Nashville visit opens doors for new career considerations

By Communication mentee Mallory Winkler
(Mentor Bob Kohl, Comm ’89, senior director of broadcasting and entertainment, Nashville Predators)

Having the opportunity to visit my mentor, Bob Kohl, in Nashville was such an enlightening experience. When I arrived on Friday, he gave me a tour of Bridgestone Arena. We walked around the offices and he introduced me to many of the current employees. We later had lunch, which was so awesome to actually sit down and talk face-to-face. He had a meeting later in the day, so I explored Nashville and utilized every second of this trip. Bob and his girlfriend invited me to dinner that evening and I felt as if they were welcoming me into their family.

The following day was the Predators game, where Bob introduced me to the whole Fox Sports

Tennessee production staff. I attended the production and camera meetings with the director and was also allowed to sit in the actual production truck during the first period of the game. During the second period, Bob took me to the entertainment video production control room. This group is responsible for the in-area entertainment and the atmosphere was completely different from the broadcast team. I had no idea this was a job and I instantly connected with the team and their work, which was surprising for me.

There were so many different jobs I had no idea existed until this experience. I gained a new understanding and respect for Bob and his job because I didn’t know about his many different daily responsibilities. He was so encouraging for me to look at different aspects of the production process. This trip was a wonderful networking opportunity and I got clarity on the career I want to pursue. I am so thankful that Bob is my mentor and he was able to offer this one-of-a-kind experience.

2018-19 MUAA Mentor Program Resource Guide