From the Classroom to the Real-World

There is a saying in life that you miss 100 percent of the chances that you do not take. For Video Production student Brady Rustan, he made sure to take advantage of every chance.

“We had the News Director for 2 News Oklahoma (KJRH) as part of our mock interview panel and she offered me a job,” Rustan said.

Rustan joins a long list of Tulsa Tech students and graduates to work in TV during their second year in the program. “We are able to get so many students a foot in the door,” Teresa Piper, Video Production Instructor, said. "That spot at KJRH has been a Tulsa Tech student or graduate for several years now."

But Rustan’s drive for success doesn’t end with a job. He is the president of his SkillsUSA chapter and a state champion in broadcast news.

“Tulsa Tech has given me the technical skills to succeed in the industry, while SkillsUSA has helped me grow my leadership abilities,” he said. “Combining both skill sets helped me and my teammates win state. Then we placed second in the national SkillsUSA competition last summer in Atlanta.”

For his newfound skills, he is thankful for his instructors, Piper and Richard Walton.

“They can take you from having never touched a professional camera, and train you to succeed,” he said. “This program gives you so many options from film to news, a production company or starting your own business.”

With a long list of accomplishments, Rustan says his biggest challenge is deciding what to do next.

“I would say I am torn right now, I have so many good options that I do not know where I want to go,” he said. “I am looking at the news industry, starting my business or working for my church. I know that without Tulsa Tech, none of these options would be in front of me.”

But he still has one big goal before leaving Tulsa Tech.

“I want to run it back at SkillsUSA, but this time I want to be a National Champ,” he said with a smile.

If you are looking to grow your skills or find that perfect career to complement your passion Tulsa Tech can help. With more than 80 career training options you can find the training to turn your passion into a rewarding career.