Student Spotlight
John Welsey Cochran
Brandon native, John Welsey Cochran, is a senior Communication major with a concentration in Broadcast & Digital Journalism. Upon starting college, Cochran knew he wanted to pursue a career in sports broadcasting. He chose communication because he felt it would give him the best skill set and knowledge to reach his goals.
Cochran’s best piece of advice for incoming CMT students is to, “get involved as soon as possible, and make close relationships with your professors. Make close connections with your classmates. Working on projects and assignments but having well rounded people in your corner to critique your work and give feedback was critical.”
Throughout his time at MSU, Cochran has taken his own advice becoming involved in MSU’s Bulldog Student Sports Network and serving as an ambassador for the College of Arts & Sciences and the graduate School.
Cochran has gained lots of experience in the broadcasting world through interning with the production team for the Bourne Braves of Cape Cod Baseball League. The CCBL is a collegiate baseball summer league where all of the future prospects train in the summer to gain exposure and experience. During this internship, Cochran says he gained invaluable experience and grew his network with all of the future broadcasters in the industry.
Cochran also interned with WJTV Channel 12 in Jackson, learning what the day-to-day of reporters, producers and directors look like. Cochran said he would go into the field with sports reporters to see what a day in the life was like and how they go about finding stories, shooting footage and writing scripts before they go live for their broadcasts.
Best advice you've received from a professor?
Don’t put all of your eggs in one basket. Always strive to be competitive in other areas because ultimately you will want to have a wide range of work to have in your portfolio.
What's your dream job?
The radio play-by-play voice of Mississippi State Baseball
Guilty pleasure show?
Riverdale
Favorite Starkville restaurant?
Bin 612
Davis Wade Stadium or Dudy Noble Field?
Dudy Noble Field!!