Walking in procession Under the Oaks, donning a maroon gown and cap, and receiving an oak sapling- your final gift from Elon- is only where it begins. Your departure from Elon can mark the beginning of your dreams. For me, I can only hope that when that day that comes, it includes a small apartment in a big city, the platform to create what I’m passionate about, and a job at Buzzfeed.
Ashley McGetrick, an Elon alumnus from the Class of 2015, is currently living my dream. Regardless of the dream you’re chasing at Elon, Ashley’s journey and advice will surely inspire you in yours. Read on for my interview with Ashley below!
What did you major/minor in at Elon and why was that your major/minor of choice?
I majored in Broadcast Journalism and minored in Women’s & Gender Studies. I actually picked my major before I picked a school! When I was applying to colleges, I knew I wanted to study broadcast journalism, so I was looking for the best program I could find. And of course Elon ended up being the best choice ever!
My minor was something I discovered an interest in during my sophomore year, so I switched my minor from business to WGS. I am so happy I did! I think it’s really important for everyone working in media to have an in-depth understanding of the social issues of our time. I’ve been so pleasantly surprised with how often my WGS knowledge is put to use at work. I originally just minored in it because I found it interesting, but little did I know, it would have a great impact on my career.
What resources at Elon helped you to succeed in the professional world?
For me, student media was by far the most helpful resource at Elon. I think I’ve made some sort of cameo in every show on campus haha. Elon’s student media is unique because not only is it state of the art, which is great, but more importantly there are all different kinds of media to choose from. Elon literally has a show for everything! I suggest that everyone try it all during their freshman year; jump around from show to show, find what you really love and then stick with that. For me, that was Elon Local News. I cannot believe the doors that being in ELN has opened for me. Having real work samples from ELN really helped me stand out when applying to internships and jobs.
Also, the other Elon resource that was most influential for me was the counseling center. I encourage EVERYONE to make their mental health a priority. College can be an extremely stressful and scary time. If I hadn’t taken advantage of the resources the Elon’s Counseling Center provides, there’s NO way I could be where I am today.
What organizations were you involved in during your time on campus?
Like I mentioned before, I have done just about every show on campus at some point. But Elon Local News ended up being my main time commitment and it’s where I met some of my closest friends. I anchored the morning show (“ELN Morning”) from my sophomore to senior year and it was the best thing ever. I wish I could go back and do it again! The two other places where I spent most of my time were InterVarsity and Young Life. I did Young Life my freshman and sophomore years and then started going to InterVarsity my junior year. Before college I was not particularly spiritual, but it was something I wanted to explore and learn more about. I am SO greatful for Young Life and InterVarsity because they have changed the entire direction of my life. I think everyone should explore their faith while in college. There will never be another time in your life when you have so many wonderful resources at your disposal. College is about developing your whole self, not just your professional or academic life. So be sure to make conscious efforts to explore things like faith and spirituality. It could change your whole life!
How did you acquire relevant internship experience during college?
I’ve used just about every method ever to get the internships I wanted. I’ve cold applied, I’ve cold emailed, I’ve been referred by past internships, etc. I actually landed one my internships by tweeting at a producer.
Also, I was always thinking like 10 steps ahead (anxious Ashley! haha). You don’t need to spend your entire career at your first internship, but just think “where can this lead to?” So maybe you can’t get an internship on your favorite show just yet, but maybe apply to a lesser known show produced by the same company and work your way to that dream internship. When I was looking at internships I was less concerned with what I would be doing and more concerned with who I would be meeting. Media is a VERY small industry!
Why did you want to work at Buzzfeed? Was it your dream job upon applying?
Once I realized that everything in media was shifting to online, I knew I couldn’t go the traditional media route to do what I want to do with my career. My thought was- why would I start my “ten year plan” by going into an area of media that might not be around in 10 years?”. So I really wanted to work at BuzzFeed to learn more about the Internet and how it ticks.
Can you describe your position and its duties/requirements at Buzzfeed?
I am a Junior Producer focused on our sub-brand “Nifty”; I create about 2 videos a week related to DIY and Lifestyle. What I love most about my job is that I have creative control from start to finish. I think of the idea, plan it, shoot it, and edit it. Being so young, I know I wouldn’t have that sort of agency at any other media company.
What is your favorite part about working at Buzzfeed?
My favorite part about working at BuzzFeed is definitely the company culture. Everyone is so young and fun. I am genuinely friends with all of my coworkers! I’ve never been at a company that is so focused on cultivating an inclusive environment both in the office and with the content we publish.
Do you have any specific career goals for the future? If so, what are they?
If you asked me 6 months ago what my career goals were, I could have went on a 10 minute rant about my perfectly planned career. Now, not so much! I’ve realized that media is changing so much that my dream job probably doesn’t even exist yet!
But I do have a few short term goals, in the next few years I’d love to start doing DIY/Lifestyle segments on morning TV shows. I also want to focus on growing my personal brand so maybe one day I can work for myself.
Do you have any advice for our readers on landing their dream job?
As long as you work hard and are kind, there really isn’t anything you can’t do. There are millions of people who are willing to work hard, but I think a lot of people forget to be kind. At the end of the day, work is where you’re spending most of your time; so why would anyone want to spend all day with someone who isn’t compassionate? I try to live by the Maya Angelou quote: “At the end of the day people won’t remember what you said or did, they will remember how you made them feel.”