Decade: 1980-89
Damon Romine
How did you get your job? What do you do? I am the director, communications at Screen Actors Guild, the nation’s largest labor union representing working actors. My previous role as director of entertainment media at GLAAD and as a magazine editor at Hearst Publications greatly prepared me for stepping into this position, one that … Continued
Ken Reid
What do you do? I am the editor and publisher of Washington Information Source Co., a newsletter publishing firm focused on FDA compliance news. How did you get your job? I began this publishing business in 1991 after covering the FDA for a few years for other publishers. Before 1986, I was in the newspaper … Continued
Richard Ransom
What do you do? And what is most interesting about it? I anchor the 5, 6 and 10 p.m. newscasts. It’s always challenging to write compelling copy and to be first to tell people about developing stories. My job is different almost every day. How did you get your job? After spending eight years in … Continued
Beth Pike
What do you do? I freelance as a producer/writer for television news and entertainment programs, working regularly for NBC News in the Midwest. Since 1992, I’ve been a regional field director for Entertainment Tonight where I’ve had the chance to work with many of our talented J-school alumni. More recently, I’ve had the privilege of … Continued
Mark Obbie
What do you do? I am a freelance writer specializing in stories about crime, courts, criminal justice policy, law and business. How did you get your job? I quit my day job! After a career that started in reporting and then moved into editing, then editing/publishing, then teaching journalism, I realized all my promotions and … Continued
Karen Mullen
What do you do? I’m a portrait photographer, working for myself. How did you get your job? I was only doing stock photography when Leo and I decided to put our oldest son in private school and we needed to make more money. I spent two years getting educated in the very different art of … Continued
Matt Michalik
What do you do? I’m a financial adviser with Edward Jones. What advice do you have for current students? Follow your dreams and passion. What is your favorite J-School memory? Covering the basketball Tigers for the Missourian as one of two beat writers (with Tom Friend, who has gone on to a successful career at … Continued
Jeff Meyer
What do you do? I am a producer, editor and photographer in the WSET-TV commercial production department. I put together commercials, and I produce four-to-five minute taped segments for a daily talk show and for special productions, such as the Muscular Dystrophy Association Telethon, Children’s Miracle Network Telethon and the Commonwealth Games. How did you … Continued
Mark Maassen
What do you do in your role as assistant executive director of the Missouri Press Association? The Missouri Press Association is a trade association of Missouri newspapers. We have about 270 member newspapers and represent these newspapers’ interests in Jefferson City during the state legislative session. Our job is to lobby for Sunshine Law, Freedom … Continued
Janine Latus
How do you get into freelancing? First you address a query letter to an editor, pitching an idea. That letter is your audition. If your piece is full of facts and statistics, your letter should be informative. If your piece is humorous, your letter should make people laugh. You have to hit the right editor … Continued