GRADUATE TESTIMONIALS!      

Jeff Johnson, Chicago Graduate

I landed my first job after graduation in Grinnell, Iowa. I started out doing afternoons and doing lots of sports for a small AM station. Within six months of doing afternoons, I was switched to the morning show. Working in a small town meant a lot of county fairs, lost know, I really wanted to do play-by-play. I had the chance to do a ton of games at the high school and also the college in town. I was on the air everyday and gaining valuable experience. I started sending out tapes trying to get into professional baseball after I had been in Iowa for a year. I landed a job with the Mid-Missouri Mavericks. They are an independent team that plays in the Frontier League. I am the play-by-play announcer for all 96 games and serve as the Director of Broadcast and Media Relations. In the off season another opportunity came my way to do play-by-play for the Columbia College men’s basketball team that plays in the NAIA.
I want to thank everyone at the Illinois Center for Broadcasting for all of the support and work they did for me while I was a student. I remember when I signed up to come to ICB and they told me they would help me get into professional sports and that is just what I did!

Bryan Higgins, Chicago Graduate

Six months ago I graduated from ICB and walked out the door with no idea what was going to happen to me. Back then I was delivering pizzas for a living and was dependent on my relatives for a place to live. In large part to the training I received at ICB, I am now employed in the broadcast business and live in my own cool apartment in the greatest city in the world- Chicago!
To put it simply, ICB rocked my world!

Chris Vaughan, Denver Graduate

Well after some bartering , weighing all the pros and cons, career-wise, financially and other things going on in my life. A deal was reached and I am happy to say that I am employed at this time.
I sent out over 60 resumes. As of yesterday December 3rd , I had received 4 offers of employment in the radio industry. I do not know if it has been timing, or the credentials on my resume. I do know that the over 800 hours of internships, and the variety of them did help with one offer of employment. This one however, I had to turn down. I did however take a part-time local job here in Denver.
I am an employee of Salem Communications....KNUS 710 newstalk radio/KRKS Denver Christian. I am a board operator and producer here.
I would like to stress to all the students at OCB that this is a vocational school and you get out of it what you put into it. I look back at it and know deep down that I could have put so much more into the program and my internships , however I failed myself by taking the last two months of the program off basically and slid through. I urge all the current students not to do this and to wait till after their graduation , then take one week off, go crazy , relax and enjoy .
THEN GET IN TOUCH WITH DAN THE MAN AND GET OUT HERE AND WORK!

Reagan Kiester, Denver Graduate

I thought it was my turn to send in “The Letter.” As a member of the inaugural class at OCB Colorado Campus, I am turning my dreams into reality.
After graduating in June 2002, my internship with KIMN Mix 100 turned into a job at Denver’s Mix 100 where I was associate producer for the Big Mix Morning Show and also the overnight DJ for KIMN and KDJM Jammin’ 92.5-FM. All owned by Infinity Broadcasting, a CBS affiliate.
I have since left Denver to raise my son in my hometown here in Wyoming. Luckily, I had some terrific references from Infinity, as I was able to land the afternoon drive time DJ for KLGT Kix 93-FM, a hot country station owned by Legends Communications, an ABC affiliate.
I am having a total blast with it and certainly hoping to work my way back up to the Denver market again in a few years and with any luck, good experience and great connections, I’ll be back! Thanks OCB!

Dan Schenek, Cleveland Graduate

They say it’s a business that can take you anywhere and it certainly has been no exception for yours truly. And quite frankly, I couldn’t have done it without the Ohio Center for Broadcasting.
I started with a few production jobs here and there taking me to my current job in Columbia, Missouri working as a news producer. News is a good way of getting your foot in the door and to gain great experience in television. I will continue to work up the ranks in hopes to see what bigger and better things lie ahead. Cleveland, then Missouri, and hopefully the next leap will be where I’d like to be.. good ole’ California… where a lot of excitement seems to be.
Remember, sometimes you have to do things you don’t necessarily want to do at first in the business to make it to the next level in your career. But, it will pay off when you hear from somebody that needs your experience. Follow your dreams and never give up.

Loni Ferris, Denver Graduate

I’m not the G.M. yet, but the sale is final next Thursday!! We had some trouble with our morning DJ, so I accepted that position along with everything else I do!! You should really encourage graduating students to apply in small markets. I am getting the best experience! I’ll know how to do everything from the ground up by the time I leave here! After everything settles down with the sale, I’m going to the T.V. station next. The news anchors up here need to be shown how it’s done!

