Christopher Kamka, Production Assistant, Comcast Sportsnet
When I first signed up for classes at the Illinois Center for Broadcasting, I was a 28 year old guy with an Associates Degree and a dead end job. I was tired of putting in hours at a place where I didn’t enjoy being. ICB helped me change that. A little over a year after my graduation, I’m sitting at a desk with a job working in television production in the #3 market in the country.
I’m a production assistant at Comcast Sportsnet in downtown Chicago. I’ve always loved working with sports, and I’ll put my knowledge of sports stats, trivia and history up against anyone. The trouble was getting my foot in the door. This is what ICB did for me. My ten month course in radio and television gave me the skills I needed to compete for a job. ICB provides all the latest technology in radio and television and offers the opportunity to get hands-on experience in the broadcasting field of your choice. I came to ICB primarily interested in radio broadcasting, and by the time I left, I switched gears to the television side of the field.
The most valuable aspect of my ICB experience was their internship program. I was given the opportunity to intern at 670 The SCORE and at Comcast Sportsnet. I gained valuable experience in the field and had a chance to work with people in broadcasting. It was through ICB’s assistance that I was able to get internships, and from there i put in hard work and was fortunate enough to earn a paid position. I am extremely grateful to the ICB staff for their availability. The class size is relatively small, so instructors are readily available for any questions. Placement Director Dave Cogozzo does incredible work with looking out for each student and graduate and working with everyone individually to find the best job for them. Dave was an immense help in my search for a job, helping me find the right people to talk to, and also helping me with my resume.
ICB is a great place to start in the quest to find a career in broadcasting. Especially for someone like me, who had a late start in finding my place in the work world.