UCF Communication Alumna Becomes CNN Associate Producer
Victoria Moll-Ramirez, ’09, says her bachelor’s degree in radio-television from UCF has meant everything to her in her career. Her best memories at UCF include hours spent in the Nicholson School of Communication’s ‘Knightly Newsroom.’
“Every meltdown, every slice of pizza and every soda I had in that newsroom is so fondly remembered,” she says. “The countless times we all looked at each other and asked ‘Why are we doing this?!’ Totally worth it.”
Although it was challenging at the time, she thanks her experience in the RTV broadcast journalism track for her success.
Shortly after she graduated, Moll-Ramirez started working as an assignment editor at WKMG-Local 6 News Orlando, where she had previously interned. She left WKMG in 2011 after being the first UCF alumna chosen for the NBC News Associate Program in New York City. Out of over 1500 applicants she was one of seven chosen for the prestigious program.
In 2012, NBC News promoted her to become the bureau coordinator of its Miami office. At NBC she helped generate content for all of their platforms, including NBCNews.com, “The TODAY Show,” “NBC Nightly News,” MSNBC and NBCLatino.com.
After an incredible three years at NBC News, she moved on to become a cross platform associate producer at CNN, which is based out of Atlanta.
Moll-Ramirez answered some questions about her time at UCF, the difficulties and rewards of being in the news industry, and shared advice for students and alumni.
Why did you choose to attend UCF?
It’s going to sound a little silly but the reason I chose UCF is because it was the university that sent me the most promotional mail. One day I just thought to myself, “Well, if these people want me so bad let me check this out.”
How has your UCF degree helped you in your career?
My UCF degree has been essential in my career. All of my jobs have required a degree in journalism. Over time I’ve also realized how great the RTV broadcast journalism program is. I’ve had colleagues who went to Columbia, Northwestern, USC, Berkeley, you name it. Not once have I ever felt like I fell behind.
What is your favorite thing about your job?
No two days are ever the same. Coming into work every day and not knowing what’s going to happen. Not realizing the moment you walk in through those doors you may be a few moments away from informing the world about a certain historical event, good or bad, is invaluable.
What is your most memorable experience on the job?
I’d have to say it was the 10th anniversary of September 11th. I was working for NBC at the time in New York City and got to be a part of the team who covered it. When the names of the fallen were being called and I looked at my colleagues, many of whom covered the actual attacks, with tears down their cheeks, it was so real. Seeing the fountains from high up and knowing that’s where so many lives were lost. The hurt was palpable.
What piece of advice would you give to current students as well as UCF alumni?
To current students, UCF is becoming a bigger and bigger name. Don’t underestimate it. A degree is what you make of it. Not having a degree is a lot tougher than having one. Be proud, always. Oh, and INTERN! INTERN, INTERN, INTERN! It’s more important than most of your classes!
For UCF Alumni, let’s be friends! I love UCF for all the doors it opened for me. A strong alumni association makes a huge difference.
Now for the fun questions. Victoria shared some responses to help us get to know her better.
Do you have any special/hidden talents?
When in top cardio shape I’m pretty great at jumping rope. Bizarre, I know. But I actually became obsessed with it while at UCF. They used to have a half hour class at the recreation center and I started taking it. The rest is history.
What do you do for fun?
I love trivia nights and playing kickball. Yes, kickball, don’t judge. I also listen to Pitbull and Romeo Santos (a Spanish language singer) way too much. Also the regular stuff like hanging out with friends, traveling and watching the news.
What is the most generous or thoughtful gift you have ever received?
The most thoughtful gift I ever received was really more like a gesture. On my last day at NBC News my colleagues threw a huge surprise party for me. My desk was decorated, pictures of Sanjay Gupta and Wolf Blitzer included, there were balloons, they made poster boards with pictures of all of my favorite things, they ordered food, I got flowers and even a crown! It was like my Quinceañera all over again! I didn’t expect it and it was above and beyond anything I could’ve ever imagined.