Written By: Zach Hughes | @ZachHughesWFFT
Sports Anchor/Reporter at WFFT-Fox 55
2014 Ball State Sports Link Alumni
Following Emily Barker’s lead from her blog post a few weeks ago, there were only two things on my mind at this time last year.
- Where did these last four years go?
- What am I going to do with the rest of my life?
Although I’m still not entirely sure how four years can go by so quickly, I’ve started the journey on the rest of my life.
I was hired in July 2014 as a sports anchor and reporter for the Fox affiliate in Fort Wayne, the second largest market in Indiana.
I absolutely love my job.
I would not be in the position I am today without Ball State and Sports Link, and I consider myself to be a very fortunate person to be in this position.
But, I want to take this chance to impart what little wisdom I may be able to offer to current college students.
If you’re at Ball State, you’re already ahead of most people your age. If you continue to work hard and push yourself to do your best each day, you’ll be fine. Trust me.
However, graduating from school can be a strange time.
Transitioning from a regimented schedule (school, extracurricular activities) to the “real” world is easier said than done.
Emily and I were the final two in our Sports Link senior class to find employment in our industry. It took us two months. Two months is not a very long time, but it feels like an eternity.
Why? Because when there are no classes to attend in August, it’s a strange feeling. You feel like your life is in limbo while you wait to see what’s next.
On top of that feeling of uncertainty, there will be discouragement. Most of us experience rejection, usually more than once.
When that happens, it’s natural to feel the need to accept the first job you’re offered. “Just get the job, and I’ll go from there.”
If something doesn’t feel right, don’t do it. You don’t want to be stuck somewhere you’re miserable and unable to grow. The right thing will come along. Just stay pro-active.
There’s a lot of pressure you’ll feel once school is finished and you need to find a job, and ultimately it’s all about timing.
