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When Jessica Despres ’21 graduated from the University of New Haven’s Music and Music & Sound Recording programs, she knew she wanted a career that combined creativity, technology, and storytelling. What she did not expect was that within just a few years, she would be mixing audio for some of ESPN’s biggest shows and earning an Emmy® production plaque for her work on NFL Live.

Despres’s journey to ESPN wasn’t a straight line. “The spring before I took part in the Nashville program at the University of New Haven, I applied for a music internship at ESPN, but did not get an interview,” she recalls. “After my time in Nashville, I found out a former coworker of mine from Guitar Center got a job as a music coordinator at ESPN. He gave me some information about the company and about his experience there. I decided to apply to five positions at once, some in the music department, and one in the studio production department.”

After four rounds of interviews, Despres received an offer for an Audio Operator role. It was the opportunity she had been working toward since her early days as a �������Թ�, when she first fell in love with audio production.

Despres credits much of her professional growth to the University of New Haven’s unique Nashville Study Away Program, where she trained under GRAMMY®-winning faculty members Steve Fishell and David Leonard. “Being in-person, working in studios, and learning from professionals gave me confidence,” she says.

The experience also helped her overcome imposter syndrome. “I didn’t think I was good enough at audio mixing,” she admits. “But my time in Nashville and the people I met there pushed me to believe in myself and to keep improving.”

Since joining ESPN in 2022, Despres has steadily climbed the ranks. She began as an A2 Audio Operator and C2 Comms Support Operator, working on signature shows such as SportsCenter, NFL Live, and Baseball Tonight. In those early roles, she learned to manage communication systems and support talent and production crews.

Her goal, however, was always to become an A1 Audio Operator, the person responsible for mixing live broadcast audio. “I became an A1 a year ago, building out my own mixing file on our Lawo consoles, and creating my own ENCO file for music cuts to play during shows,” she says. “And I mix the audio for NFL Live and First Take.” Within just three and a half years, she achieved her goal and received an Emmy® plaque for her audio mixing on NFL Live during the 2024–2025 season.

For Despres, networking has been a cornerstone of her career. “I wouldn’t have even thought I had an option to use my degree at ESPN until I found out my former coworker was working there,” she says. “Networking can open doors anywhere — it’s about being persistent and confident in yourself, even if you feel like you may have to fake it at first.”

Working in Bristol, close to her alma mater, means she can pay it forward. “Being close to the University lets me help new graduates from the music department,” she says. “Professor Mark Tavern has done an excellent job guiding students, and I love it when he sends someone my way.”

While she’s proud of what she’s accomplished so far, Despres isn’t slowing down. “Clearing A1 and receiving my Emmy® plaque was proof to myself that I’m on the right path,” she reflects. “My next goal is to clear NFL Primetime as an A1 — and hopefully one day, earn an Emmy® statuette.”

She advises current students to, use every resource possible. “Network, even when it feels uncomfortable,” she says. “Push yourself to achieve your goals, because you won’t know how far you can go until you do.”