Anulika Ochuba

Get to know some of our College of Media students! Anulika Ochuba is a Class of 2024 journalism major. 

What have you been involved in at the University of Illinois?
Being a journalism major, I developed a passion for audio journalism. Because of this interest, I worked at WPGU (the student-run radio station here at Illinois). I have served in various roles including a news correspondent, social media intern, and assistant program director. I enjoyed working for WPGU and learned a lot about working at a radio station.

What journalism skills have you developed from WPGU that have been the most useful?
Developing audio production skills with software like Adobe Audition has been vital for my success. I enjoy editing and adding effects to my work, and WPGU allowed me to use that creativity. The station encouraged me to create advertisements and voiceovers and interview others for the show, which was my perfect job. 

What are your career goals after graduation? 
I plan to land a radio or audio journalism job, but my long-term goal is to be a news anchor. Anchoring is my passion, which is why I got into journalism. 

What journalism classes have strengthened your skills most? 
I took Content Producing for UI7, a class that made me comfortable editing with Adobe Premiere Pro to create professional-grade video projects. I also took Audio Journalism, which solidified my skills in public speaking because I had to write a script for on-air radio, read it clearly, and record myself speaking in a confident tone. 

What advice do you have for students interested in journalism?
Preparedness is such an important attribute to have. Determine your interests in journalism as quickly as possible and pick classes that align with your interests. I didn’t know what I wanted to do after I transferred here from community college, so I had to make up for lost time by taking a heavy load of writing classes, and I regret not recognizing my passions earlier. Also, be eager to learn. Don’t settle for mediocre work; you get what you put in. Similarly, connect with your professors so that you have people to rely on and talk to if an issue arises. It makes all the difference. 

—Interview by Mallory Miller, New Voices Intern