Recent Alumni Check in: Ashlyn Sullivan, Jacksonville Jaguars Reporter
2017 Telecommunications undergraduate Ashlyn Sullivan is currently a reporter for the NFL’s Jacksonville Jaguars. She is a part of three live shows airing on Jaguars.com and the team’s social media platforms. Ashlyn goes out into the community every week to create stories of various events and hosts a show with Jaguars senior writer John Oehser. She also works behind the scenes by editing, writing and directing various content.
Below are a list of questions that we ask our alumni to answer.
Please give brief details of your career path since completing your studies.
I was hired by the Jaguars during training camp and was previously a reporter for USSSA in Melbourne, FL, upon graduation.
What has been the most exciting or rewarding moment(s) of your career so far?
The most exciting part is when the players react positively from something on Jaguars.com that we have created, such as a hype video or interview we put a lot of work into. The most rewarding part is going out into the community and seeing first-hand the impact these players have on the Jacksonville area.
What has been the greatest challenge you have faced during your career?
The greatest challenge I have had to overcome is being the first female to work in the broadcast department with the Jaguars. It has also been difficult to keep my head on straight with the hectic nature of football season and the crazy hours that come with the season.
What aspects of your UF experience best prepared you for what you do now?
Everything — I have learned how to conduct myself in a professional manner despite being 22. Additionally, everything that I was taught in Weimer Hall, from reporting to behind the scenes work, helped me get the job I have today.
What is the best part about your job?
The best part of my job is being able to be around a sport I love everyday.
What advice would you give any incoming freshmen?
I would tell them to find something they are passionate about and work hard everyday to be the best at what they are passionate about. UF is such a competitive atmosphere and I would tell them to take full advantage of that and push themselves to be the best.
What advice would you give any graduating seniors?
Make connections as soon as possible, make the effort to put your face to your name and always be kind to whoever you meet… you never know who is going to be able to help you in the future.
