December 17, 2021
Using a Spanish minor at ESPN
Cleopatra Shabazz, born and raised in South Carolina, didn’t know if she would ever leave. But after graduating from UofSC with a broadcast journalism degree and Spanish minor, she decided to move to Connecticut, where she currently works as an Associate Producer at ESPN International and Deportes Live Event to produce sports content in Spanish.
Shabazz advises graduates to take advantage of everything the university has to offer. However, graduates need to bring a unique perspective or skill into the television industry.
“If you really want to stand out, you have to go beyond what they teach you in the classroom,” she said. “The television industry is constantly changing. If you want to be different from other students applying to go beyond what they teach you in the classroom. Learn a language, learn editing software, like an Adobe program. If the classroom is not teaching it, do it yourself.”
Like for many graduates, post-grad blues can be more difficult to navigate when you think you are the only one experiencing them.
“Year one will be difficult, especially if you relocate and move somewhere new,” Shabazz said. “You have to get out of your comfort zone and figure out what hobbies you like and use those to meet people, all while doing your new job and taking care of yourself.”
Leaving your college town is hard for many people, but it’s important that all graduates trust the process and not doubt themselves when applying to jobs. Shabazz agrees that you have to believe in yourself and trust that you are on the right path. Rejection is unfortunately a part of the process that everyone goes through. Your dream company is out there, whether it’s in the TV industry, an accounting firm, a top 500 company, or getting accepted into grad school.
