Leah Williams (B.A. '24)
While studying journalism at Georgia State, Leah Williams (B.A. ’24) leaned into her love of sports. A position as a camera operator with the Georgia State Production Network (GSPN) turned into an internship with a local news station. The internship later turned into a position with the Atlanta Falcons. Here, she discusses her journey and how GSU helped her learn to open up to new opportunities.
Interview by Paige White
What made you want to major in journalism?
I always liked being on camera, and I wanted to be a news reporter. I was always good at writing, and I wanted to choose a major that aligned with both of those interests and, for me, that was journalism. Journalism is broad and it has many opportunities within it so that’s why I chose it.
What made you decide to work in sports?
Before I got my job with the Atlanta Falcons, I had an internship with 11 Alive, a local news station here in Atlanta, and I was doing everyday news. One day, a sports reporter was going to the Atlanta Falcons training camp and I asked if I could go with them and, from that day, I really enjoyed myself.
I had so much fun and work didn’t feel like work anymore. From that day, I knew I wanted to work in sports, whether I continued in journalism or in the sports world in another way. That is really the biggest factor when I’m looking for jobs: I want a good balance between work and the things I enjoy doing.
What has it been like working for the Atlanta Falcons, and how did you prepare yourself for the role?
Right now, I do ticket operations, and I have had to learn new software to process payments and ensure that people’s personal seat licenses are correct and processed. My experience at the news station helped me to get my job today, and prepared me for my role as well.
It wasn’t easy finding a job in sports. I had to keep applying and I eventually got the job with the Falcons. I really think my experience, especially at Georgia State with GSPN, helped me.
What organizations helped you grow your skills?
I didn’t start joining organizations until my last year. I joined the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) and that made me move further in my career. I also joined the Georgia State Production Network (GSPN) and it helped to show me the behind-the-scenes part of journalism. And I joined the radio station Album 88. We would shadow different people who work at the radio station and, once you get comfortable with the process, you can be on a segment. Those programs helped me to grow my skills.
What advice would you give to Georgia State students?
Hit the ground running during your first year. I went to school with the mindset of graduating in four years and I didn’t consider taking the time to network. Join organizations to talk to different people because you never know who you could meet and what experiences you could gain. If something sounds interesting to you but you don’t want to go alone or you’re not sure, go for it. I went to a lot of places alone because I didn’t want to wait on people. If you’re serious about your career, it’s up to you to take that next step and get involved.
How did your time at Georgia State shape you?
Georgia State made me very independent. The open campus setup makes you open to doing things on your own and putting yourself out there. I am still new at my job and I am comfortable going up to people and talking to them, and I think if I hadn’t gone to Georgia State, I wouldn’t be as open or confident in doing that. Georgia State really taught me to be open and say yes to different opportunities.
What are your plans for the future?
I still want to work in sports but I want to use my journalism degree in some aspect, whether that’s working in sports, marketing or social media. I still love journalism and all things in the media. Journalism is broad, and even though I’m not currently working directly in journalism, I am still talking with people every day and networking, and I feel like it’s a form of journalism. I’m still using the lessons learned through my degree toward my career.
