Name: Andrea Igliozzi
Degree Earned and Year Graduated: BS in Communication – Broadcast Journalism and minor in Social Media Marketing and E-Analytics in 2020
How has FIU Department of Journalism + Media and STEP (Student Training and Employment Program – partnership with Univision) helped you get to where you are today in your career?
Thanks to FIU and the STEP program I’m here today. They not only gave me the tools to succeed in the professional field, but thanks to the STEP and SWAT programs, I got this job. My first job as a Multimedia Journalist in a top 10 Spanish market.
What path did you take to attain your current career?
I started doing and creating content in FIU. I was the pioneer and co-creator of “SFMN in one Minute” a social media newscast for the South Florida Media Network. Then, I was accepted into the STEP and SWAT programs where I met the News Director that later offered me the position in Sacramento, and here I am!
What has been the coolest thing about your job so far?
Connecting and helping the Hispanic community. It’s amazing to have people trust you and reach out to you to help them because of an issue they might be going through. Being able to help my community is just incredibly fulfilling.
What does a typical day look like for you?
I start my day checking emails, text messages, returning calls and checking all the Sacramento agencies social media accounts. Then, I get dressed, do my makeup, and prepare three story ideas for the day. I pitch them in our editorial meeting, and I start working on one of them. I run around the city for about 5 hours, recording, getting interviews and investigating leads more in-depth. After that, I start writing and editing. I usually finish my packages 15 minutes before the show, I send them and then I must ready for my live-shots.
How did you feel when you heard of your Emmy nomination and win?
The nomination was unbelievable… winning it is just mind-blowing. This is my first job in TV, my first year working… these are stories that I did 6 months on the job. I just cannot describe how proud I am of me, and it would not be possible without the support of my family, my professors, and my colleagues.
What sparked your interest in environment and science journalism?
California is a place full of stories on these topics and I always have had an interest in science. One of my goals as a journalist is being able to investigate and report on these topics but doing it in a way that anybody can understand. In this case, I got one of the Emmy awards in the category “Environment/Science” for an investigation I did on how dangerous the contamination in the rivers of Sacramento really is to our health and what the county is doing to solve this issue. The other Emmy was in the category of “Continuing Coverage” for my several reports on the damages and development of the Dixie fire in northern California.
Were there any classes or professors that influenced where you are today?
All of them! Chuck Strouse, Lilliam Martinez-Bustos, Diane Fernandez… all my professors taught me something valuable.
What advice do you have for students interested in a career in your field?
Learn EVERYTHING! Learn how to design graphics, how to edit videos, and how to use social media better. Learn everything you can! That would be what makes you different and gives you even more value as a professional. Also, treat everyone with respect and kindness. You do not know who your future boss or colleague will be. Lastly, do not give up! Keep fighting for your dreams!