Mark Dannells, Chicago Graduate

It has been over 6 months since I graduated and I have to say that it has been the most exciting 6 months of my life. Upon graduating from ICB, I was able to keep my internship with the Kevin Matthews Show at WCKG in Chicago. Thanks to hard work and the advice of your Placement Director, Mike Kendall, I was able to land a part-time job as a board operator at sister-station US-99.
Now, my small board op job was nothing glamorous. I had to come in at 5:30 in the morning on weekends. The pay wasn’t all that great either. But before long, just weeks actually, WCKG needed another board operator and I was given the job.
Since that day my career in broadcasting has been growing so fast that even I am still having trouble realizing what I have accomplished. Currently, I am on the air for both stations! You can hear me on WCKG every Saturday during the mid-day and every Saturday overnight on US99. Occasionally, I board op the Howard Stern Show and the Kevin Matthews Show.
Everything I am doing now I owe to my hard work at my internships and to ICB for giving me the opportunity to become involved in the Chicago radio market.
My advice to students still enrolled at ICB is to utilize everything that the school has to offer. They will teach you what you need to know. Most importantly, take your internships very seriously. Real life is the best way to learn and a good internship is the way to experience it. Don’t expect to graduate and just be handed a job. Everything you do depends on how much you are willing to work for it. Believe me, my social life has suffered, but I know it’s worth it. After all, just 6 months after graduating, I am on the air at TWO different stations in Chicago.
Remember, it’s not luck… it’s hard work.

Matt Sitarik, Cleveland Graduate

I’m writing to say that I recently graduated from the school and I’m working for Salem Communications.
While I was at the school, I learned as much as I could and took my internship serious as well. After I graduated, I sent my demo tapes and resumes to many places and never gave up. I then was offered a part-time position as a board-op for Salem Communications in Independence, OH.
Therefore, my point to you all is work hard and don’t give up and you too can be on your way to success.

Canthon Tripllette, Cleveland Graduate

My name is Canthon Tripplett and I am proud to say that I am an OCB alumni. I graduated with the 9/18/02 Nights class, and have now been officially working in the Media/Broadcasting industry for over a year now.
I guess what makes my story unique is that I never wanted to be on the air, or be an on-air anchor for the local news station. I came into OCB looking to be equipped with the tools necessary to become a Media/Broadcasting Salesman. My class and I were very grateful to have Mr. Steve Pappas as our first instructor. He passed out a chart showing the rank structure in a radio or television station, and I was intrigued with what the duties of the General Manager was through Sales. From that moment on, I knew I wanted to be in Radio/Televisions Sales.
Since that day, I have never looked back, and have never forgotten my goal of one day managing a radio or television station. I am now a Market Developer for the Ohio News Network (ONN) and am proud to say that in a matter of a year I have went from working in radio promotions to television sales. The journey was not the easiest, but with a little persistence and lot of hard work, anything is attainable.
I took my career into my own hands and have not looked back. I will not stop until I have reached my goal of one day becoming a General Manager. Who knows, by the time I have achieved that, I’m sure I will have another challenge awaiting me.
Anything is possible through hard work, determination, and most important of all, persistence.
Plan your work, and work your plan!

Jael Aguilar, Chicago Graduate

I want you to be among the first to know that my job search has come to a very successful conclusion. I have accepted the position of Assignment Editor at UNIVISION Chicago.
I appreciate all the help and support you have provided all the time I needed it. You made the job search process much easier for me. I am sure you know you were the key in the beginning of my career. I want to let you know that my success is also your success. I look forward to staying in contact with you.

Bo Koltnow, Cleveland Graduate

It's been a year since I graduated from the school. What a year it's been. I've been working in West Virginia for WDTV. I was able to get this job even before I graduated. I couldn't have done it without OCB.
Work has been tiring, exciting and fun. I've done everything from shooting video, editing, writing and going live on TV every night. This has definitely been a great learning experience for me and hopefully just another step in a long and successful broadcasting career.
This is not an easy business but if you want it bad enough you can get it!

Shereen Mirtavoosi, Chicago Graduate

Hello from California!
I’m out here in California working for Journey of Faith Productions. I am acting, writing and producing. It’s great working for an independent production company because not only do I get to help out behind the scenes, but I get a lot of time in front of the camera as well.
We just finished a pilot for HBO. In November, we will start to shoot a new pilot which I will be producing and starring in. I have also just started doing commercials which is really exciting.
I just wanted you guys to know I definitely learned a lot from ICB and it has really helped me in my work out here. Thank you so much for all you did!

