A LARC Success Story - Nikki Burdine

Nikki Burdine is a reporter at WHAG.
It's her dream job and it's close to her home.
While at LARC, Nikki interviewed Martin Sheen.
She also covered an emotional Memorial Day exhibit in Santa Monica.

LARC: Why did you choose LARC to help you make your resume tape?

Nikki: LARC was recommended to me by a friend
who had recently got her tape
done at LARC and landed her dream job as a result.
After researching
other workshops, I realized LARC really was the best.
 I made a
commitment to myself to get my dream job,
and in my mind the only way
to do that was to have a great tape.


LARC:  What do you think was the most important
 thing you learned during
your LARC experience?

Nikki: The workshop as a whole was very informative.
I loved the feeling of
being an actual reporter...on the job.
It really gave me a sense of
how it would be. Jay gave me control
 to chose the stories and write
them how I wanted. Even though I did
have a lot of freedom, I never
felt misguided because Jay was always
there to provide guidance and
suggestions. Another important part
 was the writing workshop. Jay
actually sat down and gave me tips,
writing suggestions and other ways
that will make me a better reporter.
 Not only did I get a great tape
from LARC, but I gained a lot of tools
 and knowledge that will
definitely come in handy.


LARC: Describe the job interview?
What were some of the questions news
directors asked you?

Nikki: I was actually given a written
test in my first interview. It was
definitely tough! It included history
 questions, public policy
questions and various political questions.
 In addition to the multiple
choice test, I was give two writing tests.
 I was also asked why I
wanted to be a reporter, what my ultimate
goal is, why they should
hire me, and what my weaknesses are.

LARC: Talk about the moment you got the job?
 What did the news director
say and how did you feel?

Nikki: After my interview, I felt great.
 It went really well and I thought I
would hear from them within the next week.
 When 2 months went by I was
very discouraged and thought they had
 given the job to someone else.
After calling the news director at least
 once a week for 2 months, I
decided to give it one last try.
The news director finally took my
call, and offered me the job. I felt
 a huge sense of accomplishment,
because he hired me solely based on
 my talents and what I had to
offer. I then called Jay immediately
 and told him the good news!

LARC: Finally, what's the best advice
 you can give people who are trying
to break into the business?

Nikki: I know its cliche, but never,
 ever give up. If you truly know in your
heart that this is what you want to do
 with your life, don't let
anyone tell you you can't. Make sure
you have thick skin and don't
take anything personally. Timing is
everything. Just keep pursuing and
it will happen! Last but certainly not
least, the most important thing
for any reporter is to have a great reel.
 If you don't have that, you
won't get anywhere. It's worth the time
and the investment if you are
serious about your career.

LARC: Thanks, Nikki. Congratulations on
your success. You're going to go very far in this business.