For the past 4 months, 11 students from three local universities, NC Central University, Shaw and St. Augustine’s, have been interning in Capitol Broadcasting divisions through the second year of the Emerging Leaders Program. A partnership between CBC and Leadership Triangle, the program combines hands on learning in departments aligned to their interests along with workshops led by LT coaches. The program will culminate with a graduation ceremony on December 13. In the final weeks leading up to that conclusion, CapCom is profiling several of these outstanding students.
Devin Nixon is interning with Microspace Communications in the Engineering Department, focusing on Electronics and Communications. He is a junior at Saint Augustine’s University where he is pursuing a major in Computer Information Systems.
MCC Transmitter and RF Engineer Bob Goodale is serving as Nixon’s mentor.
Nixon was encouraged to apply for the program by a professor at school.
“This past Spring my advisor sent me an email to sign up for this amazing opportunity and once I did my research on the Emerging Leaders program, I knew it would be a good fit for me,” he explained.
Nixon says he feels “blessed and thankful for the opportunity to be a part of an amazing company and what CBC had to offer with it being my first internship.”
Emerging Leaders Intern Devin Nixon works at Microspace, learning to use equipment like a spectrum analyzer.
Goodale is also thankful for the opportunity to work with Nixon.
“The experience has been enjoyable,” said Goodale. “It’s fun to talk about technical and professionalism skills with Devin.”
Goodale took part in training before the internships began, so as to best be able to mentor his student. Over the past months, he has used that training to impart much specific knowledge about engineering.
“I’ve tried to teach him how to make ethernet and coaxial cables, align a 1.8M satellite antenna to a satellite using tools and test equipment, AC/DC electricity and how to use a digital multimeter,” explained Goodale. “Also, trained him on using a spectrum analyzer.”
Nixon is soaking in the lessons he is learning at Microspace.
“I’m learning how to work in corporate America,” he said. “I’m learning the fundamentals of technology and using the advantage with other opportunities I get in the future. I’m learning how culture and relationships are built in the workplace which plays a huge part of how Microspace runs daily.”
Part of the program includes sessions with Leadership Triangle. Students also went on a retreat at the River & Twine at Rocky Mount Mills as part of their training. That retreat has been a favorite part of the Emerging Leaders experience for Nixon.
“Just going away for the weekend to bond and build relationships with other HBCU students at the Rocky Mount retreat felt like it was much needed,” he told CapCom.
Emerging Leaders Intern Devin Nixon works at Microspace, learning to use equipment like a DMM (Digital Multi-Meter).
He would definitely recommend the program to others, “because over the past couple months I’ve strengthened my leadership skills tremendously; I’ve learned skills that I now use in my everyday life,” Nixon explained. “My interview skills have gotten way better. I’m glad I was able to have this experience, and I had the opportunity to use the skills I learned weekly at my internship.”
Goodale believes the Emerging Leaders Program is an asset to CBC and the students who participate.
“It’s important because it puts college students in a position to learn and work in fields they might not have the opportunity to otherwise,” said Goodale. “The training better prepares them to enter the workforce and shows CBC cares and wants to help the community.”
Thanks to MCC’s Bob Goodale for these CapCom photos.
Check out the previous Emerging Leaders Profiles:
