Tom Niemisto '08

I currently work for Minnesota 2020, a progressive non-profit think tank in St. Paul, MN.  As part of the communications staff, I produce short web videos exploring policy across the entire state of Minnesota. It is an exciting mix of analyzing new media in the political process, interviewing Minnesotans all over the state, and creating media that contributes to the debate around education, transportation, health care and economic development. Under fast deadlines I am responsible for nearly every aspect of production, from research, field production, interviews, and editing for web, and I try hard to keep a documentary aesthetic to all pieces.

I didn't get here without plenty of internships. During my media studies concentration I was an intern for American Public Media, after graduation I received training (and later helped teach) with the Media Institute for Social Change, and I also created a podcast for an internship with Clearwater.  (and yes, Minnesota 2020 had two Ole interns over the summer)

My media studies courses and subsequent experiences have helped develop strong editing skills to create engaging, entertaining media, and I hope eventually to pursue feature documentary filmmaking as an editor.