Tinah Ogalo graduated from SC&I summa cum laude, with a bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Media Studies in May 2020. Soon after graduation, Ogalo launched her very own podcast, "In Your Twentys," and began working for MTV as a Social Producer & Coordinator. 

During her undergraduate years at Rutgers, Tinah was a part of Phi Mu, a social sorority on campus. She also participated in WRSU, the Rutgers Radio Station, and RPDC, the Rutgers Performing Dance Company.

Ogalo shares her experiences with SC&I, her favorite parts about the JMS program, and how she created her successful podcast.

SC&I: Introduce yourself! Do you have any particular interests, passions, or hobbies?

TO: Hi I'm Tinah Ogalo (aka Tina w/ an H) and I'm a Social Producer + Coordinator by day for MTV + VH1, and the host / executive producer of the podcast 'In Your Twentys'. When I'm not working (whether it be my 9-5 or my passion project) you can find me catching up on the latest entertainment news, playing my guitar, or socializing with friends!

SC&I: Describe your undergraduate experience with SC&I! Were there any particular classes or professors that made an impact on you or that you found especially helpful?

TO: When I was accepted into JMS right before the fall of my sophomore year I was ECSTATIC. I tried to really immerse myself to get a variety of different courses but my favorite ones were Investigative Journalism (because it really challenged me as a journalist) and Television Reporting (because I've always wanted to be on-air talent). Professors Juan González, Mary D'Ambrosio, Regina Marchi, and Steven Miller created an impactful, encouraging and open educational environment where I was unafraid to ask questions not just about their courses but about my career trajectory as well!

SC&I: Describe your experiences in hosting your podcast “In Your Twentys”! How did you decide you wanted to have a podcast? What aspects of the podcast do you like the most? What is it like getting to connect with the guests you have on the podcast? 

TO: My ultimate career goal is to be the next female Ryan Seacrest. When at my last internship in Fall 2019 I was constantly listening to podcasts and thought I should start one! At first I wanted to do an entertainment news one but I couldn't find a friend who would be willing to do it weekly. So after some thinking, I thought to myself "I'm about to graduate in the Spring of 2020 and I have no idea what I'm going to do after graduation." After realizing that a majority of my peers were in the same boat, IY20s came to be!

I LOVE getting to have candid conversations with guests. Some guests are straight shooters and I have to keep the conversation going, others it's an ebb and flow, and occasionally they'll flip the mic back to me. Basically, they always keep me on my toes which makes me a better journalist and a better researcher when I'm prepping questions beforehand!

Some of the guests I've had on the show have become dear friends both in and outside of the podcast community. It's been so nice to be able to create deeper connections, watch them grow, and share opportunities!

SC&I: What particular skills do you think are necessary to have when hosting a podcast, or in having any career in journalism?

TO: Being inquisitive will get you far, especially if done with a smile. For all of my guests, when they're talking to me I don't want them to imagine all the people who may hear the episode - I want them to feel as if it's a safe space while still getting the full story. Sometimes you may have to push harder and repeatedly to get the answer, and sometimes you may not get it at all, but you just gotta keep it moving to get as many facts as possible.

SC&I: What advice might you give to other SC&I students, or college students in general, if they are struggling to find the right career path?

TO: This is the whole reason why I started IY20s: To help 20-somethings navigate this defining decade. I've got a ton of episodes about finding what you're passionate about but for now, I'll say that when it feels right, keep it going. It's okay to have 'wants' and 'needs' in a career. We're all on different paths so don't look at what others are doing - just try to focus on you.

SC&I: Is there anything else you’d like to share with the SC&I community? This can be about anything!

TO: Three words: Go after it! Seriously. Set your goals and tell as many people you can about it. Work hard but make sure to have fun and have 'me time.' Everything will come your way in due time!

Discover more about the Journalism and Media Studies major at the Rutgers School of Communication and Information on the website. 

Photo and video: Courtesy of Tinah Ogalo