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.
Networking, Internships, Mentorship, Persistence, Strong Academic Performance
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
Video Highlights
1. Maintain a strong academic record, actively seeking help from professors and tutors when needed.
2. Network extensively within the field, making connections with professionals and leveraging those relationships to secure internships and future positions.
3. Actively pursue internships early in your academic career, beginning the search as early as your freshman year and persistently pursuing opportunities.
Transcript
What did you do in undergrad to set you up for success in your career?
I made sure my grades were the best they could be. Yes, there were math classes and exams I struggled with, and I failed science classes too. But I kept working hard when there were things I didn't understand.
I wasn't afraid to go to my professors and ask for help, or get a tutor. If I failed an exam, I'd go to my professor and say, "Look, I need to pass this class. I want to pass this class. What can I do to be better?"
As great as we think we are when we go into college, there's always someone who can help you improve. Get mentors, whether it's a professor or someone in your field you look up to, or someone with a job you desire. Don't be afraid to reach out to them.
Networking will be the best thing you can do for your career because it's a small business, and everybody knows everybody. The more connections you make, the more it can help you get that next position you might want.
Get internships. Start looking when you're a freshman. They may not take you until you're a junior or senior, but make that relationship and start that connection. You'd be surprised.
My internship at WGN was selective; they only picked two interns a semester from the whole college, even other colleges too. I went to friends in my university's meteorology program and asked how they got their careers at Tom Skilling's. They put me in touch with his weather producer.
Sure enough, when my senior year came around, I reached out to Bill Schneider. Thank you again, Bill. I said, "Hey, it's Meredith Garo. I'm very interested in either a fall or spring internship." I got the fall internship.