Dustin Karolewicz, Chicago Graduate

Hey Mike
How are you? I haven't had a chance to get a hold of you since I accepted this position, so I wanted to do so while I had the time. I'm having an absolute blast here. To be in total control of everything is awesome. I wake up every morning excited to come here, which is something I've never experienced with a job. I've been putting 150 percent into everything I do and I think it has shown because I'm actually satisfied with everything I produce. Everyone has been real supportive and encouraging. Its nice to hear sales people tell me that clients love commercials and things like that.
As you can tell, I'm really excited. At least once a day, I stop and shake my head and still can't believe I made it. It feels nice to know that hard work really does pay off.
Thank you very much for your support and help in the past year. Your encouragement helped me out to strive to be better and to work harder. I don't know if there’s anything I can help you out with, but if there’s anything I can do for you, please let me know.
Thanks again!

Jennifer Navarrette, Colorado Graduate

I am writing this to letter to reflect back on my education with OCB. I started OCB with very little experience in the broadcasting industry. Since that time I have gained an incredible amount of knowledge, not only through the Ohio Center for Broadcasting, but also through the internship that I received. As I began my internship with Entercom Communications Denver in the promotions department I found this to be my calling. As time went on, my connections grew and my knowledge expanded. As I near graduation from OCB, I am now the producer of 99.5 The Mountain's morning show with Ace and Archer.
This incredible position came to me due to the hands on experience I gained with OCB not only with radio broadcasting, but also in television broadcasting. It was nice having instructors that were actually experienced in the industry, instead of being taught right out of a text book with no experience or hands on knowledge.
I look forward to my new career in the radio broadcast industry, and I would like to thank the Ohio Center for Broadcasting for giving me what I need to begin that journey!

Tim Michels, Chicago Graduate

I wanted to take a moment to thank you for the time I spent at your school. The opportunities it presented to me to obtain my dream job were outstanding. The internships and on-hands studio training were very beneficial to create the networking connections that are needed in this business.
The internship I did for WXLC/WKRS in Waukegan, as well as some previous management and accounting experience, led to a full-time position as the Business Manager for Next Media in Kenosha with the opportunities for production and on-air work. Through the placement program you have at the school I have also found part-time work as a videographer for Franklin Racing Productions out of Atlanta.
In all, I found the program you offer very beneficial for breaking into the business, networking, being the best you can be, and being at the right place at the right time are also key components to a successful career. With the strong blend of your training, education, internship, and placement programs it would be difficult for anyone to not succeed in a broadcasting career!

Tina Persin, Cleveland Graduate

Hi Mr. Bruce Ryan and everyone at O.C.B.!! I hope all of you are doing well. I am doing fantastic!!!!!! I know its been almost two years since I graduated and I should have written a lot sooner to say thanks for your wonderful school and staff there! I am still working at Clear Channel in Youngstown. I am doing afternoon drive on the rock station (WNCD 93.3 the Wolf). I am also doing the night shift at Kiss FM, and I am doing weekends and fill-ins on the morning show for Mix. They definitely keep me busy here! I also do some imaging for two of the stations. And when needed, I do on air fill-ins at our local TV station (Newschannel 33). When I’m not doing any of that, they have me booked for appearances. For some reason, they have nicknamed me “the Wild Child”.. I can’t figure that one out!
I am always being approached by young up-and-coming radio/TV stars and I recommend OCB all the time! There is no way I can thank you all enough. I hung my Nev Chandler Award and my certificate in a spot that everyday before I go to work, I see it. And I smile every time I look at it, because there hasn’t been a day that went by that I said I don’t want to go to work today! How many people can say that?
If there is ever anything that I can do for you guys, just let me know. Ill try to squeeze you in!

Jennifer Neuman, Cleveland Graduate

Sorry it’s taken me so long to write this letter. I know I promised this to Gary over a month ago! I am here in Springfield, IL at Continuous Country and loving it!
I am the overnight on-air talent and am known as “Jenn Wilson” the girl who “Stays up all night and into the wee mornings with you!” I have to say that I’ve never been happier to stay up all night long. I have had awesome experiences since I’ve been here, like meeting artists, announcing them on stage at the concerts, and even getting fan mail-yes, fan mail!!
To everyone at OCB now, I know you’re sometimes wondering why you’re putting in such long hours at unpaid internships, losing countless hours of sleep, and not having a personal life for 10 months.. and I have to tell you not to get discouraged, because IT WILL PAY OFF! You will get your dream job when you’re done with school! Listen to everyone there, and listen carefully to Bruce when he’s pounding on the podium! He tells you the truth and it’s stuff you need to know! Also, if you have Candyce Skeen as an instructor for a class or two, listen to her motto, and make it your own. Your attitude truly does make a difference!
I had many internships and all of them were extremely valuable, and each taught me something different. So, don’t be afraid to take on a few internships.
Thanks to everyone there who made it possible for me to succeed at a job I love! And thanks for making the 10 months fun, interesting, and worth it. I had so much fun and it went by so quickly, not to mention all the close friends that were made in such a short time!

