Sophia Gillespie has mastered the art and science of storytelling in her role as associate producer at PBS Western Reserve. A 2023 graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Digital Media Production, she felt well-prepared to take on and excel in a media leadership position. Learn more about this EMMY award-winning producer:
What drew you to ÐÔ¸£ÎåÔÂÌì?
I couldn’t decide between two colleges and decided to come to Kent for a visit on the whim. I fell in love with the campus even though it was a cold, grey, and rainy day. I got that feeling when walking on campus that everyone tells you about – you just know when it’s right for you. After learning about all the options available through classes, dorms, and the downtown atmosphere, I knew that ÐÔ¸£ÎåÔÂÌì was where I wanted to be.
What were some of your most memorable and meaningful student media experiences?
I was part of the tech crew and specifically the floor crew as well as VTR when I was involved with Student Media. I earned Golden Tape Awards in both positions and was mentored by some great people along the way. I was glad to have joined student media because everyone is there for a reason – we are all passionate about the work we are doing. My favorite show I worked on was KentCore which was the live music show every Friday night. Being out on the floor getting shots of the musicians playing their music is a highlight in my Student Media career.
How did being part of Student Media prepare you for postgraduation life and the working environment?
Being a part of Student Media gave me valuable experience that I couldn’t learn in the classroom. It was hands on learning and since it was live, I also figured out a lot through trial and error. It prepared me for postgraduation life and the working environment by giving me the confidence in a control room and out on the floor. I currently am the floor director when we do studio shoots which I would not know how to do if it wasn’t for student media.
What were some of your favorite classes?
My two favorite classes were Producing for Picture and Production 2. I found my love for producing through the Producing for Picture class which I didn’t know was something I was interested in. That class led me and my partner to produce our Production 2 final, so it turned into an almost yearlong project. We learned a lot through both classes and being able to produce the work in a class we set up in another was fulfilling.
How did coursework prep you for where you are today?
The coursework that I had prepared me for where I am today through experience and trial and error. We do a lot of projects in this major and I think that is the best way to learn how to and how to not do things. The coursework exposed me to different areas of the industry that I know I do not have an interest in, but I can respect the work they do since I had to try it out myself. I felt prepared entering my career because I had so many projects under my belt.
Tell us about your career path.
When I was a junior at ÐÔ¸£ÎåÔÂÌì, I got an internship with PBS Western Reserve in the production department. I edited weekly promos with the day and time they aired as well as put the logo on. I also completed the closed captioning for local programs as well as assisted with filming local programs. Shortly after I graduated, I earned a full-time position as an Associate Producer of Content and started producing our local series ‘City Centric’ which we earned a regional EMMY award for. I also created a new local series called ‘By Nature’s Design’ that explores native wildlife and the ecosystems in our own backyard which has been very supported. I am very humbled to call myself an EMMY award winning producer just two years out of college.
What is your superpower?
My superpower is being creatively ambitious. I have always been a curious person with a creative mind, so when I find a new interest, I will take the time to research it or get creative with it. I am passionate about being able to have a creative outlet in my personal life and professional life. Being able to blend curiosity with creativity and following through is a strength of mine.
What do you consider to be your greatest accomplishment, personally and professionally?
My greatest accomplishment professionally is earning an EMMY award for the first show I produced as well as creating my own series. I feel very lucky that I was not only able to create and produce my own show, but to have the support from my coworkers and the community to sustain this series. Personally, my greatest accomplishment is creating my own community away from home. I am originally from Pittsburgh, so having moved to Kent for college and now I am currently living here has been a great experience on growing my independence.
How do you stay connected with KSU today?
I stay connected with ÐÔ¸£ÎåÔÂÌì University by staying in touch with professors and classmates. I think having a strong bond with the people who supported me through college is very beneficial because we are now all in the work force and can still connect over ÐÔ¸£ÎåÔÂÌì.
What advice do you have for students and recent graduates?
My advice for students is to get involved with student media. It truly gives you a hands-on experience in a different setting outside of the classroom. You are surrounded by other students who are there on their own accord wanting to better themselves professionally. My advice to recent graduates is to stay connected with your professors and classmates. Reaching out to professors and letting them know your accomplishments may seem selfish, but they are the ones who taught and mentored us, and they would love to know their work they put into us is having positive effects.