“There are times when I have this brief moment and realize where I’m at, and I’m like, whoa!” Brittany says.

For a woman who will go down in history as the first Nike Field Reporter and who is currently working as one of Katie Couric’s assistants “whoa,” may actually be an understatement.

Working for Katie Couric is an achievement within itself, and yet, Brittany Jones-Cooper has much larger aspirations for her future.

“I’m hoping for a job where I’m a fusion between Oprah and Katie Couric.” Already with a strong background in media, I’d say Brittany is off to a good start.

Brittany says, “Give me seven athletes to interview in 30 minutes… I can do it.” As a previous Nike Field Reporter, she knows her way around an interview. “What the NFR program gives you are the tools needed to help you get to the next level in media… being able to function in high levels of stress… I feel like I’m always referring to my time as the Nike Field Reporter.”

Since Brittany’s time as the Nike Field Reporter, she reported for a local news station in Nebraska, and from there applied to work for one of her professional idols, Katie Couric.

“I feel very blessed.” Brittany says. “She truly is the best female journalist out there.”

Brittany, who’s on her way to continued success, admits she’s been through her ups and downs.

“You need to be patient and take advantage of opportunities… they aren’t going to knock twice.”

This comes from a woman who is no stranger to bumps in the road. For someone who recalls her first memory of being on camera as one she wouldn’t mind forgetting, she’s had a successful career since.

There are times as a reporter where you may not be sure of what you are doing, but you need to “take a deep breath and go.” Brittany went on to say, “I really really like talking and I really really like helping people, enlightening people… making people think in new ways… and telling stories.”

And what she loves most about being a female in the media is all of the intricacies a woman can bring to the field. She says there is much more to being a reporter than having a pretty face. “I appreciate a smart woman, who can hold her own.”

With the increase in female role models in journalism, it’s important for women, like Brittany, to encompass both intelligence and courage, especially being on the forefront of covering top stories.

As the current Nike Field Reporter, I can tell you first hand, this job is the best preparation for any woman looking to continue a career in journalism and media. Brittany Jones-Cooper is a perfect example of utilizing opportunity and turning it into success.

-Sarina