What do you do on a typical day at Axiom, as well as with your podcasts, writing, and research?
During the day, I work full-time in the legal industry on business development for a company called Axiom. This involves a lot of communications – cold calling, brainstorming outreach to diverse legal teams, and handling marketing inbound leads for the company.
In the evenings/on weekends, I work on my various freelance jobs in the media industry. As an independent podcaster, I research and produce episodes of my personal podcast (Model Minority: Uniquely American) and script write/clip audio for MIT’s Chalk Radio Podcast. I also do research for online science videos called What If. Recently, I’ve joined the Association of Independents in Radio as a 2021 New Voices Scholar, which is helping me find more opportunities in the media industry.
How did you get to where you are since you graduated from UIUC?
I knew in the final months of my senior year (Spring 2019) that I wanted to pursue podcasting, but there wasn’t a very clear path. I spent the first year post-graduation doing odd jobs and applying to podcasting programs. I also spent a lot of time connecting with audio producers at places like NPR and WNYC by emailing those who inspire me. Another thing that helped me a lot was that I created my own podcast independently, which allowed me to create a portfolio of my work.
I’ve hopped around a lot in my career so far - I’ve worked as an activist and organizer for a healthcare non-profit during the pandemic, for the State of Illinois and City of Chicago government, in corporate America, and as a freelancer. For me, balance is key to sustaining myself financially and creatively in my career.
What is your favorite thing about your job?
In my view, podcasting is about sharing the stories and perspectives that are underrepresented in society. The beauty of the field is that you can meld just about any social issue (including environmental ones!) with this medium to create something life-changing for all involved - that's probably what I love most about it.
What was your favorite thing about the ESES major?
I love how versatile the ESES major is. Some of my podcasting skills are tips I picked up in environmental communications classes with Dr. Kanter - and they’re things I still use in my work today.
What advice do you have for current/prospective ESES majors?
It’s okay if you don’t have it all figured out now. In my perspective, you don’t need the biggest internship or the most flawless grades to do impactful work in your career (although having those probably doesn’t hurt!). The best thing you can do is to really ask yourself what your passion is, and be unafraid to experiment while trying to follow it.