Jenni Lee must get her hair done every four weeks, her nails done every two weeks, and a facial once a month. On HD cameras, everything shows.
Fox 7 News anchor Jenni Lee is well-known as a broadcast anchor; she can be found on television screens and computer monitors breaking news of Austin. Yet many don’t realize she is a UT alumnus, and her successful career was built while she was still in college.
Lee, a native of Dallas, received her bachelor’s in Journalism from UT in 1994. Her college career included an active role in the university’s radio station, a part-time job, and five internships.
“I loved almost everything except the 8 a.m. classes,” Lee said. “The first two years were necessary evil; the curriculum didn’t get interesting until the last two years. College was all about building my career. Everything I did my last two years was geared toward being a reporter.”
The internships Lee worked were imperative to her success in journalism.
“For someone going into broadcast, internships are not an option — they’re critical. Start as soon as you can and don’t wait until the last year. Back in the day, I didn’t get paid money, I got paid with experience,” Lee said.
With the experience of five internships and time management skills behind her, Lee left the land of the Longhorn and headed for Aggie territory to take on her first job at a news station. The transition from college to the working world can be a tough one, but Lee knew just how handle the situation.
“It was scary as hell. My first day was the day after Christmas. You just have to do it and not be so hard on yourself. Just enjoy every day because you don’t know how long you’re going to be there,” Lee said.
She worked her way up from weekend reporter to main anchor at KTBX in Bryan/ College Station, Texas. The news station served as her home for six years.
“I just got better. As you get better you gain more confidence and people have more confidence in you,” Lee said.
Lee has been at FOX 7 News in Austin since September 11, 2001. This day served as one of the most hectic for journalists across the nation, especially for one starting at a new station. Such a chaotic first day quickly introduced her to the high-paced environment.
“Easy days mean you actually get to put food in your mouth. I’m lucky to eat at my desk while I’m writing; there is no sitting around,” Lee said.
The time that Lee doesn’t spend researching and reporting the news is spent enjoying the simple pleasures of Austin life and being a new mother.
“Work is no longer my life, now it’s just great to spend time with my family. I’ll go to a local restaurant with my husband, and I love shopping, of course,” Lee said.
However, time off doesn’t damper Lee’s love for news.
“When the news comes on I watch all the newscasts. If I had enough money, I’d buy several flatscreens and watch them all at once,” Lee said.
Before we parted, she shared some advice about an essential part of life for today’s college girl: Internships.
“When you get to the internship don’t be a wallflower or spend it pouring coffee. Ask questions and just try to use common sense,” Lee said.
While a world-class education is available at UT, these are lessons taught outside of the classroom.