Name: Bryan Ebbrecht
Graduation Year: 2017
Major: Broadcasting
Current Position: Production Director at Midwest-Family Broadcasting
City and State: Springfield, MO
Tell us about your career and what you do now.
I graduated from Evangel in May of 2017 and began searching for a job after I spent a bit of time home with family. In July 2017, I was hired by KOLR 10 in Springfield, MO to be a production assistant. This was a great start, but I wanted something in radio as well. I received the opportunity to attend a 10-day intensive for radio broadcasting with the National Radio Talent Institute at Northwest Missouri State University. This provided amazing training and connections which led me to Midwest-Family Broadcasting.
In August 2017, I was hired as a part-time guy for 105.1 the Bull. I started out as weekends and fill-in guy and was offered the afternoons show in March of 2018. However, I just signed my first contract to be full-time as the production director for Midwest-Family Broadcasting.
As the production director, I oversee all content that goes on air that isn’t music aka commercials and commercials and more commercials. We have a focus on local content, so it’s a busy one-man department from handled the national spots to recording local clients and making a piece of audio that really works for them. I love every second of my work, and I love the people I work with.
What is your favorite memory from Evangel?
Don’t do that to me…there’s too many to choose from! Among my many favorite memories, I’d probably include my semesters on Activities Board (and the late nights of Harvest Fest and Spring Fling), many nights in the KECC DJ booth, and being in “The Music Man” directed by Dr. Wisdom in Spring 2017.
How did Evangel help you identify/develop your calling?
A lot of people change their majors in college, but I never did once. I was focused on radio broadcasting. I plunged myself into the broadcasting opportunities that Evangel had, and it had more than plenty. The radio and TV stations both provide fantastic experience. I didn’t come to Evangel with much experience in radio; all I knew was that I wanted to learn. And that’s exactly what I got.
How did your experience at Evangel prepare you for life after graduation?
I think the best thing it did was give me a base. I have an amazing group of friends, fellow alum, and caring professors who are a great support system. These connections are for both the future in the broadcasting industry as well as in the present for encouragement in my daily walk with Christ.
What advice would you give a current student preparing for the workforce?
Specifically for radio, internships, internships, internships. Get to know people. They will become incredibly helpful later. Also, no matter what your industry, don’t settle for just the information you learn in your classes. The professors are teaching you valuable things, yes; but they’re also priming you to learn more information in your field. Be a student of your career. Crave knowledge and information. That is really setting yourself apart from other candidates. Never be afraid to put yourself out there and be unique.
What would you look for if you were in a position to hire new graduates from Evangel?
The same thing I would look for in every potential candidate: a relentless work ethic and quality of work. When I was hired, it wasn’t my GPA that swayed their answer. It was my many pieces of good audio work I had on my resume. Those who do the unique and conscious things like sending follow up emails and thank you notes after interviews and pursuing additional training are the ones who stand out and ultimately get hired.