Jeff Alberini — Media Education, Demo Reels & What It Actually Takes to Get Hired
The hardware tells the story. Jeff Alberini and the awards that followed 20-plus years of staying curious. Photo Credit: Jeff Alberini. Used with permission.
Jeff Alberini thought he was going to be an accountant. One video production class at Kent State University changed everything, and twenty-plus years later he’s leading media production for Kent State’s philanthropic and development operations, telling stories that move donors and raise scholarship money for the next generation of students.
In this episode Jeff and TMac, two Kent State grads from the same M.Ed. cohort, compare notes on media careers, passion projects, and what Jeff looks for when he’s sitting on the interviewer’s side of the table.
Why It Matters
Jeff’s three things for any aspiring media professional, research the position, build a custom demo reel, prove you’re willing to learn, aren’t just interview tips. They’re career philosophy. Nobody knows everything 20 years in. The ones who last are the ones who stay curious and adapt. For anyone preparing to walk into their first production job interview, this episode is the prep session most people never get.
About This Guest
Jeff Alberini is a media producer and storyteller at Kent State University, currently leading video and digital content for the university’s philanthropic and development operations. A Kent State undergrad and M.Ed. graduate, his career has taken him through TV2, teleproductions, PBS work, Hiram College, and multiple stops in higher education media before returning to his alma mater. He’s an award-winning executive producer whose work on Kent State’s Forever Brighter campaign earned multiple CIVA and educational advertising awards, including recognition for a live homecoming parade stream built almost entirely on student talent.
Jeff’s Bonafides
“
Nobody knows everything. I don’t know everything and I’m 20-plus years into this career. What you have to prove in an interview is that you’re willing to learn and willing to adapt. Technology and software will continually change, but if you have a strong foundation, you can continue to achieve everything you want in this production world.
”— JEFF ALBERINI, KENT STATE UNIVERSITYHear This Episode
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Episode Timestamps
Your ZoomPod — Exit Ticket
After this episode, you'll know:
- Why a custom demo reel built specifically for the job description beats a generic showreel every time
- What hiring managers actually read in cover letters and why cookie-cutter ones get spotted immediately
- How listening skills matter as much as speaking skills in both live production and job interviews
- Why proving you’re willing to learn outweighs proving what you already know in any media job interview
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Explore More
Check out our other great podcast episodes. Link and follow for more great learn-photography content: IG @tvcommandomedia | FB @ZoomWithOurFeet.
Jeff built his career by staying curious and adapting every time the technology changed. Same instinct belongs behind every camera.
Stop Shooting From the Stands →BUILD NOTE: Full transcript pending paste-in from Buzzsprout.
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