Kim Long
Mass communication major (broadcast journalism emphasis) with a Spanish minor. Hails from Mandan, North Dakota
Got experience?
Kim worked at WDAY TV this summer, first as a production assistant, where she worked the early morning newscast….early as in 5:15 a.m.! Her advice to other pre-dawn workers? “Set two alarm clocks and place them on the other side of the room.” She later trained with meteorologist John Wheeler to do fill-in work on the weekends as a weather forecaster and was immediately challenged with unstable summer weather, unfamiliar technology, and unscripted delivery. “It was completely extemporaneous and pushed me way out of my comfort zone. But the amount of airtime I got was incredible for a student. I also worked directly with the anchors and developed good connections for the future.”
Mass comm majors…the truth
“It’s a lot of work! Many classes are more like jobs. We put together a product that goes to the public, and we might not be studying every night, but we’re always working on major projects.”
Working on campus
Kim works in the admissions office, where she’s a student supervisor and is also an intern meeting with prospective students and families. “It’s really rewarding telling students they qualify for admission when they didn’t know if they would be able to get in. I enjoy that interaction, and it’s helped me to discover that I can work in public relations, not just broadcasting, with my mass communications degree.”
Best class
“I’ve had a lot of really good classes, but one of the best is international relations with Andrew Conteh. He’s simply fascinating to listen to and he’s extraordinarily intelligent.” She also liked Spanish 301 (Grammar and Composition) because she wrote 100 sentences in Spanish almost every night. But she sure knows her Spanish grammar!
Make a friend
“I met my best friend, Kristin, in the bathroom in Dahl Hall of all places. I asked her if she knew of any Christian radio stations and we ended up talking for 20 minutes! We were roommates for three years, and we remain the best of friends.” Be open to new friends—anywhere and everywhere.
I didn’t expect…
“Professors at a public university to be so involved with their students. The professors here take an interest in my life, they make time for each student, and they truly desire for students to be successful.” That being said…get to know your professors! MSUM is a teaching university, and that means they really want to teach you!
Best residence hall stash
Toast (bread) and jelly (grape, please), popcorn, granola bars, Hi-C and Capri Sun juice boxes. Quick and easy for on-the-go students.
Favorite pastimes
“I love going to Safari Theatre for $1.50 movies (she’s a fan of chick flicks and adventure movies) and spending time with friends at coffee shops.” One of her favorites: Babb’s Coffee House, which features live music weekly. Its fun, laid-back atmosphere features comfortable seating, soft lighting, Internet connection, a limited menu, and great coffee!
Dressing for college
Most underclassmen don’t need to worry quite yet about dressing professionally. But if you’re a senior like Kim working in a professional capacity on and off campus, clothing is a concern. “I’ve definitely had to expand my wardrobe to include suits because of Campus News (she anchored last year) and anchoring at WDAY. I prefer a casual professional look, and my favorite store is New York & Company.” She’s nabbed great bargains at Kohls (a $120 suit for $25) and Plato’s Closet, which sells gently used clothing for twenty-somethings.
The truth about MSUM
“MSUM is a place where you can graduate with a quality education but not have to spend a ridiculous amount of money. I’ve really gotten my money’s worth.” And the students? “We’re a big melting pot—there isn’t a label you can put on MSUM students because they come from all places in life.”