HC: Did you know you wanted to be a journalism major when you originally came to the university?
Ben: Journalism or TV news was my main reason for picking the University of Hartford. I had wanted to be a television news anchor since I was 9 years old, and had only looked at schools that offered a television newscast for students. The other schools I looked at had programs where the professors were the managers, and I wanted a program like STN Channel 2 where students could be creative and develop the show. It also made the most sense, since students and parents were our primary viewers.
HC: What is your current job title?
Ben: I am currently the weeknight 11 p.m. news anchor for the ABC/CBS affiliate in Elmira, NY. I also produce and report for the station.
HC: Do you think the time you spent at the University adequately prepared you for your job?
Ben: I absolutely do. I found the classes at the school to be informative, and STN Channel 2 helped me get a job where I knew the responsibilities and how to perform them. Outside of the education, I think the university does a good job of preparing students because they teach independence, whether it be through living in apartments on campus, or self-advocacy through a student club.
HC: What was your favorite thing about the University?
Ben: It is hard to say what my favorite thing about the school is/was. I was very happy with the time I spent at the school. If I had to narrow it down, I would focus on the opportunities the school gives its students. Students are encouraged to broaden their horizons through different classes, clubs, and study abroad programs. The school also does a good job of mixing students from diverse backgrounds together. I recently talked to two professors at another college in Connecticut, and they said that they preferred the diversity at the University of Hartford to the school they taught at.
HC: If you could give one piece of advice to current University students, what would it be?
Ben: My advice to current students would be to take advantage of the time they spend in school. I had internships at both WVIT-TV in Hartford and WJAR in Providence. I also spent time as an anchor/reporter, news director, and general manager at STN2 in addition to serving as an admissions ambassador for the School Of Communication. I woke up every morning with a number of tasks to do both in and out of the classroom and it made my time at the school productive and worthwhile. I would encourage students who are not involved, and students who are involved to evaluate what they like to do. College students are usually working toward a career goal. While you’re taking part in classes and organizations, take time to focus on what it is you are enjoying most, and what you most look forward to. You might find yourself changing over the course of your college career and not even notice it.