Jessica Joe. Communication: Print and Digital Journalism or Broadcast and Digital Journalism

My name is Jessica Joe, and I am a senior at Mississippi State University, preparing to graduate in May with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication, concentrating in Broadcasting and Digital Journalism. I chose broadcasting as my primary focus because it provided me the opportunity to explore various aspects of media production and figure out what I was most passionate about -whether that was broadcasting, journalism, writing, photography, or video production.

Although I always knew I had a passion for media, particularly broadcasting, I wasn’t sure which area would suit me best. The decision to pursue this major allowed me to explore different fields within media and gain hands-on experience. I was able to work on projects that revealed my strengths and interests, helping me figure out what I truly enjoy doing.

I chose Broadcasting and Digital Media as my concentration because of my love for social media and creative Journalism. This field offered me the chance to take courses focused on content creation, social media, and broadcasting techniques. I was able to learn how to make digital media engaging and how to effectively use different platforms. My major also provided me with the opportunity to work in a newsroom and gain valuable production experience, which has been an essential part of my education

Throughout my studies, I discovered that I absolutely love production work. While many enjoy being in front of the camera, I prefer working behind the scenes. Capturing the perfect shot, editing footage, and telling stories through video gives me a sense of fulfillment. My time in the newsroom and my production work solidified my passion for this side of the industry

One of my favorite projects was for my Advanced TV Production class, where I worked on news story packages, including feature stories on local businesses. These projects allowed me to connect with the community and build networks. I was involved in everything from shooting footage and editing to adding voiceovers, which I found both challenging and rewarding. The best part was that I didn’t have to be in front of the camera, which is a huge relief since being on camera is not something I enjoy.

In terms of photography, writing, and videography, my favorite areas are photography and videography. While I do enjoy writing, working with a camera is where I feel most at home. I’ve taken graduation photos for friends and created video projects for news packages. Capturing moments and telling stories through a lens is something I truly love and want to continue exploring in my career.

While I have learned a lot about news writing, I realized that visual storytelling through photography and videography is where my passion lies. The ability to create something meaningful through images and video excites me. I’ve developed technical skills in camera work, lighting, and editing, which I plan to further refine as I move forward in my career.

I am particularly interested in learning how videography, photography, and digital media influence multimedia this semester. I’m excited to explore how my production skills can be applied to various platforms, and how I can contribute to the growing digital landscape with my creative media background.

As for my career plans after graduation, I know that I want to focus on social media and creative media rather than traditional news broadcasting. I’ve discovered a stronger interest in the creative side of media production, and I’m eager to develop my skills further in this area. While I’m still figuring out the specifics of where I’ll work, I am confident that my background in digital media will open many exciting opportunities.

Ultimately, my goal is to work in production, particularly behind the camera. Whether in social media, content creation, or digital storytelling, I want to use my skills to produce engaging and creative content. I’m eager to see where my experiences at Mississippi State University and my passion for media take me in the future.

Email me at jsj334@msstate.edu with any questions