Charlotte Gardiner '13 was a member of the Middlebury field hockey team and majored in International Studies. She currently works as an associate producer for NBC News and resides in London, United Kingdom.
 
Tell us about your current position at NBC News. How did you get into this field?
I always knew I would do something in the journalism world. I remember those late nights editing in The Campus basement quite well! But it wasn't until an internship at CBS This Morning during J-Term of my junior year, which I cannot recommend enough, that I started to explore television. Shortly after graduating, I was offered a position in NBC's Page Program, with much guidance and insight from another Middlebury alum (Emily Pinto '12). The position is essentially their entry-level pipeline. If you've seen 30 Rock, it's the real-life version of Kenneth the Page! I rotated through news production assignments at CNBC, MSNBC and The TODAY Show. After finishing the year, I moved to an assistant position, and then to an overnight researcher role for the morning show. Three and half years ago, I took a position as an associate producer in London, working for NBC's chief foreign correspondent, Richard Engel. I am a producer on his team now, working mostly on hour-long programs and breaking international news of day. 
 
You have traveled all over the world. What have been some of your favorite assignments and why? 
China was an incredible experience. The Bund in Shanghai should be on everyone's travel bucket list! We traveled to several cities for an hour on artificial intelligence. I'd spent months reading, booking interviews, and securing filming access, so it was a bit surreal to finally be on-the-ground meeting the voices and shooting the color. I went to Iceland for a story on climate change and carbon capture technology. It is a magical place! One of my last trips before the pandemic was to Malta for a story about press freedom, and a female journalist who was murdered on the island. We aired the hour last September, and it was a really powerful story about a family's quest for justice and the truth. And then, just before we all went into lockdown, I flew to Washington, D.C. for an interview with Dr. Anthony Fauci at the National Institute of Health (NIH), where he mentioned a term called "social distancing." Little did we all know what was to come. It was also a special moment after a year of difficult reporting to be at the United Kingdom hospital on the day the first vaccine dose was injected.
 
What is one piece of advice that you would like to pass down the current Middlebury student-athletes? 
Especially when you're first starting out, say yes to any and all opportunities. You never know who you'll meet, what you'll learn and where that may take you next. Be five steps ahead, always. If you're prepared and anticipate, you will be rewarded. And keep a positive attitude - people want to work with others who bring good vibes! 
 
What was your Midd Moment?
It's too hard to pick just one, so here are some "moments" - studying abroad in Buenos Aires (and playing field hockey for the university team!), winning the NESCAC Championship my senior year (in penalty shootouts!), hiking/skiing/exploring Vermont - you don't appreciate how amazing it is until you leave.