Name: Curtis Koch
Home Town: Crystal Lake, Illinois
Major: Radio Broadcasting
Curtis is a senior at Columbia College Chicago graduating in Fall 2017. He is majoring in Radio Broadcasting and has already put his skills to work through an internship as Assitant Producer at WSSP 105.7FM in Milwaukee.
He spent the fall doing play by play for football games at Huntly High School and keeping up with his fantasy football and baseball leagues. Curtis is gearing up to host his own sports show on Columbia's own WCRX 88.1FM in the spring. He is looking forward to working with his friends in the radio department and making some money through an on-campus job.
We asked Curtis five questions about his internship at WSSP 105.7. Here’s what he said:
1. What made you decide on this internship?
Well, I am a huge sports nut. When I am not in class I am usually checking my social media accounts for the latest sports news and updates, not only for updates on my teams but also to learn what’s happening nationally. I took this internship because I felt that it would be a great opportunity to get my feet wet in an industry that I want to become a part of in the future.
2. How did Columbia prepare you for the internship?
The classes I have taken at Columbia and former Columbia alums who are in the sports industry helped me a lot. I learned so much by asking as many questions as I could in class and even spoke to professors privately to answer any additional questions. Once I had the general idea of what I could expect at the internship, it made me feel much more prepared to enter radio studios and get an idea of what sports radio is all about.
3. What highlights have you encountered while interning?
Wow! There is a lot! I guess to start, I spoke to and connected with a lot of personalities that many people normally see on television or hear on the radio. Matt Vasgersian, Brewers 3rd Base Coach Ed Sedar, and Packer Hall of Famer LeRoy Butler are a few contacts I have met. Ed Sedar and LeRoy Butler, specifically have been available to talk to me on almost a daily basis. My most recent and personal favorite highlight was being able to cover the Brewers and Cubs this past July at Miller Park. It included sitting in on the Pre and Post-game interviews with Joe Maddon from the Cubs and Craig Councell from the Brewersm. It was a big thrill to sit in the press box, watch the game and get audio cuts from players on both teams. That weekend included clubhouse and locker-room access as well to both the Cubs and Brewers players.
4. What advice do you have for students who might be thinking about an internship?
I would say don’t hesitate to find an internship and look hard! It was easy for me to ask myself “Why aren’t you doing sports radio in Chicago?” But, keep in mind, in some situations, it won’t work out, and you are going to have to make some sacrifices. I really wanted to get into sports radio and I was willing to make the long drive to Milwaukee from my house to do what I love, and show the station that I WANT to be successful and get noticed. If you are passionate about something specific, look for an internship that you think you would love to be able to do.
My two biggest passions are radio and sports so this internship was perfect for me. If you are, for example, a film or TV student wanting to do some work for a news station, go out and apply to WGN, ABC7 or whatever your taste is. You may not get the chance to do exactly what you want in the beginning, but if you prove yourself, you never know what opportunities can come from it! I would also add, work as hard as you can, do what they ask, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. You are there for the experience so get the most out of it. Show up early, leave late, and ask your supervisor, or whoever you are working with there, if there is any additional work you can do. My hard work has gotten noticed and I am in the running for a job at WSSP. If you go into the internship with a positive attitude and work hard you will be rewarded.
5. How will this internship help with your career goals?
My career goal is to cover sports in Chicago at some point down the road. Being exposed to the daily grind that is sports radio really helps me realize what I am in for, and gives me confidence that I can do my job well and exceed the expectations of my employer. The more experience, connections, and achievements I reach, the more it will help me when it comes time to look for a full-time position in sports radio whether that is here in Chicago, or elsewhere in Milwaukee, Houston, or New York. The experience at my internship has been extremely valuable for me.
And just for fun. How did you celebrate the Cubs win?
I celebrated the Cubs winning the World Series with my mom and dad at home. My family being life long Cubs fans wanted to be together when the occasion occurred. I was fortunate to be downtown by Murphy's Bleachers Bar when they won Game 6 against the Dodgers with some of my best friends and that was an experience I will never forget!!
I went to the Rally and Parade as well. We were outside of Grant Park at 6 in the morning and stood until the Rally was over. Following the Rally, we went back to a friends house and eventually caught a Metra train home.
