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Sunshine with a chance of success

Concordia graduate Jessica Laventure is quickly making a name for herself
October 15, 2013
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By Rachel Lau


Jessica Laventure, BA 2005, is a force to be reckoned with at Global Montreal. She is the weather reporter for the morning show, yet her job doesn’t stop there.

Jessica Laventure Jessica Laventure says the best thing about working on Global Montreal’s Morning Show is that she gets to be herself. | Photos courtesy Global Montreal

Since the Morning News aired its first newscast in March, she’s done everything from ride elephants to shuck oysters — and she says she owes all her success to the time she spent studying journalism and communications at Concordia University.

Rachel Lau: What do you remember most from your time at Concordia?

Jessica Laventure: I loved my time at Concordia! I always knew I liked telling stories, but at Concordia I learned how to structure my stories and bring out the best in the people I interviewed. I learned about integrity.

Journalism is so much more than chasing down a breaking story. It’s about telling a story in a clear, concise and compelling way — and if I make someone laugh along the way, why not?

RL: When did you realize you wanted to be a journalist?

JL: I used to be a real chatterbox! I wanted people to listen and understand me. I think a big part of our frustrations in life come from feeling like we aren't heard or understood. Communication really is key in everything, good communication that is, and I always knew I wanted to spend my life perfecting that. 

RL: What is the most inspiring thing a teacher has ever said to you?

Jessica Laventure (right) turned her internship experience at Global Montreal into a job.

JL: I loved how Peter Downie always talked about his own experiences. I remember anchoring a newscast for class and I looked up and saw him with his head down, shoulders shaking with laughter. Maybe I was terrible and he was actually crying — I'll never know — but that’s when I realized I didn't have to fit into a specific mould or be a serious, stern journalist.

It’s okay to stand out and be quirky. I love that I have a job where I can do that. I put myself out there every time I'm on the air. What you see and hear really comes from the heart.

RL: How did your time at Concordia influence your career?

JL: I feel like I know everybody! University is wonderful for networking. There really is a sense of pride in seeing your classmates succeed in this business. My tip is to be nice to your classmates; you'll probably work with them eventually.

RL: What's the best part about your job now?

JL: I can be myself! I really feel like I'm exactly where I'm supposed to be right now and it's very soothing. You spend a lot of time in this business trying to work your way up, trying to convince people that you're worthy of the job, and it isn't always easy. I'll always be grateful to Global for giving me the chance to work on the morning show. I hope to keep surprising them and viewers in a good way!

Watch Jessica weekday mornings at 6 a.m. on Global Montreal 's Morning News.

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