Kristen Vake
Evening news reporter for CBS 3
After taking a leap and leaving her home state to pursue broadcast journalism, Kristen Vake (MSJ16) doesn’t regret her decision to do so for a moment. She says that Medill gave her the hands-on experience she needed to excel as an on-air anchor and reporter. Vake is now celebrating 5 years with her current station, CBS 3 in Duluth, MN, the same place she got hired after graduating from Medill.
Tell me about your career path. How did you get where you are today?
I had some stops along the way before getting to where I am today! After graduating college, where I reported for both radio and television news, I decided to take a job with the State of Minnesota where I worked with an economic development agency and focused on marketing and communications. After two years of that, I decided it wasn't right for me. I had the urge to report again and set my mind on achieving that goal. That led me to Medill where I got my master's degree in journalism. After graduating, I got a morning news anchor/reporter/producer job at CBS 3 in Duluth, Minnesota. After two years of anchoring the morning show, I was promoted to evening news anchor, which is my current role. It's a blessing to work in my home market and tell the stories that are important to my family, friends, and neighbors.
What are your main responsibilities as an evening news reporter for CBS 3?
I'm currently solo anchoring the 5, 6, and 10 p.m. shows so my responsibilities are vast! Besides anchoring the shows, I also work closely with our evening newscast producers to shape and define each show. We make many decisions throughout the day together—it's truly a team effort! I'm also a reporter and have a weekly segment where I focus on the local mining industry. It's a segment I started five years ago, and it has been rewarding to see it evolve throughout the years.
How has your Medill training helped you in your career so far?
Medill took the skills I learned in undergraduate school and defined and perfected them for the "real world." The experiences I had in Chicago, in Iowa for the caucuses, and in Washington, D.C. were invaluable to my growth as a journalist and my confidence as I entered the industry.
What is a class or experience that sticks out in your mind and why?
The broadcast journalism courses were hands-on and absolutely prepared me to take on the role as an on-air anchor and reporter. I spent my last quarter living in Washington, D.C. where I interviewed members of Congress and spent many days covering the White House. That experience fueled my fire as a journalist and sparked my curiosity in so many ways. I don't know if I'll ever report from the White House again, so I will forever treasure those moments.
How has the Northwestern/Medill network helped you advance in your career?
I built a network of peers that I don't think I would have if I hadn't attended Medill. It has been so fun and inspiring watching their careers take off and seeing the different paths my classmates have chosen.
What advice do you have for someone considering Medill?
Just do it! Take the leap! I was terrified to leave the comfort of my home in northern Minnesota for Chicago, where I didn't know a single person. But it was one of the best decisions I've made. I not only grew academically and as a journalist, I also grew as a person. If you're looking for a hands-on, competitive, but fun school to attend, Medill should be top of your list!