3/12/2015 Alumna's classroom connection leads to first job in NYC

http://www.elon.edu/e-net/Article/88195 1/2

Erin M. Turner 15

Julie Morse 13 first discovered the power of

networking her senior year at Elon, when she was

paired with Doug Williams 13 to create a long

reporting piece as part of her 60 Minutes Master

Class.

After producing a story on anonymous Twitter

accounts at Elon, Williams decided to share it with

his dad, Brian Williams, the news anchor for NBCNightly News.

We were ecstatic to know that Brian was very impressed, says Morse, a broadcast journalism major

who got a chance to meet him during Commencement weekend. He was our Commencement speaker

but, more importantly, he was a parent of a communications student. ... I was lucky enough to tell Brian

my interests and my future career goals. We had a lot to talk about since I am a news junkie and so is

he (obviously).

That meeting led to a phone call after graduation with an offer to apply for a job as a desk assistant at

NBC Nightly News in New York. Next thing I knew, I was moving into my Midtown apartment andgetting my own NBC News ID badge, Morse says.

Morse shared some insights with E-net about her work experience so far and the power of networking.

How has your experience at Nightly News been so far?

The past six months at NBC Nightly News have been amazing; it still doesnt seem like real life that thisis my job. I do anything and everythingfrom researching stories to typing out interviews verbatim. I

have been able to do really great things, like going on location with Brian to places such as the Jersey

Shore on the anniversary of Hurricane Sandy, Dallas for the 50th anniversary of JFKs assassination and

most recently to Washington, D.C., for the State of the Union Address. While traveling has been

amazing, I have also been able to work on some great pieces with some very intelligent people. I feel

like I learn something new every day and cannot see myself getting bored.

What has been your biggest accomplishment so far?

Assisting on the shoot for the 50th anniversary of JFKs assassination. It was my first business trip and

Alumna's classroom connection leads tofirst job in NYC

A chance group assignment her senior year, led broadcast journalism majorJulie Morse 13 to a job at NBC Nightly News.

3/12/2015 Alumna's classroom connection leads to first job in NYC

http://www.elon.edu/e-net/Article/88195 2/2

an honor that someone of my age was invited to travel with the anchor of Americas No. 1 newscast. Idid the research for all of the producers and found the character that we interviewed for one of ourpieces. It was a three-day trip of hard work but memories I will never forget. I have my press pass, and Ido not think I will ever get rid of it.

How has this experience affected your career?

This is the first step in my career, which I hope will be long lived. I have been able to see the full routineof an amazing newscast. I even was able to write one item on a holiday. It is one thing to learn aboutyour career path but there is nothing like being thrown into your career. The people at Nightly Newshave taken me under their wings to make me the best journalist I can be.

How has your Elon education prepared you for the workplace?

Between my class and my extracurricular activities, I was well prepared for the workplace. My classeswere hands on; I learned the importance of being on time and participating in conversation. When Ishowed up to my first internship, I was extremely prepared. I think my internships are what got me ajob. I interned three times; all were in my field but very different from each other. Thats how you learn avariety of skills that will prepare you for your future.

How important would you say networking has been for you? Do you have any advice for any

alumni who are looking to enhance their network?

Networking is what got me my job. I think its important to remember that the people you arenetworking with are very busy. Keep your relationships; do not just message someone when you needsomething.

What would you advise current students to do in regards to landing a job post-graduation?

Apply to everything and anything that is interesting to you. The more interviews you have under yourbelt, the better. And who knows, the one job you might think is out of your league is the one that is theperfect fit for you. Its also important to remember that we are young enough to change positions; youare not stuck in this job in this city. Sometimes its easier to try jobs in order to rule out what you dontwant to do.

Keren Rivas, Staff 2/21/2014 9:50 AM