Jessica Marsh (‘15, BA, Broadcasting)

This interview is with Ms. Jessica Marsh, a graduate of the Broadcasting program at UTA. 
 
Tell us about yourself. 
I currently work for KERA as a Desktop Support Technician II. I’ve been there for two years and love what I do. Before, I lived in Seattle for five years and worked for Premiere Networks in contract as an engineer and tech support for the Delilah Show. These days my interests are gaming, hockey, and wrangling my 8 month old son. 

Why did you choose your major or field of study? 
I was originally a History major when I started at UTA. It didn’t even take a full semester for me to change majors though. I enjoyed studying History (still do) but I had to ask what was I going to use this major to do. I couldn’t come up with an answer I liked so I switched to broadcasting. I changed my major with the hope to be involved in audio work behind the scenes. I had some exposure to consoles and stage work which is why I was interested in broadcast engineering.   

Did you receive a scholarship while at UTA? How did it help you? 
I received the Outstanding Transfer scholarship. I took a few classes at a community college before transferring to UTA. It really helped cover my dorm expenditures as well as books. 

What can graduating Liberal Arts students do to make themselves more marketable? 
Honestly, do as much as you can while in school. It’s super easy just to go to class and get completion for those hours but get involved in much more than that. While attending classes, I was the station manager for UTA Radio and the videographer for Student Congress. I also completed two internships. These extra items are really what helped pave the way to jobs I would have in the future and where I am today. Also, your professors are huge assets even outside of the classroom. 
 
How has your Liberal Arts education helped get you where you are today? 
My education was really a stepping stone. Even though I am still in broadcasting, the kind of work I do now on a daily basis I did not learn while at UTA. My broadcasting degree and my professors helped get me in the door. I took it from there and really branched out from my original education. 

What drew you to your industry, and what has kept you there? 
I’ve always been fascinated with the technical side of broadcasting. It’s what drew me to the industry and what’s kept me in it. 

If you are a College of Liberal Arts alum, please let us know by emailing liberalarts@uta.edu.