Northern Oklahoma College Mass Communications major Christy Hooley is completing an internship this semester with Chisholm Trail Broadcasting. Christy’s internship provides hands-on training as a studio producer, sports information specialist, and station manager assistant.
Christy says her job at 107.1 KNID “expands on what I’m being taught in class. It also gives me a chance to ask more in-depth questions during class.” Christy believes the experience helps with her future plans because she is receiving advice on how to build a successful career from people working in the industry.
Dean Pearcy, NOC Mass Communications faculty member, said, “I am very pleased that our students have opportunities like this. Practical experience teaches so much more than we can create in the classroom.”
Hooley can’t pin down one thing she likes the most about her internship because she “enjoys every moment of being at the station and learning from everyone here.”
Ricky Roggow, Operations Manager for Chisholm Trail Broadcasting, is a member of the NOC Mass Communications advisory board and past graduate of the Mass Communications program. Roggow was one of the first board members to agree to have a student intern. Christy said, “Ricky Roggow is a very talented person and I’m extremely excited about getting the opportunity to work with such a great mentor.”
Pearcy supports partnerships between his students and employers. Pearcy went on to say, “The wonderful members of the Oklahoma Association of Broadcasters like Ricky Roggow have recognized the importance of shaping and grooming the next generation of broadcasters by offering internships. It is a great way to discover if this is the right career path and it also leads to job opportunities once the internship is complete.”
Hooley has had a couple of surprises during her internship. She was surprised to learn that all shows on the radio aren’t live, but some are pre-recorded. She has also learned to respond quickly. “On my first day, I went on location to Pond Creek for a parade and I thought I was going to be watching, but actually I was in the parade throwing candy. After the parade I was helping with interviews and that was when I knew I made the right choice in selecting Mass Communications as my major,” said Hooley.
Mr. Pearcy supports Ms. Hooley by saying, “Christy is an outstanding, focused student who is taking this opportunity to advance her mass communication degree and her future career.” After Christy graduates from NOC next spring, she plans to attend the Oklahoma School of Broadcasting to further her education in broadcast journalism.
Dr. Rae Ann Kruse, Dean of Academic Services at NOC, appreciates all the area businesses who assist NOC students with internships. “Hands-on experiences provide students an opportunity for academic development, career exploration, and personal growth,” said Kruse. For more information about NOC internships, contact Dr. Kruse at 580.628.6341.