The first job: will their hair make the cut?

Graduation is right around the corner for these young ladies. Marquel Sennet and Olivia Sanders are both looking forward to their future careers in broadcast news.  They both have kept themselves busy with pursuing internships, leading student organizations and creating their resume tapes in hopes of landing their first job.   

But, the preparation doesn’t end there. Broadcast Journalism is an appearance-based medium. If you don’t look good, then people will not watch you.  Marquel wears relaxed hair. Olivia wears her hair natural.  Do they think their hair will prevent them from getting a job as a reporter?

Read below to find out what they have to say.                                          

                                         Marquel Sennet

Senior, Journalism—Broadcast News

University of North Texas

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When did you get your first relaxer? When I was in the sixth grade…I think I was twelve years old.

Did you ever want to go natural?

No, when you have a relaxer— you have more versality with your hairstyles and to me it’s easier to maintain.

You want to be a reporter—do feel that you can wear natural hair as a journalist?

No…It’s sad—because hair shouldn’t determine a person’s capabilities. I don’t feel like its right and I don’t feel like its fair.  Most conservative [news] markets you have to have a traditional, conservative look.

You’re about to graduate—do you feel any pressure to keep a certain look to maintain professionalism?

Yes—normally I like to wear weaves in my hair. I like to wear wavy hair, but I understand for the business that to get in the door you must wear your hair a certain way.  I know that I have to wrap my hair and wear it straight.  

Do you think you will ever reach a point in your career when you can wear your hair the way you want?

Yes—once get my foot in the door, I will wear the hairstyles I like. 

Olivia Sanders

Senior, Radio, Television and Film

University of North Texas

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When did you get your first relaxer?

I was eleven or twelve years old.

When did you first go natural? Why?

August 2002…because I like my sister’s hair natural and I wanted to do it, too!

You want to be a reporter—do feel that you can wear natural hair as a journalist?

Yes, I do—because for me there is no other way. I am not willing to straighten my hair.

Have you ever encountered any discrimination based off of how you wear your hair?

If I have, I haven’t noticed it. I haven’t had any one slight me because of my hair.

What about your resume tape?

My resume tape will be with natural hair and I will go into the interview with natural hair.

How do you plan to wear your hair after graduation while looking for your first job?

I think my hair combed back in an afro puff is a more, conservative look for me.   

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