Jimmy Doles

Jimmy Doles is a communication studies major from Huntley, IL

Hometown: Huntley, IL

High School: Huntley High School

Year: Expected graduation: Spring 2028

Minor in: Sport management

What is your major (and/or minor), and why did you decide on this course of study?
I am majoring in communication studies with an emphasis in organizational/corporate communications and a minor in sport management. I chose this course of study because it combines my passions for storytelling, media production, branding and communication. Growing up involved in sports and creative media, I realized that strong communication and visual storytelling play a huge role in how organizations connect with audiences. Photography became a major influence in that decision. Through photographing athletics, concerts and live events, I learned how powerful a single image can be in telling a story, building emotion and promoting a brand. Working with organizations like NIU football, the Rockford IceHogs and the Windy City Bulls showed me how photography and media directly impact marketing, fan engagement and public perception. Corporate communications allows me to strengthen the business side of creative media by learning professional communication, branding, marketing strategy and audience engagement. Photography gave me the creative foundation, while communications helps me understand how to use those visuals effectively in a professional business environment. Together, they prepare me for a career in sports media, content creation and professional communications.

Have you completed or are you currently pursuing an internship or other career-related experience? How did you get your internship, and where was it?
Yes. My internship with NIU Athletics, Creative Services and Sports Media involved capturing high-quality photography and video content of practices, games and team events for NIU football. I filmed game action, behind-the-scenes moments and sideline coverage while producing engaging visual content for social media, marketing and recruiting. I also edited highlight videos and short-form digital content and provided media coverage for multiple Division I football games. In addition, I documented key moments on the field and produced content that reached a large audience across digital platforms, and collaborated with the creative and media teams to deliver compelling visual storytelling.

What have you learned or experienced through your internship that you couldn't have gotten in a classroom?
Working with NIU football has played a major role in shaping my career aspirations and helping me grow as a creative professional. What began as an opportunity to film and photograph games quickly became a hands-on learning experience that taught me the importance of storytelling, teamwork, professionalism and performing under pressure in a fast-paced sports environment. One of the most unforgettable moments of my career so far was covering NIU’s historic upset victory over Notre Dame Fighting Irish football. Being on the sidelines during one of the biggest wins in program history allowed me to capture the emotion, excitement and energy of the moment through photography and video. Recording the locker room celebration after the game and seeing that content reach over a million views showed me the true impact sports media can have. It reinforced my passion for visual storytelling and confirmed that I wanted to pursue a career in sports media and communications. My experience with NIU football also opened the door to additional opportunities in professional sports. Through internships and media work with the Rockford IceHogs and the Windy City Bulls, I have been able to expand my skills in photography, videography, editing and social media content creation. In addition, my experiences led to the unique opportunity to shadow professionals at NFL Films during the filming of Hard Knocks featuring the Chicago Bears and later visit NFL Films headquarters in Pennsylvania. Observing industry professionals at that level gave me valuable insight into the creativity, preparation and attention to detail required in elite sports storytelling.

What advice would you give to a student who is trying to land their first internship?
One piece of advice I would give students trying to find internships is to start early and not to be afraid to put yourself out there. A lot of opportunities come from simply reaching out, making connections and being willing to learn. Early on, I emailed teams, organizations and professionals even when I was unsure if I would hear back. Those connections eventually led to opportunities. I would also encourage students to build a portfolio and consistently create content, even if nobody is asking for it yet. Whether it is photographing local sports, creating highlight videos or practicing editing, every project helps improve your skills and gives you work to showcase to future employers. The more experience you gain, the more confident you become. Another important lesson I have learned is to be reliable and professional. Showing up on time, meeting deadlines, communicating well and being willing to help with any task can make a huge impression. Finally, I would tell younger students not to compare their journey to others. Everyone starts somewhere, and opportunities increase over time through hard work, persistence, networking and a genuine passion for the craft.

What do you believe an NIU degree will make possible for you that might not have been possible otherwise?
Earning a degree from NIU will make it possible for me to turn my passion for sports media and storytelling into a long-term professional career. NIU has already opened doors that I never imagined possible through hands-on opportunities, industry connections and real-world experience working in college athletics and professional sports environments. Through my work with the NIU football media team, I have gained experience that goes far beyond the classroom. Covering practices, games, recruiting content and major moments helped me develop confidence and professionalism. Those experiences also gave me a portfolio and network that led to opportunities with the Rockford IceHogs, the Windy City Bulls and experiences with NFL Films. Without NIU, I would not have had access to many of these opportunities or the mentors who have helped guide me toward my career goals. Most importantly, NIU has helped me realize that my work can make an impact by telling meaningful stories and creating content that connects with people. My degree will help position me for future opportunities in professional sports, media production and communications while giving me the tools to continue growing creatively and professionally.

What has genuinely surprised you about your experience at NIU?
One thing that has genuinely surprised me is how many real-world opportunities have been available to students who are willing to work hard and get involved. I expected to learn in the classroom, but I did not realize how quickly I would gain hands-on experience working in high-level sports media environments. Through my involvement with the football media team, I was trusted with responsibilities that directly contributed to the program’s content and storytelling. Covering practices, games and recruiting shoots gave me experiences that many students do not get until much later in their careers. Seeing one of my locker room celebration videos reach over a million views showed me how powerful storytelling through media can be. I have also been surprised by how supportive and connected the NIU community is. Professors, mentors, alumni and professionals have been willing to offer guidance, advice and opportunities that helped me grow both creatively and professionally. Another thing that surprised me is how much confidence I have gained. Working in fast-paced environments around college and professional sports pushed me outside of my comfort zone and taught me how to adapt, communicate and stay calm under pressure.

