By By Tiffany Ayuda

Every communications student has wondered what life will be like after college. While joining the University’s newspaper, radio and TV station provide enjoyable experiences and a feel for the work force, they do not compare to the “real world.”

Communications students are constantly reminded of the importance of internships and networking.

“The importance of an internship can not be stressed enough,” Roberts said. “Both in order to get a feel for an organization while learning about the business in an office or studio environment, and to get used to politics and networking.”

Michele Roberts, a 1990 University alumna, majored in communication arts, specifically TV production, and minored in drama. She chose this particular minor not because she wanted to be an actress, but to gain knowledge of the action behind the scenes. She enjoyed making costumes, props and managing stage production. Roberts was also very involved in campus activities. She participated in a grant project in the communications/TV production department, was a member of the Spanish club and a teacher’s assistant. Being involved in those organizations helped her gain experience and enabled her to work with a variety of people. However, it was during her senior year, when Roberts got her biggest break – an internship at MTV.

“I did an internship during my senior year at Hofstra at MTV,” Roberts said. “That basically never ended.”

While working for MTV she quickly learned that the communications and entertainment industries were not what they are believed to be.

“It prepared me for my job by dispelling many myths about not only the entertainment industry, but what happens after graduation,” Roberts said. “That it isn’t going to be a glamorous, high paying job right out of the box, and that it takes time to work your way through the ranks and learn to work the system. It was networking within the organization that enabled me to form lasting relationships throughout the organization and in more recent years, the entertainment industry.”

Now as vice president of MTV, VH1 and CMT Radio, Roberts has two major functions in the companies. Her first task is to extend the core brands onto the radio platform and create a revenue generating business. The second requirement is to build awareness of the core MTV Music brands.

When asked if she ever envisioned herself in this position, she answered, “Sure, eventually, but maybe not in this capacity or arm of the organization, which is the radio department. But in your career, as in life, I believe you need to take advantage of the opportunities that present themselves – even if they veer off the conventional path – the path you think you want.”

However, things were not always so certain. Like most recent graduates, she was insecure about being able to deliver and contribute to a large, reputable company. She feared how she would apply everything she learned in college into what needed to be accomplished.

Roberts’s biggest fear, is the fear of not knowing enough.

“Hofstra prepared me for the ‘real world,'” Roberts said. “Both in theory and in practice-by providing me with the experience and training in TV production in a group atmosphere, how to work well with different levels within a team or organization, to have the discipline to meet deadlines and how the whole TV production process works.”

Learning to work with others was not the only thing that the University taught Roberts.

“The other important way it prepared me was in the technical aspects,” Roberts said. “Knowing how all of the equipment and control room processes work gave me confidence that I can still utilize from time to time- talking the talk with engineers and programming execs alike.”

The hardest part is not getting into the industry; it’s being in it. It is all about using what you have learned and not being afraid to make something of it, even if it means being rejected. Roberts said there are 4 Ps- patience, perseverance, persistence and a positive attitude. Confidence may not come to every person, but maintaining a positive attitude defeats all the odds. With a positive attitude, no one will ever have to know that you are insecure or not confident.

“Don’t give up, and make sure to display confidence and a positive attitude,” she said. “Even when things aren’t moving forward as quickly as you would like. I really believe that if you work for little or no money in the beginning and just keep at it, something will work out.”

Communications is a field that is really limitless and requires you to think outside of what you already know. Getting to where you want to be takes an incredible amount of time and even then you won’t know everything. But as you go along the way, you learn to appreciate more what you have accomplished.

“There are the ‘aha now I get it’ moments each year as you grow in your career,” Roberts said. “Things that used to take a long time are now a reflex action, but at the same time the old saying is very true – the more you know, the more you know you don’t know.”

Aside from being a passionate and persistent individual, it’s also important to learn how to work with different people. Some lose sight of the fact that once you have a very powerful position, you have more responsibilities.

“Respect your peers, superiors and employees,” Roberts said. “You never know when you will work together again in the future and in what capacity. And never burn bridges.”

When asked if she feels like she has accomplished everything in her career, Roberts replies, “Well, I have accomplished everything I once wanted to, but that is an ever evolving mission. I would still love to advance in my career path and expand it to include more writing and maybe even more platforms such as film and coming full circle back to TV production. Then there’s always the personal life, family and friends and maintaining a good life balance.”

Although the world of communications can be challenging and critical, it’s also very inspirational. Roberts’ story not only inspires, but teaches the importance of remaining positive and persistent.

“Be open to different possibilities other than the exact path, position or medium you thought you wanted to work in,” Roberts said. “There is value in experience and a lot to learn throughout the industry.”

Roberts stressed that at first things will be hard and it will take some time until all the hard work pays off.

“And be resourceful,” Roberts advised current students. “And never say ‘it’s not my job.’ As someone in the communications industry, it’s your job to give something to all people, a voice and a passion.”

Roberts working in MTV studios. ( Michele Roberts)