Name: Michael Schwab
Major: Radio-TV-Film (now known as Film, Television and Digital Media)
Hometown: Houston, Texas
Current City: Houston, Texas   

Michael Schwab ’09 graduated from Texas Christian University with a degree in radio-TV-film. Schwab currently works for Christian Brothers Automotive as the executive producer, where he controls the video production process. 

When choosing a college and a major, Schwab knew a program that included small class sizes and easy access to professors would fit his needs. Deciding to go to TCU seemed right as his family members attended and loved it. During his college visit he was not only introduced to the friendliness of the students on campus, but also to the woman that would one day become his wife. He knew that radio-TV-film was perfect for him as he always loved making videos. Faculty in the College of Communication gave him many chances to work with various of aspects of video production and the chance to immerse himself in the major.  

Schwab had two internships during his time at TCU. He worked for Jason Reitman (director of “Juno” and the new “Ghostbusters”) in Los Angeles and for a video production company in Fort Worth. Both of his internships helped springboard him into his video career. 

Schwab shares the following advice to students:  

1) Take every chance to find internships in your field. They will help you build your career and will teach you real-world experience.  

2) Aim high when searching. It never hurts to put yourself out there to try and land an internship with an amazing company. 

3) Take every opportunity to find internships. The experience is important. 

The knowledge Schwab gained from his experiences in TCU helped get his foot in the door when moving to Washington, D.C. While there, he covered the 2016 presidential election for Politico and later worked for USA Today. He interviewed key public figures such as Hillary Clinton, John McCain, Chuck Schumer and Nancy Pelosi. With USA Today, he worked in Nashville and interview country celebrities such as Garth Brooks, Dolly Parton, Reba McEntire, Keith Urban, and many more. 

Schwab said that the best advice he would give is to enjoy every minute of college. “The time at TCU is a gift that you will never have again. Before you embark on your professional career, take the time to pursue as much knowledge and experience as you can,” he said. “There are so many resources available to you that TCU provides. Utilize your time to build relationships with the students and professors. In the professional world, it is your connections and relationships that will help your career flourish.”  

Click here for more information about the film, television and digital media major.