Name: Jenna Wolfe
Age: Thirty-something
Job Title/description: Anchor and Correspondent of NBC’s Today Show
College/major: Binghamton University/English and French
Twitter Handle: @JennaWolfe
What was your first entry-level job in your field and how did you get it?
Jenna Wolfe: My first job in TV was in Binghamton, New York at the NBC affiliate, WICZ. I was interning there throughout my junior and senior years of college. I would spend hours and hours in that TV station. I’d get up in the morning, go to the gym, go to the TV station to work the morning show, go to class, go back to the station for the noon show, go back to class, go back to the station for the afternoon meetings, break for dinner and studies and return to the station to work the 11 PM newscast. I did this almost everyday, absorbing everything and anything I possibly could. By the time I graduated, I was shooting, editing, writing, doing occasional interviews, producing lighter spots and pitching story ideas. I had made myself invaluable to them, so they hired me as a reporter three days before I graduated. Best graduation gift ever.
What’s a typical day like for you? What does your job entail?
JW: My days vary considerably depending on whether I’m in studio hosting The Today Show, out on a story as a correspondent or in my office writing/editing a spot for air. When I’m hosting, the day starts early. I’m up at 3:30 AM, at work before 5 AM and on the set by 7AM. When I’m reporting, I’m usually on the road working with my producer and crew. We scout, interview and dive into the story. Whether I’m scaling the tallest building in Canada, surfing with a handicapped teen, learning how to make ice cream or just hanging with a sick kid who’s trying to make a difference, the approach never changes. I’m always present, I’m always listening and I’m always open to their side of the story. Reporting allows you to lend voices to those who don’t have a platform to share their stories. It allows us the opportunity to show you things you may never get a chance to see. It’s incredibly fulfilling.
When I’m writing and editing, I sit with my producers as we go through interviews, pick out sound bites, write scripts and go through the editing process.
What is one thing you wish you knew about your industry when you first started out that you know now?
JW: This isn’t brain surgery. Your life won’t end if you make a mistake.
Who is one person who changed your professional life for the better?
JW: I make a point to learn a little something from everyone who either does the job now or has done it before me. We all bring so much variety to the table. If you take the time to look around, to embrace others’ styles and approaches, you will undoubtedly put out better work from a more well-rounded perspective. Always do it your way, but never do it with blinders on.
Is there a quote you live by?
JW: Bryant Gumbel once told me, “Make as many mistakes as you want, just don’t make the same ones twice.”
Where do you see yourself in 10 years? Do you have a dream job?
JW: I’d love to join the cast of the next Seinfeld-esque sitcom…
What advice would you give to a 20-something with similar aspirations?
JW: A lot of people are going to give you all types of advice, but the most important thing is to follow your gut. Don’t be somebody else. Don’t feel like you have to fulfill other people’s expectations. Don’t be afraid to take risks with your career. Sometimes the most fulfilling experiences come out of doing something that terrifies you.