Name:

Lauren Whitney

Title:

Meteorologist at CBS Colorado

Education:

Bachelor of Arts in Broadcast Journalism from Arizona State University - Walter Cronkite School of Journalism

Bachelor of Science in Geosciences, concentration in Broadcast and Operational Meteorology, Mississippi State University

Company Description:

CBS Colorado is a 24-hour news operation focused on telling stories from across Colorado that impact the people and families that live here. The station covers local, national, and breaking news, sports, and first alert weather, reported by Colorado's most diverse team of community journalists.

Tell us more about your job:

My meteorologist role includes both consistent daily activities and continually changing variables. For example, we have news shows Monday through Friday starting at 4:30 am and ending at 10:35 pm. We also have shows on the weekends as well. I don't do all of these shows, but there is someone doing the weather live in every broadcast. That part stays constant. I must be ready to go with my forecast for each new broadcast. What isn't constant is Colorado's ever-changing weather! So, what I talk about on-air is entirely different each day, and sometimes from hour to hour. People might be surprised that meteorologists develop our own forecasts and speak extemporaneously on air. We don't read from a teleprompter.

I spend a great deal of my day studying computer weather models and creating graphics to tell the weather story on-air, and presenting that forecast on television every afternoon and evening. We also post the forecasts on the CBS Colorado website and post about weather topics on social media so people can get information from many sources. I also must get myself ready to be on television. I do my own hair and makeup, along with choosing outfits every day. Fun fact: We can't wear green because we'll "disappear" in front of the green screen.

Why is STEM important within your industry?

Science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) are very significant areas of the television industry and, of course, meteorology. Technology - from complex cameras to elaborate newsroom computer systems and the different ways our reporters get their stories on air to the professionals who operate the systems - are all integral to the work we do to deliver the news.

The field of meteorology is all STEM based. We rely heavily on math computations and geosciences in our research and forecasting and use various technology systems to get weather information broadcast across the state and beyond. Our computers are complex, so sometimes engineering is required to fix or update them.

Was there a specific moment when you decided you wanted to pursue STEM as a career?

My first career choice was to be a journalist, but not in a STEM-related area. I wanted to be a sports reporter on the sidelines of big games, giving play-by-play information and interviewing the athletes and coaches. My career path took a different route, which is normal! My first job after college was as a morning anchor at a small station in Grand Junction, Colorado. The news director asked if I'd also do the weather, which I didn't know much about. But as a fast learner who was up for most anything, I knew I'd figure it out. And I did. A few years later, when I started working at CBS Colorado in Denver, I went back to college to get my degree in meteorology to become better educated in the field.

What do you like best about your job?

Every day there is something entirely new to focus on when you are a TV news meteorologist. Colorado weather is very rarely the same for multiple days in a row. For the most part, I have a steady schedule, so my hours are consistent. It's nice to have both consistency and diversity in your job! I also appreciate that people rely on my weather reports to prepare for their workday or get their kids to school. I take that responsibility seriously. Forecasting the weather is both an art and a science, so we work hard to be as accurate as we can.

I also enjoy opportunities to emcee events for local nonprofits in our city. Helping the people who work hard at these organizations make an impact in our community gives me a great deal of personal satisfaction.

What are the most important skills needed in your job?

First and foremost, it's vital to have studied atmospheric sciences and their applications. Second, you have to know how television is produced to communicate your knowledge to viewers. From there, having the ability to work well within a tight deadline is important. You must think and work fast and easily make changes when needed. Our shows will start broadcasting whether we are ready or not!

At CBS Colorado, we have a four-person weather team. Having good communication skills to ensure we're all on the same page about storms and weather events is critical. We often text each other to see what the other team members are thinking for a storm or weather event, it's a team effort! Our talented team has learned to be effective communicators in telling weather stories on air. Teamwork plays a big part in delivering the news. Many people, both in front of and behind the camera, get a newscast on air! Working well together, sometimes during stressful situations, is crucial. Good grammar and writing skills are also necessary. Along with presenting the weather on our shows, we also do a fair amount of written communication. We try to be creative and think outside the box, so our weathercasts stay consistent and fresh.

Have there been times in your career where you've faced difficult challenges and how were you able to overcome them?

Every major storm or weather event can be challenging to forecast and nail down what you think will happen based on the ever-changing data available. That fluctuation is a constant challenge for a meteorologist. A personal challenge for me was going to school full-time for a meteorology degree while working full-time at CBS. I often felt stressed and overwhelmed with the work I had to accomplish every week. It was difficult to find the courage to talk to my boss about needing more time to get my schoolwork done, but they were happy to work with me to make sure I could be successful at both my job and earning my degree. It was worth all the hard work.

What advice would you give to girls of all ages who are interested in STEM?

Ask your teachers questions about STEM! Join STEM clubs at your school. See out books about the subjects you are interested in and read, read, read. There is so much knowledge at your fingertips! Do some research into things you have an interest in. Seek out peers and mentors who share the same interests as you. These interests don't have to turn into your career, but it's always wonderful learning new tidbits and facts about topics you don't know much about. I am a voracious reader and love learning new things. Maybe something you discover that seems small could turn into a passion and your life's path!