Alecia Lee

IN-DEPTH CONVERSATION WITH ALECIA

Year: Graduate Student

 Major: Sport Management

 Why did you choose this major? I chose SM because I'm interested in broadcasting, specifically in-house production. I'm not really a sports guru, but I figured it was important to at least understand more about sports since my ultimate goal is to work either at a university or a major sports arena.

 How long have you worked at UWG? Since 2020

 Title: Graduate Assistant for Digital Experience

 Describe what you do here. My role plays two parts. First is setting up production for sports events, working with the student production assistants on the back end to get them prepared for operation. Secondly, I also help with other broadcasting, lectures, and events around campus.

What interests you/do you enjoy most about your job? It's very laid back, but I enjoy that the level of broadcast changes on a daily basis. I'm not always doing the same thing. Also, depending on what we're doing, we have to be prepared to do things on the fly. This helps to break up the monotony of things and has helped in dealing with the stress that comes with the job. I love the way they teach us. Since I began my time as a student worker, I can say I've become better prepared to handles certain situations, especially now

being in a role where I have more authority. They've done a great job in preparing me to be in the new role and dealing with people. I'm much more confident than I was before. 

What is goal you've accomplished or something you're proud of since working here? I have drastically improved upon the comfort of my communications skills. Even 6 months ago, I would have been nervous to speak to you for an interview, but now that I'm in a role where I'm having to engage and speak with people, I don't get anxious or flushed. I've learned how to take my time when answering questions and even take charge when our supervisors are in the room.

Aside from experience, what have you gained from your time here? I've learned the importance of punctuality and the value of peoples' time. I would also say managing stress and anxiety because this is often a high-stress environment and things are always moving. I've learned how to move along with them and do what I need to do to get the job done. Other soft skills I've gained would be problem-solving on the fly, being resourceful, and even navigating conflict resolution.

What career do you see for yourself? In-house production at a sports arena

How will working in this role help you in your future career? Because of UWG, I have found my niche in the digital experiences department and a future career in In-House production, specifically at a sports arena. What we do here, even as minimal as I sometimes think it is, is actually at a very high level in comparison to other places. Recently we went to the Sports Video Summit in Atlanta, got to tour the Mercedes Benz Stadium, and be around other people that are in the same field.  Something I realized was that most people

at the event did either Broadcasting or In-house production. I never knew there was a difference between the two because I had been doing both the entire time. This definitely put me at an advantage. Since I actually knew a lot of the information that they were talking about, I didn’t gain as much information as I thought I would, but that reassured me that the people training me and that I was working with were integrative and up to the standards of this field and I wasn’t just being tasked with busy work.

 Best piece of advice you've received being here? My supervisor likes to say "I'll throw you in the fire, but I won't let you fail." This means everything is a learning environment in the sense that you can always ask questions about what you need to do to succeed, but it's just as important for you to take your own initiative because ultimately your career and success depends on you. So as long as you're trying, he will help guide you and he won't let you fail. You just have to take ownership of your life and decisions every step of the way. Also, get comfortable with being uncomfortable.

What advice do you have for other students looking to get into the ITS field? Explore professionally. It's easy to think you know what you want to do with your life, but that can easily change once you're actually in the midst of doing it, and realize it wasn't for you. I thought I wanted to make movies, but after trying, I quickly realized it wasn't for me. However, I did realize that there are other types of production I could do instead and I didn't have to completely give up my dream. I just switched the path of broadcasting to sports. In addition, while you're exploring professionally, remember that even if you change your mind, there are still people that rely on you even if you don't realize it. Take the time to have a conversation to let those around you know that's it's no longer serving you instead of just quitting and not coming back. You don't want to burn bridges with those who can help you on your journey or that you may reach out to again someday.