Student Profile: Phil Weiss ’08
Weiss is the incoming General Manager of WJMF 88.7 FM, the student-run radio station at Bryant.
Phil Weiss ’08 (Saint James, NY) has been able to gain some great hands-on experience as a student at Bryant.
He has hosted his own radio show and is a member of the Student Senate. He is the former executive vice president of the Student Alumni Association and has served as a Bryant Ambassador.
He recently added another title to his résumé – General Manager of WJMF 88.7 FM, the student-run radio station at Bryant. He will lead an executive board of six and a DJ staff of more than 50.
This summer, he interned with FOX Sports in New York City and saw firsthand the inner workings of a national sports outlet. He even had the chance to see the actual 2007 World Series trophy that will be awarded to Major League Baseball’s champion in October and to meet some of the network’s on-air broadcasting talent.
All of these activities have him well positioned to pursue his career goal of working in the sports media following graduation.
Weiss, a marketing concentrator and communication minor, explains that this background opens the door to a variety of careers.
“One of the basic principles you learn in marketing is how to analyze and understand your competition,” he says. “These skills can be applied to all areas of business – not just marketing.”
“You cannot go anywhere without someone or something being marketed,” he explains.
This was the case with his internship. Along with having the opportunity to work for a national network, make contacts, and learn the tools of the trade, Weiss helped foster a strong reputation for future Bryant students.
“The internship allowed me the opportunity to make a good first impression as an individual and for Bryant,” he says.
Weiss knew Bryant was the place for him from the beginning.
“I remember visiting campus for the first time and seeing how friendly everyone was,” he recalled. “People went out of their way to make you feel comfortable.”
Being from New York, Bryant was a perfect location, he says, because it was far enough from home to gain his independence and live on his own while still being close enough to go home on the weekends if he wanted.
Weiss has been the host of “On The Ball Sports Talk” on WJMF each Monday from 6-8 p.m. since his freshmen year. Earlier this year, Weiss and co-host Tom Hahesy ’08 (Randolph, MA) interviewed David Whitley, sports columnist for the Orlando Sentinel, who wrote about Mike Pressler's hire as the men’s lacrosse coach at Bryant.
The pair has also interviewed Red Sox broadcaster and Rhode Island native Don Orsillo, Providence Journal sports writer Kevin McNamara, and former Bryant Athletic Director, Dan Gavitt who is currently associate director of basketball for the Big East Conference.
“The great thing about sports is that people are passionate about it, and they are usually more than willing to give their opinions about their favorite team,” says Weiss, who admits to being a diehard New York Yankees fan. “Not an easy task at Bryant.”
His advice for incoming students: “Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. Those who really have an outstanding Bryant experience excel both in and out of the classroom.”
He encourages students to pick one or two organizations to join and make a strong contribution. “Bryant has something for everyone, so it is up to you to find your passion.”
|
