Sunmee Choi has been recently elected to her first term as a NATAS governor. She is both on air talent and executive producer of three national programs for the Total Living Network headquartered in Aurora, Illinois. She has seven Chicago/Midwest Emmy nominations to her name including one for individual excellence on camera. Being on both sides of the camera gives her a unique perspective on broadcasting. She also runs a media and image consulting business. We sat down with Sunmee to talk about her very unusual path to the small screen.

NATAS: First let me welcome you to the Board of Governors.

Thank you for the welcome. It is an honor to be a part of this prestigious organization. I want to become an active contributor to the Board of Governors and serve NATAS Chicago/Midwest by informing, encouraging and inspiring future television producers and on-air talents.

NATAS: Now that you are a veteran of five months, have you decided what committees or events interest you?

I’m still assimilating into my role as a governor and still in the process of familiarizing myself with the Board and the various committees. They all are very interesting but I did sign up for the Emmy Award Show Committee. I served as a presenter last year but I hope to contribute more this year.

NATAS: What about your education? What did you study that you find most useful in your career?

I studied Psychology and that has been a tremendous help in my career. Communication is the key to any successful relationship, personal and professional. Psychology does aid in understanding behavior and therefore teaches you how to respond accordingly. Also, if people have access to a class that teaches motivation I highly recommend it. On a personal level I acquired a great deal of knowledge and practical tips by listening to motivational tapes and reading his books written by successful speakers and business people. I believe it’s what you do after school, on your own time that determines how successful you will become.

NATAS: Tell us how you got your start in the business?

I worked as a freelance reporter for a Korean TV station in Chicago for a brief time. In the fall of 1994 I had the opportunity to intern for a news magazine program at WCFC-TV38 so I jumped at the chance. The producer told me it was a 3-month, non-paid internship. She also told me there were no jobs available at TV38 at that time. However, I saw the internship as a great opportunity. So, I lived out my motto, “Dress for the job you want, not for the job you have.” I dressed up for my internship and I always had my hair and makeup done. People thought I was a new hire. One time an executive producer stopped me in the hallways and told me I should be anchoring at NBC5. One month into my internship, the producer asked me if I wanted to do a story for air. She was generous that way and I appreciate that she gave me that chance. Two months into my internship, the executive producer of the news magazine show said that he wanted to have me co-anchor with him on one of the shows. To make a long story short, by the end of my 3-month, non-paid internship, I was hired as a freelance reporter/associate producer for the newsmagazine show, and I also co-anchored every other show, ultimately becoming the permanent co-anchor of the program.

NATAS: I have read that you are a former Miss Korea-Chicago. Does the regimen that you used to train for that contest influence your on-air work?

Well, it was my mother’s brilliant idea for me to enter the pageant. I had no idea I would win the Midwest competition and represent Chicago/Midwest in the national Miss Korea pageant in Seoul, Korea. That opportunity helped me to develop self confidence. Growing up I was extremely shy, so this was a much needed element in my life. It also taught me how to present myself on stage in front of a live audience and live cameras! However, this development was and still is an on-going process. I learn something new each time I do something on camera.

NATAS: What things should beginning job applicants be particularly aware of when they go for a first interview? Send a first tape?

If the applicant is pursing an on-air position, he or she should be very aware of how they are dressed from head to toe. People see before they think so the applicant should know people will make certain judgment calls before they even talk to you. Sending a tape is always helpful but just make sure it’s your best work.

NATAS: What areas do you emphasize as an image consultant to a prospective client? Do you have any unusual success stories?

I focus on the full presentation of a client: hair, makeup, attire, accessories and attitude. There is one story that stands out in my mind. Last year I met a gifted author at a workshop where I spoke on “How to look your best for TV.” She had overcome cancer and had written a book about her ordeal. When I met her she told me to “give it to her straight.” Well, I said that I tended to be bold and straightforward with my thoughts. She welcomed that with enthusiasm. So, I said, “Since you want to promote your book on overcoming cancer, you can’t look like you’re still overcoming it.” With shock on her face she thanked me and asked me to help her right way. This particular client had short, choppy, salt and pepper hair. And, although she had beautiful round eyes and delicate bone structure, she wore no makeup to enhance any of that. Immediately we went to work: I took her to my salon for new hair color and cut, we shopped for a new suit, shoes and jewelry, and we worked on her makeup. We also spent many hours on TV interview strategies. Today, she is more confident about how she presents herself and she feels more prepared for interviews to promote her book. She has been received many compliments since the makeover.

Editor’s note: Are you a recent graduate looking for a first job? Would you like some advice on how to present yourself to a potential employer? If so, please email your story to This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it We are looking for two candidates, a man and a woman for a future workshop on Dressing the Part: How to snag that first television job.