Sharon Vaknin, a San Francisco State alumna, is a full-time on-air host and editor for CNET.com where she specializes in covering technology news. On her show, she attends tech events, teaches consumers how to use technology, and shares what’s new in the tech world.
Vaknin’s love for technology has helped her land appearances on The Today Show, CBS News, NPR, and ABC Bay Area.
“My obsession with technology kind of snuck up on me. Growing up, my parents weren’t very tech-savvy, so I always took computer-fixing duty. I never thought much of it until I realized I could build my own computer. So I did,” Vaknin said. “That, combined with an unhealthy addiction to multiplayer games, was the foundation of my relationship with tech.”
It’s no wonder she received a job offer from CNET.com as a tech reporter. The opportunity to work at CNET.com arose when she was at a tech convention her freshman year at SFSU.
“I was what technology convention attendees love to call a “booth babe.” I’d temporarily represent companies and brands at tradeshows”, said Vaknin.” Eventually, I met a CNET employee who suggested I finally do something with my tech knowledge. So, I applied to a part-time internship at CNET and quickly landed the gig. By the time I graduated from SFSU, I worked at CNET for three years.”
Vaknin’s “go-getter” attitude has brought her much success and travel opportunities. Recently, she reported at CES 2012,the world’s largest consumer technology tradeshow holding around 2700 exhibitors. Not only did Vaknin talk technology, but she spent six days “running around the convention floors with a camera crew and producer shooting numerous short clips,” she said.
Vaknin is used to the travel though. Just three months after her initiation as a full time editor and video host with CNET.com, she traveled to New York to make an appearance on The Today Show.
Vaknin, who is exposed to all kinds of gadgets, found a tech toy she particularly enjoyed covering on her show.
“I absolutely fell in love with Samsung’s soon-to-be-released OLED TV. It’s just a few millimeters thin and displays a picture that, when watched, feels like you’re looking into a window. What I would do to have that in my living room…and bedroom…and den.”
Being a tech savvy, vibrant young woman can surely be intimidating for the tech men she interacts with.
“I think I surprise more than intimidate. Surely, many men (especially the uber-geeky ones) don’t know how to interact with a young woman who’s very knowledgeable in tech. Many assume that I’m just a pretty talking head, but the reality is that I conceptualize and write all of the videos and articles I publish.”
When she’s not setting, hosting, editing videos, and surprising men, Vaknin still finds time to fulfill her other hobbies in life such as enjoying the outdoors and cooking.
“I have so many interests! That’s always been my biggest challenge: focusing on my career in technology while still satisfying my other hobbies. Cooking is one of my greatest passions. There’s something on the stove almost every evening, and I even host a cooking show on my YouTube channel, Flavorcraft.”
Vaknin proves to know how to land a dream job in a tough, competitive economy. She identified her talents, followed her passions, interned, and most importantly, kept her determination and will to succeed. Additionally, she has never been afraid of rejection and always asks to take part in every project at CNET.com
“I asked to write news articles and blogs, so I did.”
A message to all HerCampus readers, now that summer is approaching and the job hunt begins, is to follow Sharon’s motto: “If you don’t ask, the answer will always be “no.”‘
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at San Francisco chapter.