CBS Sports associate director Justin Haley lectures about perseverance

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - On Nov. 29, Justin Haley, the five-time Emmy award-winning associate director and producer for CBS Sports, shared his remarkable journey to success, inspiring a room full of aspiring sports journalists.

Haley's journey began with his childhood passion for Penn State football, eventually leading him to discover his love for sports journalism. Despite setbacks, including a rescinded job offer during the 2008 recession, Haley persevered.

Guided by his mother, he joined the National Association of Black Journalists, where he met Stephen A. Smith, sparking his pursuit of sports journalism. Choosing Penn State's College of Communications, he embarked on a path that would shape his future.

Through perseverance and dedication, Haley climbed the ranks from a setback in Cleveland, covering local sports for the Cleveland Sun, to a pivotal moment at ESPN's PTI.

His encounter with Coach Mike Tomlin opened doors, leading to an internship with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Tomlin's handwritten recommendation propelled him to Tampa and ultimately back to CBS, where he worked his way up from a researcher to associate director.

Haley's words resonated with attendees, emphasizing the importance of falling in love with the process.

He stated, “Falling in love with the process. I love to always say this like they're two types of people, people who are result-driven and people who are process-driven."

Haley encouraged aspiring journalists to focus on the job at hand, asserting, "Never try to view it as a competition. You know, it's literally only with yourself."

Reflecting on Haley's advice, first-year student Julia Henry highlighted the significance of trusting the process. She noted, "He kept emphasizing, just trusting the process, and I think that's just really important that you don't really know [your] journey...he didn't have a perfect journey, but he has five Emmys now. So just kind of trusting the process and knowing even if you get a job or if you have to do PR instead of journalism, just that ultimately it'll all work out."

The event left a lasting impact on the aspiring sports journalists. Haley's words inspired the room, offering valuable insights and motivation for their future careers. The emphasis on dedication, perseverance and trusting the process resonated with everyone present.

In the dynamic world of sports journalism, Haley's journey serves as a beacon of inspiration, reminding aspiring journalists that success often emerges from overcoming challenges, embracing the process, and staying true to one's passion.

As they left the event, attendees carried with them not just Haley's story but a renewed sense of determination to navigate their unique paths toward a rewarding future in sports journalism.

Cora Rodriguez is a first-year student majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact her, email cir5381@psu.edu.