2014 Broadcasting Alumna Kelsie Metzgar is the Johnstown Bureau Reporter for WTAJ-TV Tuesday, February 16, 2016
Meet Kelsie Metzgar
Job title and employer: Johnstown Bureau Reporter, WTAJ-TV
Degree earned at Point Park: B.A. in Broadcast Reporting and Broadcast Production and Media Management, December 2014
Hometown: Plum, Pa.
Now living in: Johnstown, Pa.
High school: Plum Senior High School
Scholarships from Point Park: Margy Snyder Memorial Scholarship and School of Communication Scholarship
College activities: U-View, National Broadcast Society and Student Production Services
Internships: Champs Sports Network, University of Pittsburgh/ESPN and CW Pittsburgh
Twitter: @KelsieWTAJ
How soon after graduation did you land your job?
I received my job offer a week after graduating in December 2014. I credit my success in landing a job to some of the wonderful faculty at Point Park who supported me. I know I would not be where I am today without the help of Michelle Wright, Maria Kakay, Gina Catanzarite, Robin Cecala, Paul Coatsworth or Dale Nodianos. They made sure I knew everything about the news world, in front of and behind the camera.
What has surprised you the most about your job?
It has truly amazed me how you can become part of a community. Before last year, I didn't know much about the Johnstown area, but throughout my first year, people have welcomed me in and made me feel like I'm at home.
What do you like most about your job?
I love that I don't have an office. Yes, technically I have a desk to write and edit my stories, but I don't sit at a desk for eight hours a day. My office is wherever my story takes me that day (for better or worse). I also love truly having the power to make an impact with each story I cover.
Tell us about your Point Park experience.
I met some of the most wonderful people at Point Park. My U-View family was like my second family. I'll always have a special place in my heart for them. We were able to get involved in various activities in U-View during our first semester freshman year. We got to use the equipment and got on air. Point Park overall is very hands-on, which is great! I was also involved in Campus Activities Board and did volunteer work, both of which were great experiences and everyone was so welcoming!
Why did you choose to attend Point Park?
I chose Point Park for its atmosphere. I loved living in the city and the small class sizes the most!
What advice do you have for broadcast majors?
Get involved and have confidence in yourself. The best thing most of us ever did was spend hours each week at the TV station. It's a small industry. You never know who you're going to meet down the line, and it may be one of your fellow peers you worked with in a school organization.
What are your career goals?
My fiance Chris Hoffman, is also a television reporter. I would like both of us to continue to move to higher television markets. In the end, nothing would make me happier than reporting in the same city as my best friend. It doesn't matter if we are working at the same station, or competing for the day's top story, it would be great if neither one of us had to leave our career in news.
Anything else you would like to add?
Between the class of 2014 and the class of 2015, Point Park has sent more than a dozen students to work in television news. As a small school, it's something I'm very proud of and I can't wait to see even more talented, young journalists join us!