91精选鈥檚 (KSU) Broadcast Announcing students were excited to get 鈥渢he 411鈥 on March 7 from WHAS-11 News Assignment Editor Sherlene Shanklin. Shanklin was a part of Academic Technology Trainer Jennifer Miles鈥 weekly 鈥溾楯ournalism Speaker Series hosted by Professor Miles.鈥 Miles invites a variety of professional journalists to visit with communications majors to provide their real-world experience.
Shanklin graduated from Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green, Kentucky, with a Bachelor of Arts in communications and broadcasting with a minor in fashion design. After receiving her degree, she worked as an assistant manager for Brooks, a retail fashion chain. While she worked at Brooks, Shanklin still sought to enter television broadcasting.
鈥淚 was young when I knew I wanted to become a journalist, but I had no idea where to start. I had no idea what I should do to start my career in journalism,鈥 she said.
Shanklin landed an interview with Louisville鈥檚 WAVE-TV, an NBC affiliate where she worked as a part-time associate director for nine years. Shanklin desired a bigger challenge and moved to a competing station in Louisville where she became a producer at ABC affiliate WHAS-11. She later moved to the assignment desk at the TV station. Shanklin is also seen in front of the camera as she delivers 鈥淭he411鈥 in entertainment news to viewers in the Kentuckiana area.
鈥淚 love how no day is the same,鈥 Shanklin said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 always changing, and I have to be ready to shift gears. I love figuring out puzzles/mysteries in a story and getting to the bottom of it. I love the opportunities I get to meet some of the world鈥檚 most influential people.鈥
Shanklin urged the students to learn a wide range journalism skills to remain competitive in broadcasting.
鈥淵ou need to be a multimedia journalist that can handle different mediums and positions,鈥 she said. 鈥淩emember not to get discouraged if you don鈥檛 get a job immediately out of college because many don鈥檛, but keep trying.鈥
Shanklin has visited KSU several times in the past years, but it was her first time visiting the campus as a professional.
鈥淚 love the beautiful campus. I enjoyed walking around and taking it in even on a rainy day,鈥 she said. 鈥淪tudents were courteous and spoke when I walked by.鈥
KSU senior Kayla Hutchinson, a broadcasting major, was tuned into Shanklin鈥檚 words of wisdom. Hutchinson said she was impressed that Shanklin also juggled her own business as a publicist and a full-time job at the television station.
鈥淪he was very humble about everything she has done in her life,鈥 Hutchinson said. 鈥淪he has her own business and a full-time job. She kept her sanity, and I think that鈥檚 really cool and shows her work ethic.鈥
The broadcast students hope to form a partnership with Shanklin and were very inspired by her sage advice. She concluded her lecture by reminding students to maintain their journalistic integrity and remain fair in reporting.
鈥淗ave a thick skin. Listen to the words and not the tone,鈥 she said. 鈥淔ollow your dreams. The only person who can stop you is you. Believe in you!鈥
鈥 Alea Cardenas