News 3 (WTKR) from the Hampton Roads metropolitan district opened their doors to Navy Mass Communication Specialists to join their team for two weeks as job shadows.

"I love it, that's why I started the program," said Ryan Minnaugh, News Team 3 news director. "I really hope there's a give and take on both sides. I hope people combine together and share the things that are important to each other. There's a different structure and perspective between our professions, and I am proud of this program because I think it is helpful to both sides."

The collaboration between the civilian and military journalists in the area helps both to accurately inform their shared audience with relevant and intriguing stories.

"It's been nice," said Minnaugh. "We would miss out on good stories unless we have someone that reaches out like Cmdr. Dave Hecht. "We get pitched a lot of stories from the Navy, like carrier returns or new technologies. It impacts so many people that live here."

News 3 frequently covers military events such as deployments, homecomings, technologies and innovations, and service members' involvement in the community. This program allows a reciprocal relationship, in which the team gets to see the personal side of service members.

"The Sailors are definitely eager to learn, and they always ask questions because they want know what's going on," said Carlos Melgarejo, News Team 3 photojournalist. "How things work here and how they can apply the knowledge they gain here to their jobs in the Navy. They are very involved and very friendly. I learned a lot about the Sailors, like their lifestyles, where they come from, and how they have to figure out how to accommodate their lifestyles to their work. They all have a story, homes and families. It feels great."

For many Sailors, this program is their first glimpse at a professional civilian enterprise. While observation alone could provide insight into how the industries differ, the Sailors also get involved in the news gathering and reporting process, thereby enhancing their skills and gaining powerful contacts through networking.

"Technically, you are a job shadow for two weeks, so our idea was to get it so people could see how a lot of what you already learned could be applied here or at another job," said Minnaugh.

The Navy, like any industry has its own methods for achieving its goals. The minutia that distinguishes civilian professionals can be daunting for Sailors.

"I learned so much," said Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Clas Carter Denton. "I feel more prepared for my career now. Everyone there was willing to teach me about their side. The Navy taught me all the technical details of writing, photography and video, but it was enlightening to see how civilians do it."

Sailors are encouraged to jump right in on the action. The program allows participants to immerse themselves in whichever field most interests them.

"This is very hands on, and we take the Sailors out in the field or in the studio," said Melgarejo. "They get to see all the stress and everything that goes on in the newsroom when things happen. We get breaking news. Denton was with us, he got to see how we handle that. He was there freezing with us, and live with what we do here. He even participated in the news cast as well. He was great."

A program of this nature is a vehicle for Sailor success. They can get a glimpse of the industry outside the Navy and therefore make an informed decision about where they want their career to go. If they decide to separate after their current enlistment, they already have contacts in the industry.

"It's a fun partnership. We met through a mutual respect of both businesses because we are both trying to find a better way to communicate and tell stories," said Minnaugh. "There has been so much that we are able to accomplish and [Cmdr. Dave Hecht] and I are both open to doing more partnerships in the future."

For more information about News Team 3, visit www.wtkr.com

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