Rosemary Picarelli
Rosemary Picarelli ’15 is a successful graduate of the broadcast-cinema program. Rose excelled during her time at Middlesex, and during her last semester, she was the recipient of the Academic Award for Broadcast Cinema. Rose landed a job as early morning associate producer at WFSB before she even graduated!
Where are you living now?
I currently live in Waterbury, CT.
I currently live in Waterbury, CT.
What was your major?
My major was Broadcast Cinema.
Where do you work?
I currently work at WFSB Channel 3 Eyewitness News.
What is your job title and duties?
My job title is producer. I am responsible for the visual appearance and flow of whichever show I am producing that day. My regular show is the weekend morning show; for which I am also in charge of booking guest segments. However, during the week I can be assigned to a number of different shows. In a nutshell, I select the stories that are going to run and put them in the order that makes the most sense. I also choose video elements and graphics to go with each story and then write the scripts for the different stories.
What is your favorite aspect of your job?My favorite aspect of my job is that it is different every day. You never know what sort of news is going to happen and when it’ll break. It really keeps you on your toes.
What originally brought you to Middlesex?
I took a very different path to get to where I am. When I graduated high school I was so set on going to a four-year school right off the bat, but I had no clue what I wanted to do. I spent a lot of time figuring that out. Eventually I was working in a retail job but didn’t have a clear idea of my future. That’s when another friend of mine started going to Middlesex for the same program. She suggested that I check it out, and the rest is history.
What do you think sets Middlesex apart from other colleges?
I found that Middlesex felt more like home than anywhere else. The staff really took the time to ask me where I wanted my career to go, and they helped me get there. I was always given individual attention for everything from financial aid help to class selection. My advisor didn’t just tell me which courses I needed to take, but explained why I should take them and what I would enjoy about them. For me, it was the people that work there that set Middlesex apart.
What would you tell prospective students who are considering taking classes at the Center for New Media?
You will get an experience at this school that you can’t get anywhere else. The professors really know what they are doing and have experience in their respective fields. They won’t hesitate to help you if you need it. If you are only planning to go to Middlesex and then on to a career, this school will get you ready for that. If you are planning to make Middlesex a stop along your academic road, then the people you meet here will do everything to make sure you are ready for whatever comes next.
What skills did you learn at Middlesex that you have been able to directly use in your day to day (operations) at your job?
I think the most useful tool I acquired actually came from my script writing course. It really gave me an idea of how to format thoughts and facts in a way that works for what I do. However I was promoted to producer only recently. Before this title I was an associate producer/editor (basically an assistant to the producers). At Middlesex, I also gained skills in editing and graphic design which helps me visualize what the show will look like as a whole while I’m building it. I can safely say there are several skills that I use every day that I gained at Middlesex.
What is your favorite thing about your job?
I get to work with some of the most amazing storytellers in the business, from on-air talent to other producers to our content editors. Everyone I’ve met has helped me hone my news sense and skills. While this is a competitive field, the people I work with never make me feel as though we are in a competition. It’s 100% about putting on the best newscasts that we can as a team.
Any closing thoughts?
When I started my journey at Middlesex, I never thought this is where I would end up. I am truly grateful for my experience at this school and would encourage anyone who is apprehensive of going to college (or going back to college) to give this little school on the hill a shot. This place will welcome you with open arms.