Abigail Becker

Major: Journalism (emphasis in Reporting)

Certificate: Digital Studies

Graduation Date: May 2015

How did you end up with UniverCity Alliance?

After graduating in 2015, I interned at the Wisconsin Center for Investigative Journalism. I then moved on to work for The Capital Times as the city and county government reporter. It was there that I developed a strong interest in supporting local governments across the state, which brought me to UniverCity Alliance. UCA connects communities across Wisconsin with people and resources at UW-Madison to solve problems.

What does a typical day in the office look like for you?

I am responsible for communicating and uplifting UniverCity Alliance’s work internally at UW-Madison as well as in the communities that we partner with through UCA’s hallmark program, UniverCity Year. I’m also responsible for administration, event planning, social media and outreach across campus and with local media. So far, my day-to-day work has been quite varied!

How has Digital Studies influenced your career path?

Completing the Digital Studies Certificate prompted me to enroll in courses that I wouldn’t have thought to take but proved to be quite valuable in thinking holistically about the communications and media landscape. Through my journalism courses, I learned the basics of reporting, writing and ethics. But it was through my Digital Studies that I gained more practical skills, particularly in audio editing.

Did you have a favorite Digital Studies class?

I personally enjoyed Greg Downey’s LIS 201: The Information Society. My interests in news writing paired well with the core concepts of the class, including how information is tied to democracy and capitalism. Also, I took Com Arts 522: Digitally Documenting Everyday Communications where we studied ethnography and created audio stories. I really enjoyed learning these skills!

Do you have any advice for current students?

Get involved in student organizations! I joined The Daily Cardinal and Madison Commons and learned many practical skills that helped me gain future jobs in the news field. Student organizations in your intended field are a great way to gain practical experience in a learning environment.

What achievement are you most proud of in your professional career thus far?

I’m proud of providing solid and consistent local government coverage for The Capital Times for over five years and that I will be able to translate those skills furthering UniverCity Alliance’s missions across campus and the state.