Article written by UW CMS '25 alumna Chloe O'Dell.
This summer, I got to spend five weeks in Chicago as part of the BTN NOW program, a rotational workshop for recent graduates at Big Ten Network!
Each week was a new experience, starting with a studio rotation in week one, where we learned about automation, worked directly with talent, and learned just how chaotic a room full of mascots could get. The next four weeks were different rotations of MICR control room positions, ranging from roles we were all familiar with, like TD and replay, to roles that expanded beyond that, like Assistant Director and Associate Producer.
Going in, I expected to expand my horizons when it came to sports broadcasting, but I don’t think I truly understood just how much I would be learning. Everything from new software and new chains of command to working with an entirely new team. All of our trainers were beyond kind and encouraging, and also a blast to be around! The team at Big Ten Network is something special.
More than anything, though, I’m grateful for the people I got to share the summer with. Having such a great group of peers made the five weeks in Chicago pretty hard to beat. Bagel Wednesdays, watching turtles race at midnight, and the endless ping-pong tournaments at lunch are things I’ll cherish forever.
This summer was so fun, I figured I should stay in the Midwest… I’m stoked to share that I’ve started a new role with the HawkVision team at the University of Iowa! I’m looking forward to staying in the Big Ten family, but getting the new perspective of a different school and team.
It will always be #godawgs, but Iowa might be getting a new fan soon… we’ll see.
Starting sports production two years ago with UW StudentU, I gained a great foundation of both experience and support, something that has been so vital to my success. Live sports was never something I expected to pursue when starting my Cinema and Media Studies degree, but I’m so happy with where this program has taken me. The UW StudentU truly changed my life and I’m excited to hopefully share that same impact in my upcoming sports endeavors!
Lots of excitement to come! As always, thank you to everyone who has helped me get to this point. Success is nothing without company!