School of Communication (SCOM) Digital Media Production (DMP) students Erin Welch and Ian McGorty are currently WFSU part-time employees. Welch and McGorty represent a continuing partnership between WFSU and DMP, providing students with experience in real-world public media settings. These students have been producing for the station and making a name for themselves in the public media world.

“WFSU supports our digital media production students by providing a powerful bridge between academic learning and applied professional practice,” said Dr. Brian Graves, associate professor in SCOM. “Students not only gain hands-on experience, but also develop creative, technical, and collaborative skills that prepare them to thrive in today’s media landscape.”

McGorty and Welch are active participants in the content the station produces on a national level, teaching them to work professionally within strict timelines.

“I have always been the type of person who is behind the camera, yet when I came to WFSU, it gave me the ability to try new things and actually put more focus on the production, writing, and interviewing aspects of content creation rather than just the technical aspects,” said McGorty.

“DMP classes push the importance of meeting deadlines and timely communication, skills that have given me an advantage when working at WFSU,” said Welch.  “I think because of my classes, I was confident to begin working in a higher-stakes environment.”

Devin Bittner, an adjunct instructor for the College of Communication and Information and DMP alumna, also worked at WFSU during her time as an undergrad before being employed full-time as a television producer. Her involvement with DMP gave her the foundation to thrive in her position and understand industry practices on a deeper level.

“At FSU or any university where there is a public media station, students should take advantage of volunteer and internship opportunities,” said Bittner. “Public media is a great place to uncover local stories and amplify voices that might not otherwise be given airtime by streamers and traditional news media.”

This partnership allows these students to contribute to our community’s wealth of knowledge. McGorty and Welch plan to continue creating content and practicing their skills throughout their budding careers.