Meet Justin Maccagnan, a senior Journalism major with a Sports Journalism Concentration, who discusses his personal experiences in the Journalism Department and his plan to pursue a master's degree in TV, Radio & Film at Syracuse University.
How would you describe your time as a Journalism major, and how has the Journalism Department helped prepare you for your future career?
My time as a journalism major at UMass Amherst was absolutely amazing! From my on-campus jobs and classwork, I learned all facets of the journalism world. This included writing techniques, ethics in journalism, television and radio production, podcasting and website design. I am going for a master's degree at Syracuse in the summer, and I don't think I would be going there if I hadn't learned so much while at UMass. Lastly, my classwork has prepared me to pursue multiple pathways in professional journalism; therefore, I couldn't be happier I came here.
Which classes, professors or experiences particularly stand out for you and why?
Many things stand out for me. I loved every class I took with Professors Joshua Braun, Karen List, Steve Fox and Greeley Kyle. Their upfront, to-the-point attitude was very refreshing, and they were crucial to helping me learn about the rigorous work life of a professional journalist. Furthermore, they were not afraid to give constructive feedback. Too many times, I see people try to be nice so, I enjoyed their honesty either when they graded papers or looked at my portfolio. Experience-wise, I loved every minute I worked at the Daily Hampshire Gazette, WMUA 91.1 FM Radio and UMass Sports Network, the ESPN+ affiliate for UMass Athletics. I learned a ton about both professional writing and tv production/on-air game calling. My experience with all those companies helped me develop my broadcasting and writing skills, so I would encourage everyone who joins the Journalism Department to work for at least one of those organizations while an undergrad.
What are your points of pride, accomplishments or the skills you developed that you're proud of the most?
There are two. While at UMass, I have enhanced my skill of interviewing total strangers. The one thing I utilized very well was my background in sales. My personable attitude has been crucial for both my on-air interviews and meeting strangers while writing for the Daily Hampshire Gazette. Secondly, another big accomplishment has been using my sense of humor in both my writing and broadcast. I've heard that it is hard to write with a sense of humor without sounding like you're forcing it. I haven't mastered the skill just yet, but while an undergrad, it has drastically improved. That's something that makes me very proud.
While a Journalism major, what is your favorite memory or inspiring moment?
My favorite memory is of the first TV broadcast I ever produced while in Journalism 391SB with Greeley Kyle. I was new to the producing role, and I made a few mistakes. After the show, he grabbed me by the shoulder and said, "Justin, you have a future in producing, but that was absolutely terrible." I have since improved. Another one of my favorite memories was during my first class with Steve Fox. It was Journalism 250, and he asked me if I had connections to any news outlets. I told him I had one, to which he replied, "that's not good – find more." My network has grown since freshmen year.
Which student media organizations or university clubs were you a part of, and how have you been involved?
I was heavily involved while at UMass. I worked for UMass Sports Network as an on-air talent and Production Assistant, and I was named lead replay system worker for the 2020-2021 academic year. I also worked for the Daily Hampshire Gazette and Greenfield Recorder as a Sports Reporting Intern, WMUA 91.1 FM Radio as the General Manager and Sports Director, and UVC-TV 19 as the Lead on-air Anchor and Reporter for a sports show. I was also the Zeta Beta Tau Fraternity President.
What words of wisdom do you have for the next class of journalism students?
EXPERIENCE, EXPERIENCE, EXPERIENCE! Get as much of it as possible. The classroom can only teach you so much. Dive into everything, no position is not worth it, and worst case, you learn something new. Lastly, enjoy college as much as possible, both with social life and with your work.
What are your hopes and aspirations or post-graduation plans?
I hope to work in TV production for my future career. This coming year, I will be attending Syracuse University, pursuing a master's degree in Television, Radio and Film.
What is your dream job?
My dream job is to be a Play-by-Play Broadcaster for a Major League Baseball team.