Junelynn Kwasniak, Cleveland Graduate

Let me start off by saying thank you to all the people at the Ohio Center for Broadcasting. It has been almost a year since I graduated from OCB. The challenging, always informative, classes helped to develop the work ethic that has gotten me this far in my career working for the Government. I never thought I would leave Cleveland, but If I could give you one piece of advices. It would be to relocate. It was the second best move of my life! The first was enrolling at OCB. There are so many great opportunities out there. If I learned one thing, it’s you have to follow your heart, your heart wouldn’t follow you!
My career has taken me down many windy roads, while the skills I learned at OCB have transferred into my new career as the Youth Sports Director at West Point for the United States Military Academy. It is because of the skills I learned at OCB that I am able to take care of the communication and promotional needs of my current position. The Ohio Center for Broadcasting helped me to realize that my life is mine to develop. In a world of uncertainty, I find solace in the fact that I, and only I, have complete control over my life. Just ask Mr. Ryan! I am in the driver’s seat. I have already begun my journey. Are you ready to begin yours?

Aaron Fannin, Cleveland Graduate

To all the aspiring students attending class. Your first task at absolute minimum is to complete the course. Maybe one student in one thousand is able to walk out mid-year and land themselves a gig in their chosen field; but the people you meet now at the school and at your internship will in some way, shape, or form help you in the future. Maybe not actually hire you, but help you learn the business. As I'm sure you've heard, "Don't burn bridges."
I internet as a "TV guy." I wanted to become television news camera-man. As it happens for the last month, I've been reading the news on a little AM radio station outside of Oberlin, where I grew up. I arrive to work at 4:30 am, put a news-cast together by 6, then read it live at the top and bottom of the hour, until 9. Then I literally put on a tie and for the rest of the day become a salesman. This is a point I would like to dwell on for a second.
If you are not an asset you are a liability. I had no intention of becoming a salesman, but the bottom line is, advertising is the base of this business. More than half of the people that work at this very small station works in sales in one form or another, besides their on-air gig. And I have been informed, in so many words, if I don't make my quota there will be a parting of ways. So prepare to adapt to the business and learn it. Don't be under the illusion the desire you have to be in the media biz is enough. Sorry if that makes you sad, but as a news man I'm just giving the facts.
Lastly, I'm 32 years old and have had my share of experiences in other fields and this has got to be the most fun and interesting career move I've ever tried! The people you meet, the hours you work, the thoughts of emotions that are stirred-up inside, you truly have the opportunity to find out who you are. I doubt there's anything out there better. Plus, an added bonus you instantly become the coolest person in the room when talking about what you do for a living!
PS. This job I have now, I landed after attending a Job Fair at OCB.

Larry Cantor, Cincinnati Graduate

My name is Larry Cantor. Some of you may already know me, but for those of you who don't, I am also known as Blake Austin for the Rebel 105.9 out of Middletown. I got this job because I am very passionate about what I do and I am a perfectionist, which is not necessarily a good thing or a bad thing. If it were not for the instructors and the training I received from OCB I wouldn't be where I am at today. The reason I am so good is basically that I lived at OCB for the 10 months than I was there. Ask Dave, Phil, or any of the other night instructors they will tell you. I pretty much had a bed at that school (not really). This aspect of my life was difficult for my wife and daughter to handle because I was always gone, but now I am on-air for Rebel 105.9and haven't been out of school for even 2 months yet!
My advice to you is to listen to your instructors (they're not idiots).. they know what they're doing, get down to the school as much as you can and play around with all the equipment you can get your hands on. If you can't figure it out, ask for help from your classmates or the instructors. The only way you are going to learn it is to do it. You can read about it all you want but that's not going to give you knowledge you need to do it. That's why the equipment is there and that's what your internships are for, so take them both very seriously. Also, don't screw up your internship(s) because that might take you out of the game for a lot more companies/people than you might think, because people know people who know people. Last, but certainly not least, remember your peers and your instructors are always interviewing you, because they know people too. Your classmate might be your boss one day so get along and work well together. You never know what might happen. 
One more thing, I can't emphasize this enough, take everything you do very seriously, it will only help you in the future. This is not just a school, this is your chance to break into the broadcast industry, so don't take this lightly. Lastly, if you want to be on the air, don't let anyone tell you that you can't do it, because if you want it bad enough than you can do it! Look at me, I'm already on the air and I haven't even been out of school for two months yet!

