Quiet on the set. Three, two, one, action. The phrases broadcasting majors have embedded in their heads and can hear in their sleep.

The cameras start rolling and the director cues in the talent. Whether it’s in the studio or on-the-street, the same procedure goes for both to produce the show. However, what people don’t see is the action that happens behind the camera and the process of putting everything together. It’s not only stressful towards your professional life but your personal life as well.

1) You can never watch TV the same again.

“Everyone’s a critic” and being a broadcasting major has made me the ultimate critic of television. Whether I’m watching a television show, a sporting event, or even a movie; I critique the way the camera moves and how the broadcast was edited. I also critique how the camera man should have obtained a better shot for the show and better editing techniques.

2) Being a “Backpack Journalist” is the new norm.

A backpack journalist is a journalist who is the reporter, photographer, and videographer, as well as an editor and producer of stories. Sometimes you won’t be able to have a cameraman with you and must do all the work yourself, which can become hectic.

3) You must carry your own equipment.

You can skip your workout for the day because carrying all that equipment: camera, tripod, microphones, lighting kit, etc., across campus daily, will make you break a sweat. The equipment will tone your shoulder and arm muscles.

4) Everyone wants you to make a video for them.

Oh, so you’re a broadcasting major right, want to make a video for me? If you have ever received this question before, then you know the struggle. It’s bad enough having to create your own project for a grade, but then your colleagues want to make one for fun.

5) If you lose your SD card you're screwed.

Losing your SD card is like losing a 10-page paper you can never get back. Your SD card has all the work you have shot and losing the card means losing everything. In other words, you must do all your shooting again.

6) Fighting for computer space in the Mac Lab is like going to war.

With only 16 computers in the Mac Lab and over 30 broadcasting students, someone will bound to use your computer. The phrase “first come, first serve” is how you handle the situation, but it can get out of hand. People sign-up to leave at a certain time and don’t leave when the next person comes causing altercations.

7) You spend hours on hours editing one project.

Warning: editing film might cause fatigue, irritability, and doziness. Students can spend hours, even days, editing one project and it will feel like an eternity. Make sure you have time blocked off from your schedule for the day, because who knows when you will be finished.