Hello, I think it’s about time that I finally write the letter I’ve
been waiting to write, the letter of graduate success. I graduated from
ICB and learned a great deal while I was there. I wanted to be in the T.V. or even Radio. I was called to work as a free lancer for ESPN at
a Cubs vs. Cardinals game and got to see first hand what it takes to
set up a broadcast for Sunday Night Baseball. It is
unbelievable what they unpack from the trucks! I was determined to show
them how bad I wanted to work for them. So I worked till 2 or so in the
morning and then drove home around 2 hours away then got up and arrived
back at the ball park around 10am. ESPN was pleased
by my hard work and called me back every time they were in the Chicago
area - the next time for the 2005 World
Series. This time for Baseball Tonight, not too many people can
say that they were at the World Series... even fewer can say they were
down on the field. I got to go everywhere a lot of people would have
killed to see, the best was being down on the field when Scott
Podsednik was crossing home plate after a walk off homer. I was a
production assistant which entailed pick up the Baseball
Tonight crew: Carl Ravitz, John Kruck, and Harold Reynolds. Just being
able to have a conversation with these guys was surreal - for those who
are wondering they are very down to earth guys.
Being a free lancer isn’t the steadiest job in the world, so I
would have games here and there.
I was added to the crew for the 2006 Super Bowl in
Detroit Michigan, I was in a state of shock. Being at a Super Bowl is something that
you can’t even begin to imagine - not just by the atmosphere, but
standing next to stars like Jessica Alba (who by the way is even more
beautiful in person). I think the best part for me being from Chicago
was meeting DA COACH- the Chicago icon himself. I again was added to
games after that as well, but like I said it wasn’t the steadiest job.
I obviously had to have a steady job to go along the freelance work.
Factory jobs did one thing for me and that was push me to a job in the
field I dreamed about having since I was in grade school. So after send
my resume out to just about everywhere I could I was having no luck, I
couldn’t get an interview anywhere but I was too hard headed to give
up. I met the right people along the way and they handed my resume to
the right people and I got my first interview. It was with ESPN! I had
to fly to Bristol, CT and I got the grand tour around the campus. For
those who haven’t seen ESPN it is a campus - right now they have around
20 buildings, it’s in the middle of nowhere so it really stands out.
I had my interview in March and wasn’t sure if I got the job, I
nailed the interview but it was a long time in-between. I got a call
around the beginning of June on the other end was a lady telling me I
got the job, of course cardiac arrest started after that finally I was
going to be able to show the world what I could do. I am currently a
Production Assistant here at ESPN! There are a lot of duties I am
responsible for - the main one is producing highlights for
Sportscenter, Baseball Tonight, NFL Live...just about every show that
is on ESPN. Just being able to show the world your highlights and
putting a memorable highlight together every night is unreal. My advice
to all is best said by Jimmy Valvano: "Don’t give up don’t ever give
up!" If it is what you want... go and get it... let nothing get you
down, good luck to all in your dreams.
Thank you ICB
Jason Vicks - ESPN, Bristol, CT
I just wanted to take the time to thank everyone involved with the Illinois Center for Broadcasting for all their support and guidance in my process of kicking off a career in radio. I have been working for more than 1 month now and my excitement grows everyday for my future in this industry. Never before would I have dreamed of getting a paycheck for doing this type of 'work.'I’m literally making money entertaining myself and there is no more rewarding feeling in the world.
My transition from school to the radio world was extremely smooth. I attribute this to all the hands-on training received while enrolled at ICB. Even my PD has commented on how smooth and fast the learning curve has been for my personal development.
That compliment is a direct result of ICB’s hard work with me everyday as a student.
Finally, for these reasons, I owe everyone involved with the Illinois Center for Broadcasting a huge THANK YOU!!!! Enrolling at the school and being placed in Champaign for my first gig has been an unbelievable experience and I hope all future students have these same opportunities. I’m sure if they work hard and pay attention, they will be writing the same letter when they graduate."
Jason Fosdick - WQQB-FM
I just wanted to thank the Illinois Center for Broadcasting for all of the hard work and dedication you invest in all of your students. Through your leads and tips I was able to land a job in Promotions, as a Promotions Assistant @ WXLC in Waukegan. I owe a lot of my direction and ambition to the Illinois Center for Broadcasting! Thank you very much!"
Mike Locke - WXLC-FM
I am writing this letter to thank everyone at ICB for helping me achieve success in the television industry. After I graduated in November '98, I was offered a position as an associate producer. I cannot express how thankful I am to the ICB staff!"
Nicolai Varjavandi - The Jerry Springer Show
The lead ICB gave me with WRMN has turned into something I did not expect and has turned out to be a great opportunity for me.
I was hired back in August without even being interviewed; I landed the position with great demo tapes, according to my Program Director. My position was a part-time production assistant. Duties included, making production for four of their radio stations, board operating, on-air work and normal duties of production. After being there for two months, another position opened up for an Account Executive/On-Air Host, so I applied and three days later, landed the full-time position.
I am now two months into and can not ask for something better. My position included the best of both worlds, sales and my own on-air shift. This position is something I enjoy doing and went to school for. Plus the main thing, I enjoy waking in the morning going to work!
I want to tell all future ICB grads that it can be done. Don't get frustrated and keep sending out those resumes and demo tapes and learn as much as you can from the excellent ICB staff. They're teaching and expertise has opened the door for me start a fabulous career."
Marlow 'Foxx' Nieves - WRMN-AM 1410
First off, I can't thank you all enough for all your help and support before, during, and after school! I am having more fun that I thought was possible at work. The funny thing is it doesn't feel like work at all. I mean I work REALLY long hours, but I can't believe how fast they fly by! I know that without all of your support I would not be here right now, and I would be busting my butt in an office or digging a ditch somewhere. It's strange when people ask for your autograph, but I'm sure I will get use to it.
Once again, I can not thank everyone enough that got me here. The Illinois Center for Broadcasting gave me all the tools I needed, and the staff was the best group of people you can have around you! I know.. I went to a four year college, and I would choose ICB if I had to do it all over again!"
Jayson Bird - KAML-FM
I can’t believe it’s been six months since graduation. Since then, I’ve worked as a freelance associate producer for WGN Sports, shot motor-sports up in Geneva and landed a gig as a videographer for WREX-TV in Rockford!! All of this was due to the help and guidance given to me by the teachers and staff at ICB. I thank you very much for helping me get started in TV."
Steve Curelo - WREX-TV
Wow! I can't believe its been 8 short months since I graduated. Just last week I was named executive producer for the top rated morning sports program in Chicago!"
Matt Abbatacola - WSCR 670 AM
I can't thank the staff and instructors at ICB enough the knowledge and experience gained through my time at ICB and my internship, choosing to attend ICB was the most important decision I've made in my adult life."
Lisa Thurow - WDZQ 95 Q-FM