On November 28, the American Studies/Media and Communications department held a talk that featured Jalen Michael, a SUNY Old Westbury alumni. Media students gathered in the New Academic Building (NAB), where Michael talked about the importance of student media outlets for job preparation.
Michael discussed his time at SUNY Old Westbury and how the things he learned during his college career helped him with his current job position: Editorial Operations Coordinator at Backstage Magazine. Michael said that during his time at Old Westbury, he joined Old Westbury Web Radio (OWWR), then the Catalyst, and finally OWTV and the Media Innovation Center (MIC).
Michael emphasized the importance of trying everything in college and in real life, even if you’re not sure that you like it. During his time at the MIC, he did a lot of production work. He explained that he had to do a lot of filming and editing, and get comfortable with Adobe Premiere. Although he enjoyed working at OWWR, OWTV and the MIC, and referenced Professor Lisa Payton and Professor Ozgur Akgun as his biggest influences, he enjoyed his time at the Catalyst the most.
During his time at the Catalyst, he recalled how fast-paced of an environment it was. Everyone pitched strong articles and when he pitched to write a review on The Lego Movie, he felt a little out of place. But, he explained that Professor John Friedman encouraged him to write the article, which ultimately led to him winning a MAC Award and getting promoted to managing editor for three semesters. Michael explained that his work at the Catalyst has helped his career. Everything he did as a managing editor applies to his current job.
Following his graduation in May 2020, Michael interned at a startup called Red Summer Photoplays. There, he organized files on harddrives and worked with hyperlinks. After interning at Red Summer, he interned at Backstage Magazine, where he spent a lot of time transcribing interviews. He explained that he jumped at opportunities, even if he was inexperienced. Michael said his willingness to try anything and remain reliable allowed him to be offered a part time position at the magazine. The magazine offered Michael a part time position as an Editorial Assistant. He continued to jump at any and all opportunities, and climbed up the company ladder.
Professor Payton, throughout the talk, showered Michael with praises. She said, “he works very hard,” and highlighted his dedication. She explained that during his college career, he attended school, went to work, and partook in internships, all the while taking care of his five brothers (at the time) during his freetime. Payton said Michael is confident and trusts in his abilities, and she encouraged current media students to take a page out his book. Michael wrote his dedication and motivation off as wanting to set an example for his brothers.
Michael said that another motivator for his career is getting to see his name in the byline of a magazine publication. He said, “that’s the most surreal feeling.” At Backstage Magazine, Michael explained that they bridge the gap between casting directors and actors, and they write articles about the television and film industry. Michael said that at his job, a lot of his peers have Masters degrees, and because he didn’t attend graduate school, he felt like he could still improve upon his writing skills. To stand out, he reiterated, he jumped at opportunities out of his wheelhouse, accepted feedback on his writing, and looked to his peers’ writings to improve his skills.
At the end of Michael’s talk, he answered questions from students, and continued to emphasize the importance of internships. He said do as many internships as possible in college and outside of college; it’ll teach you important skills for your career and help build up your portfolio. At the talk, Michael was also joined by his grandmother and mother who expressed that she always knew Michael was going to be a writer. She said he’s always loved to write and his aunt enrolled him in creative writing classes from a young age. His mother said, “we’re very proud of him.”
