1st Guest Speaker - February 4, 2010
She's been a Political Specialist, a Health Specialist and is now a Consumer Specialist.... Originally from South Korea, Jee-Yun moved to Toronto with her family when she was just one. She earned her bachelor of arts degree at the University of Toronto. Following the advice of a reporter whom she met through an acquaintance, Jee-Yun decided to pursue a career in journalism and enrolled in Humber College's graduate program. Her first experiences in the business were as the reporter and photographer for the school's newspaper. After interning at the Dini Petty Show, Jee-Yun landed her first job at CTV in Yorkton, Saskatchewan where she did everything from reporting and anchoring, to the weather and producing. She returned to Ontario in 1997 as a general assignment reporter at CH in Hamilton. She went on to become the Queen's Park Specialist and the Health Specialist/Anchor. Jee-Yun joined the Citytv team as Consumer Specialist in 2002 where she is dedicated to helping you save time and money by searching the city for what every shopper wants: the best quality at the best value. You have also seen Jee-Yun "acting" as a reporter in Hollywood blockbusters like "Incredible Hulk" and "Camp Rock".
20 comments:
Meaghan Engels
Guest Blog 1
I learned from Jee that persistence is an excellent trait to have in this industry. In some cases you may not be the most qualified for a particular job but if you continuously follow up to see if the position is still open you may get a chance that nobody else will get. This also allows you to get familiar with a boss of a company until they recognize your name. They will remember you for being persistent and learn that you care about your job and your future. I also learned more about the importance of contacts. It may be one of the most beneficial things that you can carry into the future. This not only includes re-using contacts later on in stories but building a personal, and trusting relationship with them. If a contact of yours also helps out with another network and you get let go from your current job, your contact may want to help you out. Your contact may have heard of a job opening through another contact in another network and suggest you for that job.
An interesting fact that I learned from having Jee speak to our class was that you could be working on a story for weeks at a time to ensure that you have enough research and information. This would help me when creating my future stories because it taught me that you could be working on a few ongoing stories at the same time. Just because a story may not be good one day, or make the lineup that day, doesn’t mean it can’t be used in the future. You should never throw away story ideas because you can always use them at a later time.
Assignment 6- Guest Blogs
By: Jenette Caradonna
Jee Yun-Lee
This reporter walked into the room looking cheerful and showing no signs of despair despite the fact that she recently got axed at Citytv. She let us know that after her maternity leave was up she was out of a job. One thing I must point is that her bio was no longer posted on Citytv’s website before she was even formally laid off.
WOW! SLAP IN THE FACE!
Luckily or unluckily for her she was one of many, so she wasn't singled out.
She started in the industry as an intern at the Dini Petty Show. Her duties consisted of getting coffee and opening mail. Little did she know, working there would spark the fire of big change in her life.
While she was interning she noticed a job posting for a reporter in Saskatchewan. So she called to inquire and then she called again and again. She politely asked if the position was filled and as far as she was concerned she could continue to pursue, until they hired someone. She called every Friday for the next four months until they eventually hired her. She stayed working as a reporter in Saskatchewan for a year! What is really remarkable about this story is that she had her degree but didn’t finish her journalism program when she took the job. The only reason why she attributes to landing the position is because of her persistence, not because of her talent or much of anything else. She called so much that she began to develop a personal relationship with her future boss, which is huge.
What I took away from her life experiences is a few elements of what it takes to be successful. To break in, you must be a persistent go-getter but not annoying. Having a pleasant personality will help divide the fine line between harassment and determination. Most importantly your work ethic, diligence and passion for story telling will keep you successful. Even if you do end up getting laid off!
By: Julian Lamprecht
I did my blog in video form, here is the YouTube link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=csdK1HbMjCU
Brady Parker
Jee Yun Lee Guest Blog
Before Jee came in to speak with us I thought that it was really important to get as much experience in a position before trying to attain it but while this idea is still important, I've found out that this is not always the case. Jee taught me that sometimes all it takes is perseverance and a solid work ethic in order to succeed.
I've always lived by the philosophy that perseverance yields success and Jees story is a great example. She proved that you can still succeed at something even if you haven't really had experience at it yet. When I don't know how to do something I learn it. That way when it comes to the workplace there's a better chance that I'll be the "go to guy" when something needs to be done. Jee started way out in Saskatchewan before coming back to Hamilton and becoming a political expert, health expert and now a consumer expert. She explained that sh really didn't start out as an expert but succeeded anyways because she put in the effort to get better at it. I'm going to make sure that I try everything at least once and open myself up to any opportunity because Jee showed me that that is a good way to make it in this industry.
Natalie Zazulyk
Jee Yun Lee Guest Blog
I have learned that persistence and passion is vital in broadcast journalism. Jee Yun Lee faced a lot of challenges within this industry, through perseverance and determination she was always able to make a name for herself. Organization is a primary tool when becoming a journalist. Keeping all of your contacts and utilizing all of your options is important when packing your story. This is because you want to keep an unlimited amount of reliable sources that will add valid criteria to your Broadcast Beat. When specializing on a Broadcast Beat it is interesting to know that you can take more then a week to complete your package, this will allow you to get all needed information and interviews. Jee Yun Lee reassured me that success is found through focus and determination. Even though she has faced difficult times, finding sustainability in a job, and working hard to become a specialist in her beat, has not deterred her from broadcast journalism.
Even if it means you are calling once a week, every week for four months, persistence and passion will help you get your foot in the door. This has made me realize that I should never give up or get bogged down when I am faced with a challenge. Whenever I am challenged I should work harder and take initiative so I can have the best story possible, not only to advance my career but to also give viewers the latest and the best information possible. I thank Jee Yun Lee for sharing her experience with us.
Alan Campbell
First and foremost Jee was such an inspiring guest speaker. She was informative, positive and such a sincere person. I learned from Jee that there are three words that you must follow in order to make it in this industry. Perseverance, determination, and honesty. I learned from Jee that if you come to work everyday willing to work hard, be honest with yourself, and true to the story, then you will succeed in this industry. I also learned that contacts are probably the most important people to have as they can always help you with your stories. An interesting fact I found about Jee was, she started out in a small market in Yorkton Saskatchewan, as a general reporter/anchor. This seems to be a common trait amongst many successful reporters/anchors today. I learned from Jee that it is very important to really know your story before you go and do the story. Jee said sometimes she would research information on a story for weeks before actually reporting the story. I can apply this information learned for future stories to ensure that I know as much about a story as possible before going out and shooting. That way the story will not be bias, and I can truly be fair to the story.
Jee Yun Lee
Abby Drimmie
Jee Yun Lee was the first guest speaker who actually gave future journalists hope about breaking out in to this industry. She taught us that hard work, persistence, and dedication will get you far in this industry. I didn’t know that in this industry you could get hired based purely on your talent and not by your educational background. I always thought, as well as many other students, that you needed at least your certificate in Journalism to get hired. However, after listening to Jee’s story she told us that she got hired at a job where she didn’t have any experience in Journalism except one internship. I learned that persistence is very important to make it in this industry. Jee told us about how she landed a job in Yorkton Saskatchewan, and how she called them every Friday for 4 months until she got the job. Jee stressed that contacts are very important in this industry, and that a lot of her exclusive stories or interviews were because of the close contacts that she had made throughout the years. Jee also told us that in beat reporting you can work on a story for weeks instead of hours. I learned that by researching your story for weeks, is sometimes necessary with beat reporting. I was very thankful that Jee came to speak with us because our previous guest speakers in other classes were not as optimistic about future journalists in this industry.
I did a video blog for our first guest speaker. This is the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I3rLlfTPGzU
- Brittany Shah
During Jee Yun Lee’s presentation I learned that in any section or beat of journalism keeping the trust of your sources is key. Waiting to broadcast a story until your source says it’s okay will keep the trust of your source and give you the exclusive. When researching a product for your beats always start with reading the label – look for what the product is made of, directions, and most importantly what the company promises of the product. Also, look at the companies website and blogs written about the specific product, which will give you an idea of what people have thought of it. I also learned a journalist is not confined to one specific beat for the reminder of their career– Jee changed from politics to health to consumer beats – being flexible and showing an interest in your beat is displayed in your work and make it informative and enjoyable to watch.
I thought Jee Yun Lee displayed complete passion for her profession, which I hope to achieve. Journalism is such a difficult field to stay in because of all the struggles – long hours, limited personal time, and possible layoffs - all of which Jee experienced at some point in her career. However, through the passion for her career she persevered through the difficult time and is still persevering through her current situation of what to do now.
I learned that to be a successful player in the broadcast news game, you need to love what you do. The job takes great dedication and a good head on your shoulders, but it's not always stable. Jee told us about her journey as a reporter that took her to Saskatchewan and back, as well as the challenges she faced. Hearing about the difficulties that professionals have gone through is always motivating to hear as a student, because we are facing similar challenges right now, and it’s always encouraging to know that everyone goes through the same trials and tribulations. It was certainly disappointing knowing that even Jee was laid off this year, but she was insistent on keeping our spirits up. Her encouragement was nice to hear especially since we have heard a lot of speakers who made us question our future success in the industry. Jee also taught us that the biggest advantage you can have is keeping good contacts, whether to use them for a story, or when pursuing jobs. Personally, I'm not trying to become a reporter, but even working towards becoming a director or editor takes connections and hard work, and Jee taught and reinforced the importance of that. Overall, I enjoyed listening to Jee, and seeing how confident she is in the industry, even in the state that it's in. I know it will take a great deal of dedication to make it in such a competitive business, but I’m willing to keep my chin up and make the journey worth it.
Chris McDonald
I enjoyed Jee's class talk. Jee was one of a few people who talked to us about some of the positives that come with working in the journalism world. Most people we have talked to are very negative due to the recent lay-offs.
Jee seemed very into looking out for others while covering her beat. She did say that one reason she got into covering consumer products was to help people not to get ripped off. Jee also gave good advice on how to be very persistant when applying for a job, just to keep at it and to get involved with peoples lives. Asking how their families are doing and things like this.
Jee also talked about how education matters to an extent but if you don't have a degree it's not like you will not find a job.
