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Last year around this time Shannon Blunt ’19 was savoring her last days at Longwood before commencement while applying for jobs in radio broadcasting—a passion she discovered through working at campus radio station WMLU.
Fast forward one year and the communication studies major recently started what she describes as her dream job as an associate producer at SiriusXM in Washington, D.C.
We profiled Blunt a year ago in a series that highlighted several inspiring members of the class of 2019. We caught up with her recently to find out more about what she’s doing now.
Comm studies introduced me to the radio and gave me all of the editing knowledge I need to thrive in a real-life work environment. I also believe that classes like CommLab and Media Production gave me valuable skills that I’ve used every day in my job.
Shannon Blunt ’19 Tweet This
What is your current job with SiriusXM?
I am an associate producer for SiriusXM Fantasy Sports Radio. My day-to-day duties include meeting with hosts, editing clips for them to use, pulling audio, running their show and managing social media for that show. We have about 15 programs featuring the top names in fantasy sports from around the country.
Where is your job based and how has it been affected by the current Covid-19 pandemic?
I’m currently working remotely due to the pandemic. I actually started my job from home. I am looking forward to going to our studios in Washington, D.C., when we can safely return to working there.
What did you do before you got the job at SiriusXM? What was your first job after graduating last year from Longwood?
I got a job as a promotions assistant at Summit Media, a company that owns six radio stations in Richmond. I did events, worked with our street teams, as well as reported traffic live on the radio. I really loved working there and getting a chance to interact with listeners from multiple stations.
I have to mention WMLU and the amazing people it introduced me to. Without my hands-on experience with WMLU and my radio show, I wouldn’t be where I am now.
Shannon Blunt ’19 Tweet This
What is your favorite part of the job you have now?
I really like the amount of creative control I have during these programs. I’m able to run the show from the background and make sure everything is going according to the plan we laid out beforehand. I also love that we get to interact with all kinds of people. Last week we talked with Houston Astros pitcher Lance McCullers.
How did Longwood help prepare you for your current job?
Longwood and the communication studies program really taught me everything I need to know. Comm studies introduced me to the radio and gave me all of the editing knowledge I need to thrive in a real-life work environment. I also believe that classes like CommLab and Media Production gave me valuable skills that I’ve used every day in my job. Also, I have to mention WMLU and the amazing people it introduced me to. Without my hands-on experience with WMLU and my radio show, I wouldn’t be where I am now.
Now that you have been working for a year, what is one piece of advice that you would give to current Longwood seniors who are getting ready to graduate and enter the working world?
I would tell them, don’t stop hustling, creating and being passionate. That’s really what gives you that edge—being able to show that you care about what you are doing. Don’t feel discouraged if you apply for a job and don’t get it. A year ago, I had an interview with SiriusXM, and I didn’t get the position. Unfortunately, they wanted someone who could start that week, and I hadn’t finished college yet at Longwood. But I didn’t stop applying, and now I’m working here.
Is there anything else you'd like to add about what you are currently doing?
I am pursuing my master’s degree in communication while working at the same time. This is my dream job, and I wouldn’t be here without Longwood!
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