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Graylyn Roose, current MSNBC line producer, thinks the key for students to find their niche in journalism careers is simple: take every opportunity you can to learn something new.

“Even as I was graduating, I wasn't sure if I wanted to go more of the radio or TV route or focus a little bit more on digital stuff,” said Roose. “I would say, trying out something you haven't tried before is the best way to figure out what you want to pursue. Saying yes to every possible opportunity that comes your way and taking every opportunity to learn something new is the best way to find your real niche.”

On Wednesday, Sept. 25, Roose was the second speaker of the fall semester to join students for the WOUB Wednesdays and share career insights and advice. During WOUB Wednesdays, alumni join virtually to speak with WOUB students who are gathered on the 3rd floor of the Radio and Television Building (RTV) on the 91̽�� Athens campus.

Roose worked at various outlets including internship roles at NBC News, producing roles at WDRB TV in Louisville, KY, and line producing roles at Fox News and now MSNBC in New York City.

With the changing world of artificial intelligence impacting today’s media, Roose urges students to use their knowledge of AI as a strength when entering the industry.

“I think AI is the big topic of conversation right now and how it's going to transform newsrooms. We've already seen a big part of it through some of our camera operators. Our cameras are using more AI than they were before, and it can be confusing at times, but you guys are a little bit more well versed in some of those things. You understand how that stuff works. So, I think you're in a really good position to use that as a strength in the field.”

Jack Greene, a senior and WOUB NewsWatch supervising producer, values Roose’s advice and insights.

“I know Graylyn because she's also my mentor at WOUB, and it's always a fun opportunity to talk to her,” said Greene. “She has such great insights. No matter what someone is trying to get into, whether it is sports, news, reporting, producing or directing, she's just really awesome. I think tonight she really helped everyone here learn what it takes to be in the industry, how fun the job is and also the struggles with the jobs and how to handle those.”

The next WOUB Wednesday is scheduled for Oct. 9, at 7:30 p.m. with WJCL TV Weekend Newscast Director Tee Willis ‘21. Those interested in participating can attend in person by coming to the 3rd Floor of the RTV Building in Radio A or join online at bit.ly/WOUBWednesday2024.