Alumni Spotlight: John Asante

Name: John Asante
College: Georgia State University (Class of 2009)
Hometown: Atlanta, GA

Current place of employment: National Public Radio
Current City: Washington, D.C.
Current Job: Editorial Assistant, Talk of the Nation
Duties: I spend my time jugging many tasks, such as: pitching story ideas, conducting researching for show topics, pre-interviewing and booking guests, writing scripts, screening calls, and digitally editing audio for NPR’s midday, live news talk show.

What I like most about my job: Each day is a different game. I’m sure everyone says that at some point about their job. But seriously—there are days where I’ll come in with everything set, but then a natural disaster destroys a country. Time to change programming. One minute, I’ll have THE perfect guest for a segment on a new Apple product. The next, I’m crash-booking, trying to find another reporter on the other side of the U.S. at the drop of a hat.

Case in point—I’m never bored. I can’t afford to be. Oh, and my co-workers are very supportive and hardworking. This helps the day go by faster. And that’s the beauty of working on a live radio show.

Future Career Goals: Well, I plan on going back to school (not just to satisfy mother dearest) to receive a Masters degree (possibly in International Affairs or an MBA). In addition, I’d love a job that would let me travel around the world and write for a living. We’ll see how that goes. While I’m at it, I’d love to start a band, create my own business, and even teach radio and writing to kids. If there’s one thing I’ve realized about getting older, it’s that you can literally determine your own fate, as cliché as that sounds.

Advice for outgoing SIWJ students looking for jobs or graduate schools: Two words: Be PROACTIVE. Look for that next internship! Start freelancing! Keep your contacts up! Spending a semester in D.C. already shows employers that you’re willing and able to move to a different location and compete with the best of the best. Keep your skills sharp and your wit sharper. Start projects on your own. Blogs and websites allow the world to see what you’re looking on. Don’t get left behind.

As for grad school—although I haven’t been yet, I’ve heard from many that you should go back when the time is right. And possibly the funds. Definitely know what you want to do AND know how this will make you stand out against other job candidates.