Jee's journey from out west back to Hamilton then onto Toronto was interesting because everyone always talks about how if you would like to be on air you should start in a small market. Jee started in Yorkton, Saskatchewan and eventually became a consumer reporter for City News in Toronto.
I learned from Jee-Yun Lee that if you really want a job you have to be persistant. Keep at it continue to call the news director ask him/her what they thought about your demo reel and what they thought you should improve on so that your demo can be better. Thus helping your chances of getting the job.
Jee really drove home that keep contacts and make new ones when possible because you never know when you may need one.
Chris McDonald
Jee Yun Lee was an excellent guest speaker who provided a lot of information and insight in regards to the industry we all hope to be a part of one day. Although I was already aware of some of the information that was discussed, it had much more of an impact coming from someone who spent many years in the broadcast field. Although the industry is going through a rough period, and Lee herself has been affected by the City TV downsizing, it was very refreshing to see her still have a positive attitude and words of encouragement for us budding journalists. I know that for myself personally, I would like to eventually be on air, and am slowly building a portfolio geared towards that. Lee provided substantial information regarding getting work in the industry, such as the importance of making sure you stand out, never giving up and how persistence is the key to success. Additionally, she also brought something to my attention that I was unaware of; by being in the journalism field and making the contacts you do, it is very easy to transition to other fields such as public relations. Moreover, I also realized that PR and news beats reporting is very interesting and is also an ideal field to enter if you're planning on starting a family. Lastly, I now also know the importance of starting work on air in a small town; Lee opened my mind to a lot of things and has given me a lot to think about on my pursuit to be a successful broadcast journalist.
Kamal Bandukwala
Hello Francis: Here is my vod cast for Mrs. Lee http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rgEyQnGLuWo
Jee was a breath of fresh air! She was a very informative speaker who apart from other guest speakers and recent graduates we have have heard from gave some strong examples of motivation. It is very encouraging to hear of a woman that started in this business thirteen years ago and has built such a strong pallet of experience for herself and is now taking the time to start a family. I learned from Jee that you have to be tactical and persistent for the positions you aspire to work in. I also like the fact that she mentioned that public relation positions and consumer specialists have such a strong bond and that there are job possibilities in related fields if broadcasting isn't what I expect it to be. She always had a forward moving attitude about where this industry can possibly lead a young journalist. An interesting fact I learned was the importance of education. Jee revealed that she didn't complete her journalism diploma from Humber but had her BA from U of Toronto to fall back on. I am in a similar position as I attended Guelph University and feel it's a safety net if no job opportunities in this downsizing career path. Keeping positive, Jee inspired me to go after the positions I perhaps only dreamed of because with enough persistence and positive attitude anything is possible. The emphasis of keeping good connections with all contacts was probably the most valuable lesson I learned from Jee.
Natalie Bull
Fai Kanaan says:
Jee Yun Lee
What an honest, persistent, and pleasant person.
Jee became successful and established after all of her hard work and perseverance.
She gained thirteen years of really valuable and worthwhile experience.
I learned how much being so driven and steadfast in your work ethic will really pay off in the end. No matter how many times you might doubt something or be let down, if your good enough and enough of a hard worker, most likely this endurance will not go unnoticed.
She taught me the importance of networking and staying focused.
A very interesting fact I learned was that although one network may have let you go, if you have experience and you keep a special contact list of any certain prominent people in the industry or employers you may have worked for, this is your key to another job landing. Jee described her contact list as being “gold”. That is how critical networking is when it comes to the broadcast industry.
Experience is an asset and employers need employees who are already comfortable and know what to do when it comes to reporting on a story.
Jee told us a story about how she was trying to be creative with a story she was reporting on for certain running shoes. The shoes were only for men and she somehow had to find a way to make it work, and did she! Jee taught us how no matter what the circumstances incorporate your creativity in what you cover, and make it work!
Learning all of this and practicing creativity in my own work can really help me when working on future stories because I will keep in mind the experiences that one successful individual had such as Jee, and help that influence my own experiences.
I will make sure to always keep my very own contact list in case I would ever need to use it to reach someone for a story or even to have as a back-up.
I will also remind myself that nothing that is worth it or is successful comes easy. Any hard work I put into trying to reach someone, landing a job, or trying to complete a good story will be credited in one way or another. Whether by a network or just that very process of experiencing certain struggles or triumphs.
I read a blog that claimed that the most meaning and joy comes having made it through the tough times and having created success by loving the persistent process of getting there.
It claimed that joy is not found in the destination but in the journey, and that love of the process of persistent struggle is the key to joy.
I agree.
Successful People Focus on the Process, not on the Result- Chuck Blakema
process-oriented thinking has been proven to be much better and productive than outcome-oriented thinking in a variety of scientific studies.
Jee Yun Lee really helped me understand the power of persistence and drive.
By the way, here’s an article on the topic of process-oriented thinking:
http://www.slaughterdevelopment.com/2009/05/13/outcome-vs-process-thinking/
Here is my video blog link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O9dfwlUN1KE
-Nathan
time test
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I3rLlfTPGzU
Just in case you need it here as well. It's in your email as well.
- Brittany
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