InternViews: Lily Aldrich

InternViews is a series where we ask Grady College students to describe their internship experience.

Lily Aldrich is a journalism and atmospheric sciences double major who currently works at WCNC, a TEGNA station in Charlotte, North Carolina, as a broadcast meteorology intern. Read more about her internship experience below.

Provide a brief overview of your role and its associated responsibilities. 

As the meteorology intern at WCNC, I focus on analyzing weather data and creating content for the station’s new podcast-style, 24/7 streaming initiative, including the morning stream and the podcast-style Live Impact Studio. Shortly after I arrived, chief meteorologist Brad Panovich launched a 6:30 p.m. streaming show that simplifies complex weather information for viewers. I help research and write content blocks, create visual graphics, contribute to weekly forecasts and regularly appear on the show to discuss current weather events. I also work on building my own resume reel by practicing daily weather shows, creating my own hits and collaborating with other meteorologists to improve my forecasting and on-air delivery.

What opportunities do you have in your internship?

During my internship, I’ve had the chance to grow a lot by building my resume reel, making my live TV debut and learning how to better connect science with storytelling. I’ve worked just about every shift in the newsroom, from 2:30 a.m. mornings to late nights, which has given me a real feel for the pace of broadcast news. I’ve also gotten valuable feedback from TEGNA recruiters and meteorologists through workshops and conversations that have helped me improve as a broadcast meteorologist.

What is one piece of work you are proud of creating in this role? 

One of my proudest accomplishments so far has been creating my own graphics and seeing them used both in the live show and in my own reel segments. At Grady, we’re encouraged to embrace our individuality through creativity, and bringing that mindset to WCNC has allowed me to introduce fresh ideas, experiment with more creative forecast presentations and to learn more each day. 

How has the Grady curriculum prepared you for this internship?

Dr. Wojdynski’s data journalism class has prepared me in so many ways coming into my internship. Being able to dive into data from archives in 1940 and understand how to sort it in a way that is easily understood is a skill I will use for the rest of my life.  Video journalism, as well as many other Grady classes, have set me on the right path for being able to create a great resume reel, as well as produce story-based forecasts for my broadcast career. 

Did you receive any mentorship or guidance? How did it impact your experience? 

I have had many mentors throughout my time at UGA, notably my professors Andrea Briscoe, Lori Johnston and Bartosz Wojdynski have pushed me to become a better journalist, as well as storyteller in my unique field. Their constant support to help me advance in a career path that is not widely sought after in Grady has pushed my love for it even farther. I am constantly supported by other mentors outside of Grady, as well, from the chief at my first internship, Chris Justus; meteorologists with WCNC like Brittany Van Voorhees and Chris Mulcahy; and my family and friends who offer constant support to advance and improve further in my career.

What challenges have you overcome in this role? 

Being in a top-ranked market like Charlotte comes with high expectations. The pace is fast, and there’s constant pressure to deliver accurate forecasts and respond quickly to breaking news. Recently, when flash flooding hit eastern North Carolina, our main focus was keeping viewers informed and safe. I helped track rainfall totals, build graphics and support coverage in real time. 

What is the most valuable piece of advice you gained from your experience? 

Making sure every moment counts. Try new things and learn every single thing you can. Being able to fully dive into your future career by asking questions and soaking in new information is key. If broadcast is your primary focus like mine, being able to record a new live shot or a new clip in front of the BAM or Key Wall is your best shot into getting your next internship or your future opportunity. I also recommend looking into the future of our industry. Check into your social media and make that LinkedIn connection, you never know where your next opportunity will land. Also, taking every opportunity Grady provides—going to career fairs or drop-in hours with recruiters—really helps  get your foot in the door for your career.

How has this internship influenced your future career? 

This internship has influenced my future career in multiple ways. Learning how to utilize social media, as well as the future of live streaming, has shaped my future in journalism and meteorology.

Editor: Lily Alarcon, lia52467@uga.edu