Hannah Ferdinand - Production Assistant, Harpo, Inc.

Hannah Ferdinand graduated from Columbia with a broadcast journalism degree in December 2007, and was hired by Kurtis Productions, where she had been interning. At Kurtis, owned and operated by legendary Chicago newsman Bill Kurtis, Hannah worked on two documentary television series, which aired on CNBC and the Investigation Discovery Network. In August 2009, she joined Harpo Productions as a production assistant for the Dr. Oz show.

"Columbia urged me to become the best journalist I could be,'' she said. "There were real deadlines that had to be met.  Since the professors were working professionals, they gave great insight and advice into the 'real world' of news.  Also, internships are strongly suggested since we live in the third market in the United States. Columbia helped me take advantage to the great opportunities that were available in Chicago.''

While a student, Hannah took advantage of both broadcast-oriented internships, such as at WGN-TV, as well as a reporting- and writing-intensive opportunity with the well-regarded investigative magazine The Chicago Reporter.

"I fell in love with Columbia for many reasons,,''  she says. "What initially attracted me to the school is the creative vibe and colorful students.  I was also thrilled to hear that the professors were working professionals that can help me find the career path for me, and eventually a job.'

"I believe that hard work is rewarded.  You have to pave the way for yourself and success will come," she advises. "Keep your eyes, ears and minds open at all times. Plus, never lose touch with anyone. This industry is a small world, and your colleagues will be your co-workers in the future.''