Bengal Tales – Kimberly LaRussa


Kimberly LaRussa, '11Class Year 2011
Major Broadcast Journalism

Current Occupation Community Content Producer at the Buffalo News

What is one of your fondest memories of Buffalo State?
My fondest memory of Buffalo State was the amazing professors I came to know. I'm still friends with a few of my professors and they continue to help me in any way they can with career advice, job leads, and more. It was always nice to know that the communications/journalism professors at Buffalo State truly cared about their students' success.

Were you involved with any on-campus organizations as a student?
Yes, I was involved with BSCTV, which was really fun for me because I made many friends in the department and I was able to be creative in anchoring for the show.

How did graduating from Buffalo State shape your future?
Buffalo State gave me the tools I needed to succeed with well informed and educated professors and a curriculum that prepared me for the future.

What accomplishments have you achieved since graduating from Buffalo State?
Right after graduation I landed a news assistant job at YNN Buffalo. I then went on to become a reporter for a small community newspaper in Cheetowaga. From there I went on to become a communications director for the NYS Assembly. I went back to the journalism field a short while later as editor of a brand new newspaper in West Seneca, The West Seneca Sun. I am now a community content producer at the Buffalo News where I produce content for the WNY Pennysaver and News and I also create social media content and write stories for Buffalo Magazine.

Do you have any advice for current students trying to achieve success after graduation?
Never give up. If you are passionate about your career path, stick with it no matter what obstacles you might face. Everyone has to start from the bottom and work their way up. Don't expect a lot of pay right off the bat. Sometimes experience is your pay and it's well worth it in the end. Make connections, show yourself in a positive light, and most importantly believe that all your hard work will pay off one day.

 



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Originally posted: March 2017