Who has been a favorite instructor or professor, and what did they teach? What made them memorable?
One of the most valuable parts of my experience has been taking sport management classes with Dave Serowka. His classes helped me better understand the business and professional side of athletics while opening my eyes to the many career opportunities that exist beyond just playing sports. Through his courses, I learned how areas such as marketing, media relations, sponsorships, event management, fan engagement and communications all work together to support athletic organizations. As someone already passionate about photography and videography, those classes helped me realize how important media and storytelling are within the sports industry. They showed me that creative content plays a major role in building team identity, connecting with fans, and promoting athletes and organizations.

Where is your favorite spot on campus or in the community, and why are you drawn to it?
One of my favorite spots on campus is the Altgeld Hall area and the NIU gargoyles. I have always been drawn to the historic architecture and unique character of that part of campus. The details in the stonework, the gothic style design and the atmosphere around the building make it feel different from anywhere else at NIU. As a photographer, I especially appreciate the way the lighting interacts with the architecture throughout the day. Whether it is early morning light, dramatic sunset shadows or reflections near the pond, the area creates incredible opportunities for photography and visual storytelling. The landscape surrounding the building gives it a calm and cinematic feel I find inspiring. I also like that the location connects history, art and campus culture. Every time I walk through that area, it reminds me why I enjoy storytelling through photography and why I am passionate about capturing environments and moments that people might otherwise overlook.

How has NIU helped you find your community or your sense of belonging here?
NIU helped me find my community and sense of belonging through athletics, especially through my involvement with the football program. From the beginning, being part of the football media team connected me with people who shared similar passions for sports, storytelling, creativity and teamwork. Traveling with the team, photographing games and documenting important moments allowed me to build strong relationships with athletes, coaches, staff and other students. Those experiences made a large university feel much smaller and more personal. Whether it was long road trips, late-night editing sessions or celebrating big wins together, I felt like I was contributing to something bigger than myself. Photography also gave me a way to connect with the campus and community in a meaningful way. Through my camera, I was able to tell stories, capture emotions and preserve moments. Covering NIU athletics helped me become more confident, meet new people, and develop friendships and professional connections that have had a huge impact on my college experience. The opportunities and trust I was given early on made me feel valued and gave me a real sense of purpose and belonging on campus.

Why is a college education important to you?
A college education is important to me because it has given me the opportunity to grow both personally and professionally while helping me turn my passion into a career path. I have gained not only classroom knowledge, but also real-world experiences that have helped shape my future goals and ambitions.

What advice would you give to a student who is researching colleges right now?
One piece of advice I would give to a student researching colleges right now is to focus on finding your “why.” It is easy to get caught up in rankings, campus size or what other people think you should do, but the most important thing is finding a place that helps you discover your passions, goals and sense of purpose.

How do you manage your responsibilities like school, work, family and everything else while still making the most of your time at NIU?
Between classes, working with the football media team, traveling for photography, and opportunities with organizations like the Rockford IceHogs and the Windy City Bulls, my schedule can get very busy. I have learned that being organized and planning ahead is extremely important. I try to stay on top of assignments early, communicate well with others and make the most of the time I have each day. At the same time, I have learned how important it is to appreciate the experiences along the way. Traveling with teams, photographing major events, and building relationships with people in athletics and media have helped make college incredibly rewarding. Those experiences remind me that the hard work is worth it. Family support has also played a huge role in helping me stay balanced and motivated. Having parents who understand the value of education and hard work has encouraged me to keep pushing myself even during stressful times. Most importantly, I try to approach everything with passion and purpose. When you genuinely enjoy what you are doing, balancing responsibilities becomes easier because it no longer feels like just work.

What made you choose NIU over other colleges you were considering?
I chose NIU because it felt like home long before I became a student there. Both of my parents attended NIU, so I grew up hearing stories about their experiences and visiting campus. Those early memories made a lasting impression on me and created a strong connection to the university from a young age. Another major factor was the proximity to home. Being close allowed me to continue building professional opportunities in the Chicago area while also staying connected to my family and support system. What ultimately made NIU stand out was the opportunity to gain real-world experience right away. From the moment I arrived on campus, I was able to get involved with athletics and sports media in meaningful ways. The hands-on opportunities, supportive professors and strong sense of community made NIU feel like the perfect fit for both my personal and professional goals.

What was the most important thing NIU did to help you make a successful transition into college life?
The most important thing NIU did to help me make a successful transition into college life was giving me opportunities to get involved immediately. Instead of feeling like just another student in a classroom, I quickly became part of a community through athletics, media production and creative storytelling. NIU also helped me build confidence and independence. The university gave me opportunities to step outside my comfort zone, take creative risks and grow professionally in fast-paced environments. That support and hands-on learning environment made my transition into college much smoother.

What scholarships or financial support have you received at NIU?
I received the Woodstock Center Endowment Fund and an internship with NIU Athletics and Creative Services taking photos and videos.

Did the availability of scholarships or financial aid factor into your decision to choose NIU? If so, how?
Yes. The overall price factored into my decision-making process.

How has that financial support shaped your ability to pursue your education and make the most of your time here?
Scholarships and paid internships with athletics are an important part of pursuing my education at NIU because they help make it financially possible for me to continue growing both academically and professionally. Like many college students, balancing tuition, expenses and the cost of pursuing hands-on opportunities can be challenging, so financial support helps reduce that burden and allows me to focus more on my education and career development.