Michael McGinn ‘13CPS

Like many college freshmen, Michael McGinn was uncertain about what he wanted to do with his life. He had a vague notion about a career in media, but a specific professional goal still remained elusive.

Mr. McGinn entered St. John’s choosing a major in Television and Film. He enjoyed producing and editing short films with his classmates, but his personality and drive sparked a desire to be in front of the camera or microphone rather than behind the scenes. “I realized then,” Mr. McGinn said, “that I had to actively seek out professors who understood my new-found passion and goals.”

This led him to Deborah Greh, Ed.D., Professor and Director of Mass Communication. “She understood me perfectly,” said Mr. McGinn. “And she was very straightforward about the barriers I would face in such a competitive market.” Switching his major to Communication Arts, Mr. McGinn took classes that taught him the basics of the broadcasting industry. Professors brought in well-known personalities and brought their classes to studios for a behind-the-scenes look at preparation and presentation. “Those experiences confirmed that this was my passion,” he said.

Upon graduation, Mr. McGinn landed a part-time job at 92.3 AMP Radio, the station where he remains today.  When he began, he traveled from Danbury, CT, every weekend, earning nine dollars an hour for four hours of work a day. But persistence paid off: now he is fully employed as an on-air personality doing what he loves best. “I will always be beholden to my professors and the University,” he said. “They helped shape me as a person and a professional!”