Stephanie Lockhart, Cincinnati Graduate

Oh Happy Day @ OCB!
I would like to express my deepest appreciation for the Ohio Center for Broadcasting. In February 2003, I didn't really think this would be the best career for me. I'm learning so much about the business, other people and most of all, myself. My mission in life is to be a motivation for all colors, race and genders, all shapes and sizes.
This school's main objective is to bring the best out of you and to tap into your creativity and polish what is already a jewel. I'm very happy that I made the decision to enroll. I currently have an internship with Kiss 107 FM. I love it, because you get hands-on experience. Going on site to the different remotes gives me a rush! When I went for the interview for my internship there was another student there but she didn't have the experience I did and she attended a local university. That makes you feel that you're getting your money's worth.
I would like to encourage anyone who may feel like giving up, don't. You would be making the biggest mistake of your life. Don't turn your back on something because it's hard. Anything worth having is hard work.
I just want to thank ALL of the instructors and directors for having the faith, patience and the support in me. When we graduate in November it will be the beginning of a whole new experience and career! With all the knowledge and self-esteem that I have gained from this school, I say 'Bring It On!"

Joe Frankland, Cleveland Graduate

Hello Bruce.
This is Joe Frankland. I just wanted to tell you that even though I'm REALLY taking my time on getting you one of those touching OCB success stories, IT IS COMING. I haven't had time to make it down to the station during the week to get a piece of Z98 stationery to print it out on because I haven't had a day off in quite a while, and its locked in my PD's office.
I would like to thank everyone at OCB, with special emphasis on you, Jim Szymanski, Gary James, and Jeff Sack. I'm having the time of my life here, and things are progressing very quickly for me. So far, I've met a couple bands, got to ride in a race car, and have an interview with an up and coming band I call "Creed Junior," but their name is really Karma coming up in August. Who cares that I think their music is garbage, I get tons of requests for their songs.
Last night I got a call from Mr. Bill Hatheway at corporate. Naturally I was sort of nervous about the call, but he was only calling me to let me know that I sound great on the air. It was awesome.
If you're ever in Mansfield on Saturday night between 7 and 12, or Sunday night between 6 and 9, check out my show on 98.7.
Thanks again. I'll hand-deliver that letter to you as soon as I get enough time to make it up there.

Steve Wasinski, Cleveland Graduate

Well here is the letter that should have been sent a lot sooner…sorry Gary and Bruce. I have been so busy starting my new and exciting career in the radio industry. Moving three states away to Iowa is definitely a change and a very interesting journey. Ok, yeah I know it’s Iowa, but you have to start somewhere. It is so funny to see the expressions on your family and friends face when you say you are going to give it all up and move to the “land of corn” to be the morning guy at some radio station! “YOUR CRAZY!” Everyone says, but I love what I am doing and I know it will not stop here. Hey, all I have to really say is thanks to everyone who had made a major impact on my life. Yeah, I know you might think Bruce Ryan is crazy for pounding his fist on the podium! And believe me I had my doubts…but after you really listen to him you will understand his point. Also thanks to Nick Anthony from Rubber City radio. This guy knows so much about sales and radio it is sick! Listening to him for less than a minute will get you amazed by how much knowledge he has to offer you. Thanks to all the O.C.B. instructors and staff for putting up with my obnoxious behavior. And finally A VERY BIG THANKS GOES OUT TO THE BRIAN AND JOE MORNING SHOW!! These guys not only gave me the chance to just breath into the microphone but also gave me a shot at entertaining their audience. This could be the best internship you could ever get! Jen Toohey, thank you so much you for giving me the opportunity to run the board during the five o’clock hour. You don’t know how much that means to me and how much I appreciate what you taught me.
Well good luck to all of the future O.C.B students! Take advantage of the resources and the great contacts the school provides you, this will absolutely help you land your first job in broadcasting. I am in Iowa right now just starting my career but I will be back in my hometown someday………so watch out KASPER! (Ha Ha!!!)