Judy Hsu Anchor, “ABC-7 News This Morning”, Chicago

“One of the most common questions I get from young aspiring journalists is… “how did you get in to the business?”  My answer inevitably comes around to that one internship… the internship through the Illinois Broadcasters Association.  I took off a whole semester from U of I and interned full-time in the newsroom at WBBM-TV, Ch2, in Chicago.  But it wasn’t just working in the newsroom.  I was working for the one and only Walter Jacobson, dean of political commentary in Chicago!  Was it scary?  You bet!  Did I gain the confidence and determination to go out and get a job in television news afterwards?  Absolutely!  By the way, without the IBA program, I’m not sure I would’ve gotten the much-sought-after intern position with Walter.  And let me tell you, if you can survive Walter (sorting through his daily news tips by the hundreds and going out on an all night undercover shoot as an intern)… you can survive in this business!  All internships, like jobs, are what you make of it.  The IBA program will give you a wonderful opportunity to get to the starting line.  Now, it’s up to you to separate yourself from the crowd and finish the race!”