : Advize Career Interview
A broadcast meteorology career offers a dynamic and unpredictable path, beginning with internships and progressing through varied experiences—from chasing tornadoes to covering space exploration.
The role demands scientific expertise, compelling on-air presentation skills, and strong interpersonal abilities, requiring a blend of academic knowledge, practical experience, and crucial soft skills.
While financial rewards may not be immense, the career provides immense fulfillment through saving lives with accurate reporting, connecting with communities, and leaving a lasting legacy.
The industry values relatable, trustworthy personalities and resilience, requiring dedication, humility, and authenticity.
Early career opportunities in smaller markets allow for growth and learning, emphasizing networking and leveraging university connections. Mindful communication and work-life balance are crucial for long-term success.
A career in broadcast meteorology is a "curly swervy line" of unique and rewarding experiences.
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Meredith Garofalo
Broadcast Meteorologist
TV Broadcasting Company
Valparaiso University
NA
Environmental & Related Sciences
Arts, Entertainment & Media
Communication and Marketing
Honors Student, Scholarship Recipient, Took Out Loans, Worked 20+ Hours in School, Greek Life Member
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Career Path of a Broadcast Meteorologist at a TV Broadcasting Company
Meredith's 15-year broadcast meteorology career began with two college internships, one at WGN-TV in Chicago with Tom Skilling, which sparked a passion that led to a "coast-to-coast" journey across the country. The career path included varied experiences, from chasing tornadoes and covering severe weather to reporting on space exploration, resulting in a "curly swervy line" of opportunities.
Responsibilities of a Broadcast Meteorologist at TV Broadcasting Company
Meredith's role as a Broadcast Meteorologist involves far more than simply presenting a forecast; it requires building the forecast from scratch daily using scientific expertise and experience, "looking at the current weather...and the storm system's heading our way," while also crafting compelling on-air presentations through skillful research and visual storytelling to connect with the audience. The inherent complexities of atmospheric science, coupled with the need to constantly learn from both successes and failures, makes it a continuously evolving and engaging profession.
A Day In The Life Of A Broadcast Meteorologist At A TV Station
A broadcast meteorologist's workday is as unpredictable as the weather, ranging from routine forecasting to urgent, hours-long coverage of severe weather events where the professional must "keep people calm and understand that it's gonna be okay". Beyond weather, the job also involves immediate, breaking news journalism, such as a recent assignment covering a 105-year-old woman attending her first Cavs game, demonstrating the dynamic and ever-changing nature of the profession where "not a single job day has been the same".
Most Important Skills For A Broadcast Meteorologist At A TV Broadcasting Company
A broadcast meteorologist's success hinges on a blend of academic foundation, "experience...learning from something before and making something better," and crucial soft skills like patience, time management, and quick thinking under pressure. The role also demands strong interpersonal skills, including networking and the ability to receive constructive criticism, all while creatively connecting with viewers and building trust through a reliable on-air presence and social media engagement.
Favorite Parts of Being a Broadcast Meteorologist at a TV Station
Meredith's favorite aspects of being a broadcast meteorologist include "the lives that I get to save" through accurate and trustworthy reporting, and the ability to connect with the community, inspiring others while leaving a lasting legacy through storytelling and impactful communication. The opportunity to make a difference daily, from sharing good news about a local soccer tournament to delivering crucial information during severe weather, is deeply fulfilling.
Challenges of a Broadcast Meteorologist at a TV Broadcasting Company
Meredith's biggest challenge as a Broadcast Meteorologist has been achieving work-life balance, a lesson learned through years of prioritizing career over personal life; the professional now emphasizes the importance of "shut[ting] your life off from your work life," prioritizing relationships and personal well-being above career advancement.
Favorite Parts Of Working In The TV Broadcasting Industry As A Broadcast Meteorologist
Meredith, a broadcast meteorologist, thrives on the "variety and opportunities" her career provides, citing unique experiences like flying with a weather satellite to Cape Canaveral and interviewing a Titanic visitor as highlights. This career path has allowed for continuous growth and diverse experiences, making each year "different" and ultimately a "win-win situation."
What Type Of Person Thrives In The TV Broadcasting Industry According To A Broadcast Meteorologist
Broadcast meteorologists who thrive cultivate a relatable, trustworthy on-screen persona, making viewers feel like "you can sit down and have coffee with them anytime." Success demands dedication, humility, and authenticity—being "the same person" on and off-air—while maintaining respect for diverse perspectives and never giving up despite inevitable setbacks.
What a Broadcast Meteorologist at a Broadcasting Company Wishes They Had Known Before Entering the Broadcasting Industry
Meredith, a broadcast meteorologist, advises aspiring professionals that the field, while rewarding, doesn't guarantee financial riches; "you're not gonna make a million bucks," but emphasizes prioritizing personal happiness and work-life balance over social media pressures and the pursuit of constant popularity. The career requires sacrifices, but finding fulfillment in one's work and self-love are crucial for long-term success.
Entry-level positions for aspiring Broadcast Meteorologists
Entry-level broadcast meteorology often means starting in smaller markets; "you can make mistakes...and people...are gonna wanna help you," unlike larger markets where errors can be career-ending. Networking and reaching out to professionals are crucial for success, as Meredith's own path from Rapid City, South Dakota, demonstrates the value of taking early opportunities and building connections.
Significant Career Lesson From A Broadcast Meteorologist At A TV Station
Early in Meredith's career as a Broadcast Meteorologist, an accidentally live microphone captured unprofessional language, resulting in a forced resignation. This experience taught Meredith the crucial lesson that "the microphone is always on," emphasizing the importance of mindful communication in a public-facing career, a lesson that contributed to their current success.
College Experiences That Helped A Broadcast Meteorologist In TV News Succeed
To prepare for a broadcast meteorology career, Meredith emphasizes perseverance in challenging coursework ("I kept working hard when there were stuff I didn't understand"), proactive networking ("the more connections you make, the more it can help you get that next position"), and securing internships early – even leveraging existing university connections to land a coveted internship at WGN.
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