Mike Tirico spoke at Newhouse last week; he has a lot of insight to offer about the television and radio industry, as well as helpful advice for starting a career. Mike gave plenty of tips for getting started in the industry that are invaluable. Newhouse certainly stresses the importance of internships and campus magazines and media, but Mike emphasized this point further. He explained that his internships and working at SU’s student-run radio station were the foundations for building the rest of his career. He stated that they are the only ways in which students can get real hands-on experience and figure out likes and dislikes about the industry.
Mike talked about how our generation is one that will be initiating a huge change in the communications industry. It is strange to think that we will remember life without social media, but be actively involved in its use, unlike much of the generations before and after us. He noted that information can be shared faster than ever before, and this is both a blessing and a curse. Many people today are constantly connected to Twitter, Facebook, or another form of social media. The twitter hashtag (#tirico) was even on display so members of the audience could Tweet throughout the presentation. More information is getting out to the public, but it is the job of those in the communications industry to ensure that the information is accurate.
From simply hearing Mike speak for an hour it is extremely clear how passionate he is about his job. Arguably the most inspiring point he made was that no matter what one’s occupation is, it is important to love it and be passionate. If there is no passion a job cannot be done well. A job is not work if it is something that you love; as Mike Tirico has done I aspire to one day find a job that is not work because I love doing it.
