Alumnus Samiar Nefzi Credits Real-World Education, Guidance from Experienced School of Communication Faculty for Career in Broadcasting Alumni Profile
Meet Samiar Nefzi
- Job Title & Employer
- Reporter/Fill-in Anchor, WJET/WFXP
- Major/Program
- Broadcast Reporting
- Graduation
- April 2019
- College Activities
- U-View, United Student Government
- Scholarships
- Transfer Presidential
- Hometown
- Waynesburg, Pa.
- High School
- West Greene High School
- Now Living In
- Erie, Pa.
- Hobbies & Interests
- Running, swimming, tanning, watching Neflix, traveling, live theater and rocking out to Katy Perry
“I never had a doubt Samiar would be well-qualified for the work he would be doing in our newsroom. We’ve enjoyed great success with Point Park grads before him, including Chelsea Pompeani, Caroline Collins and Elena LaQuatra. After a couple of years at JET 24, look at them now! Our home run streak continues with Samiar!”
"I'm not sure I would have landed this job or my internship at KDKA-TV without the training I received while at Point Park. Not only did I have a job before graduating from Point Park, I was about to start reporting before my spring graduation."
Update: Samiar Nefzi is now a reporter at WLOS in Asheville, N.C.
Tell us about the work you do at WJET/WFXP.
Currently, I cover the county and courthouse beat. I was previously on the morning show as a live reporter. On my current beat every day is different, which is my favorite part. I come in, pitch three story ideas, then I'm assigned a few. From there I set up interviews, connect with my photographer, drive to the interview and conduct the interview. After we film everything we head back to the station where I review my interview, fact check and write the story. Normally I give myself five minutes before going on air to review my script and graphics, listen to some Katy Perry and then it's showtime!
How did your undergraduate experience prepare you for professional success?
I believe Point Park is one of the most connected schools on the east coast. The majority of the professors either work or have worked in the industry — from Susan Koeppen (KDKA-TV), Gina Catanzarite (WQED), Chelsea Pompeani (former reporter) to Bill Moushey. All of my professors continued to push me throughout my academic career to sculpt and refine my journalistic skills.
The advice and guidance they gave helped to not only prepare me more for my career, but to ensure my readiness. It was a solid mix of older skills with newer skills. As the industry continues to change, they stay on top of it. I'm not sure I would have landed this job or my internship at KDKA-TV without the training I received while at Point Park. Not only did I have a job before graduating from Point Park, I was about to start reporting before my spring graduation.
What are your fondest Point Park memories?
I fell in love with the area. Point Park has a unique location in Downtown Pittsburgh that allows students to mature while adjusting to adulthood in the city. I had a great time working on shows produced by U-View. Thanks to U-View I was able to interview people like Chelsea Handler, Kathy Griffin and some of the best names on Broadway.
What advice do you have for prospective School of Communication students?
If you're looking for an education that will challenge you to do and be better, go ahead and apply to the school that is truly based on the corner of real and world. If you want to feel accomplished and ready to go into this crazy world that's called broadcasting, Point Park will prepare you to land that dream job.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Don't be afraid to go outside of the university. Don't close yourself to things unrelated to academics. One of the best aspects of Point Park is the location; it allows you to thrive within a major city. Take a stroll down the road. Find a story. Find yourself.