From Bulldog Country to CNN

Ashailyn Gleaton, a graduate of South Carolina State University, has went from being a bull dog to an employee at CNN. This Orangeburg native has went from being a college student, to working for Channel 5 news in Charleston, to the big city in Atlanta to working at CNN. For most , this accomplishment would take years but Gleaton got the opportunity sooner.

Gleaton’s opportunities have given her a change of location and a change of heart, as far what she wants to do in the field. Though the Georgia peach lifestyle will be a big adjustment to once being a bull dog, Gleaton intends on sticking to her career change and location for a while.

Q: What do you think your favorite thing about your new job is ? What do you enjoy doing the most ?
A: I would say, being able to shadow and pick where I want to go. I thought I knew what I wanted to do in local news but being here has actually made me change my mind. I initially said in local news I didn't want to do producing but now I'm looking into an associate producer role.

Q: What's your experience like at CNN on a day to day basis?
A:  I mostly do prompter or print out scripts during the day. A typical day like today, I get in at 7 a.m I prompt for two shows and then I go to the studio for the rest of the day and print out scripts.

Q:  How did you get the job at CNN?
A: A lot of luck ! I honestly just applied while I was in Charleston. I saw an opportunity and threw my hat into the ring. I applied in November and they sent an email to record the interview. In February, they emailed me to ask if I was still interested. Then, I did a video interview because I couldn't get to Atlanta to do an actual interview. About a month later I got the call that I had the job.

Q: How is living in Atlanta now since you came from Orangeburg ?
A: A big adjustment, a lot of traffic and a lot to do. Unfortunately, I don't get to always go out and do anything, but definitely a lot to do.

Q: Have you had a lot of opportunities to network and meet other people in your field? 
A: Yes, I definitely met a lot of people. Though I haven't met the news personalties but I have met Coy Wire, Hines Ward, Robin Meade. I also network with people I met in the control room.

Q: Do a lot of celebrities come by CNN?
A: I've met one celebrity, Aldis Hodge, who starred in the movie Brian Banks.

Q: When you first came there was it easy to have good working relationships with your co-workers?
A: Well with this position since we're all over the place, I only see my co-workers in passing or if I'm coming into the studio or control room. It felt nod of lonely because you get to know these people but you don't see them.