Nicole Verbick

Nicole Verbick is a senior Radio Major at Columbia College Chicago. She has maintained a stellar GPA while also being involved in several organizations at Columbia. She spent time in the Programming Department at WCRX and currently is an intern in Programming at WXRT.



1. When people think of Columbia College they mention the word diversity and how one needs to explore one's "inner artist." I would say that between Radio, Photography, and Web Design experience, you have diversified yourself. Were these areas that you had planned to get involved with before attending Columbia?

When I first came to Columbia, I wanted to create an interdisciplinary major between music and radio. I had spent the previous 8 years of my life in orchestras and choirs, so the idea of not performing in some sort of music group in college was scary. I had recently quit violin because it wasn't fun for me anymore, but still joined the chorus here. After a two year stint there, I realized that while I love music and performing, I'm not a performer myself. I began focusing more on radio as my way of bringing music to the world instead of performing. I still kind of miss being in a choir and playing violin, but I don't quite have the time to do it right now.

As for photography, I took a class my senior year of high school and enjoyed it, so I thought I'd at least try the beginning photo classes here for electives. The photo program here was so amazing that I had to take advantage of it and get the minor. While I don't have plans to become a fine art photographer of any sort, I do plan to add that to the list of things I can do. It's definitely better to have more skills because in the end, it seems most stations would rather hire less people who can do more things than hire many people to cover the tasks at hand. Columbia certainly gave me the opportunity to do that.

2. Some students talk about their families not being supportive of their artistic endeavors. Early on, did you find that your family supported your dreams and ambitions?

When I was younger, my mom always wanted me to either be a famous concert violinist or go into some sort of computer related field. She's definitely enjoying the bragging rights she has now and I'm sure as time goes on she'll see that I found a path that not only includes a job I enjoy, but also is somewhat more financially secure than being a musician. As for my dad, he's always trusted my judgment on everything and has been a great support for me in everything I've wanted to do. I know he wants me to be happy and is willing to take out the student loans so I can achieve my goals.

3. Before your internship at WXRT, you spent time in the Programming area at WCRX. Do you feel this gave you an advantage before your internship?

I really didn't get to do as much in the programming department at WCRX as I wanted, but the programming courses here definitely seemed to give me an edge over students from other schools. Between the Music Programming class and just plain knowing the basics of running a control board this seems to put you a step above most interns from other schools. When I've trained these interns, I've found that most of them don't understand key programming concepts that are covered in many of the entry level classes here. Upper level classes like Music Programming gave me basic knowledge of Selector, the standard scheduling software at most stations and it really came in handy at WXRT. I can enter and delete things into Music Master (our scheduling software) faster than the Music Director and he often asks me to do some of that because he knows what'll take him an hour will take me about 15 minutes.

4. Besides classes, you have also become involved in organizations at Columbia College. In which organizations are you involved, and what prompted you to become involved in them?

I'm no longer involved in any organizations, but I spend about 20 hours a week working in the GLBT Lounge. I ended up there by being somewhat involved with Q-Force, the organization that has become Columbia's Queer Media Outlet. I left the organization because I wasn't getting what I wanted out of it, but continued to work with Kathleen McLaughlin, Coordinator of GLBT Student Concerns. My life in college has been very queer oriented, mainly because I've made a lot of friends through Q-Force and working in the GLBT Lounge. I still find it amusing that it ended up that way, especially since I identified as straight for most of my life. The realization that I wasn't straight initially prompted me to seek out such organizations. As I've grown more comfortable with my sexuality, I've needed it less and less.

Oh, and I was also in the Columbia College Chorus for two years. Eight years in the Kenosha Unified School District's music programs made it seem impossible to live without being in some sort of musical ensemble, but my life got too hectic for me to keep up with it and my priorities shifted.

5. What has been the most beneficial aspect of interning at WXRT?


Learning to use a record player. But seriously, just working with the outstanding people there. I'm working with John Farneda and Norm Winer, who have been named AAA Music Director and Programmer of the Year by Radio and Records more than once. It's been an absolutely perfect match for me musically and otherwise. Being told by professionals like Norm and John that I do good work and am on the same sort of path as them gives me great hope for what I can accomplish in the future.

6. It seems like WXRT is like a big family. How closely do you work with on-air talent and other departments?

I've been there for so long that everyone seems to know me, or at least know of me. LaShon, our receptionist, is always happy to see me every week. Lin Brehmer has become my buddy, giving me the most painful high-fives I've ever had and coining my new nickname of John Ford Coley (and only Lin would call you by the name of a bad folk pop singer from the 70s in order to remember your name.) The production guys are always willing to teach me new things. Everyone is incredibly friendly and while I may not know everyone's names, I still feel like a part of the family. I'll sure miss them if I ever have to leave.

7. If students wanted to intern at WXRT, what advice would you give them?

Do it! Aside from working with some of the best people in AAA radio, the perks are pretty good too. You'll be handed CDs fairly often and get the opportunity to go to most shows the station sponsors.The people at WXRT are fantastic people who will teach you a lot as long as you're willing to work hard.

8. What would be your "dream job" in radio?

I want John Farneda's job. He's well aware of the fact that my dream job is a Music Director at a major market AAA station and has told me that I'm on the right path to do it. He's probably not retiring any time soon, so as long as I end up in a city larger than 200,000 people, I'll be content. �