Date: October 18, 2012
Author: Paula Bryant, Yarbrough-Grady intern
Contact: Suzanne Rutledge, SRutledge@JACKSONSPALDING.COM

For Ginger Zee, the lead meteorologist of ABC's "Good Morning America," networking, mentorship and experience is what sets students apart as they begin their careers.

Zee took time to share her story with students and faculty, stressing the importance of connecting with professors and professionals in broadcast meteorology during a visit to the University of Georgia campus sponsored by the UGA American Meteorological Society on Oct. 17.

An Emmy Award-winning weather anchor, Zee began her career as an intern for James Spann at ABC 33/40 in Birmingham, Ala. — an internship she landed after approaching her professor, Dr. John Knox, about the opportunity. Only a freshman meteorology student at the time, the internship ultimately kicked off Zee's career.

Zee credits her mentorship through professors like Knox for her success.

"The people you connect with are going to change your life," Zee said.

Following her internship at ABC, Zee continued to hone her skils through stints at WOOD-TV in Grand Rapids, Mich., and WMAQ-Channel 5 in Chicago, Ill.

Zee left students with valuable advice, explaining that success is not always easy to come by and requires diligence and determination.

"After I graduated from college, even with all of my internship experience, I didn't get a job for nine months," Zee said. "But perseverance, and my connections, is what got me through."

For more information about the UGA student chapter of the American Meteorological Society, please visit www.ams.uga.edu.