For many college students, landing a dream job before graduation can seem almost unheard of.
Kennesaw State senior journalism major Blake Eason received that very opportunity when he was recently promoted from intern to assistant producer of “The Bert Show” on Atlanta radio station Q99.7.
After his fall internship with “The Bert Show” ended in December 2018, Eason was offered an internship position with WSB-TV for the spring 2019 semester. However, shortly after accepting the position, WSB-TV notified him that their internship program had been canceled until further notice.
Coincidentally, the position for assistant producer of “The Bert Show” opened up at the same time, and with no knowledge about the cancellation of Eason’s internship at WSB-TV, the show’s host, Bert Weiss, offered Eason the job.
“I think sometimes we have these ideas, dreams and goals in our head of what we hope to do in life, but then along the way the universe is kind of like, ‘Hey, this feels more like you,’” Eason said. “With the internship at WSB-TV getting canceled and then this getting brought on, it’s pretty clear that radio is going to have a pretty big emphasis in my future.”
As the assistant producer, Eason’s daily tasks include phone screening during the show, attending post-show meetings, learning how to cut audio and put it together, assisting Show Director Tommy Owen with a variety of needs and speaking during on-air segments of the show.
Weiss and Eason formed a mentor-mentee relationship during Eason’s time interning for the show when Weiss would guide Eason through his up-and-coming experience in the industry.
Though his duties and the dynamic of his job have changed drastically from being an intern to a paid employee of “The Bert Show,” Eason’s favorite part of the experience remains working with Weiss and the talented cast of the show.
“There’s just not that many people who get to do what I get to do in an industry like this, and for that, I am forever grateful,” Eason said.
Eason’s commitment to the show has changed the trajectory of his last year of college and his day-to-day life.
“Personally, for me, I have always found more joy in chasing after my goals and dreams, versus staying up late and going to parties,” Eason said. “This is just a sacrifice I’m willing to make for the job. It’s not every day that you get to say you work for Bert Weiss at 22 years old.”
Eason values being able to work with and be guided by Weiss’s long-time experience on the show and in the radio entertainment industry.
“Just the fact of him alone letting me stay and be part of the team, and all of his affirming thoughts and comments throughout the day and at random moments, show me who he really is,” Eason said.
Eason also said he plans to stay at the show as long as he possibly can. He said he enjoys the creativity he is able to put into his work, and the fun, energetic work experience the show provides him.
“I truly do believe that there is … a place for everyone,” Eason said. “If you work hard and you’re good at what you do, there’s a spot for you in the industry. The fact that I already have a seat at the table is amazing. So, I’m going to eat what they give me and be grateful for it because the food is really, really good.”
“The Bert Show” airs Monday through Friday from 5 a.m. to 10 a.m. To find out more about the show and its internship opportunities, visit thebertshow.com.
