Can journalism graduates get jobs?

Landing your big break in journalism: journalism graduates highlight their different paths into the media field 

University of Texas journalism graduates describe their missteps, regrets and how they transitioned from the classroom to the newsroom during a panel discussion at the Belo Center for New Media.   

Journalism graduates are not the only ones concerned about finding a job. In fact, the Economic Policy Institute reported that more than half of America’s recent college graduates are unemployed.

“We’ve heard in every class, ‘You’re not going to get a job or your chances of getting a job are very slim,’” Jazmine Ulloa said, a 2009 UT graduate.

            Life after graduation; graduates insist internships are key. Ulloa said the internships she completed while attending UT helped her get her first start after graduation at The Brownsville Herald.

“I had an internship with the Brownsville Herald and then worked there for about a year,” Ulloa said. 

Her experience at The Herald led her to her next job as a night cops reporter at the San Antonio Express. She is now a reporter at the Austin American-Statesman. Her latest reporting involves doing what she loves – reporting on crime.

Ulloa said internships are important for more things than just experience.

             “Finding out what you don’t want to do is just as important as finding out what you do want to do,” and Ulloa says internships help you discover that as well.

Journalism grads say internships prove to be invaluable and stepping-stones for the future.

“It is a precursor to getting started and getting momentum while being on the field. It has tremendously helped the people that have done them and it is where they gain the most experience,” said KXAN producer Jackie Vega.

After graduating in 2008, Vega’s first and only internship was at KXAN in Austin. She freelanced while in school and did Web reporting. Vega’s experience at KXAN landed her a job at the station after graduation.

            “It is really important that you go out there and find an internship and really find out what works for you,” Vega said. “I would encourage you to break those boundaries and network with people because getting your foot in the door is what really gets you an opportunity.”

Vega is now a digital reporter and content producer at KXAN.  She is a staff member of the 2011 winner for Best Online Special Content and 2010 winner for Best TV Website and Best Newscast as voted by the Texas Associated Press Broadcasters.

            2010 graduate David Muto’s internship also turned into a job after graduation. At the University of Texas he earned a degree in journalism and Spanish. While in college he interned for The Texas Tribune, where he now writes and copy-edits.

            “Internships are fun and give you experience and networking opportunities while you are in college,” Muto said.

            Journalists in the field say it is normal to question your abilities; feel overwhelmed or get discouraged, but there are other options to explore in getting your feet wet in the industry. 2008 graduate Suzanne Haberman took an alternative route to landing an internship.

            “I did not have time for a regular internship. I got freelance writing opportunities. I wrote articles for various publications and this developed more skills than networking,” said Haberman.

            Haberman’s advice on landing that first job is to just step outside of your comfort zone and be your best advocate.

            “Just contact the editor and make your story sound appealing,” said Haberman. “There is always going to be a need for good storytelling and good writing - no matter what form it is - you just have to find a publication…find those little projects…”

             Suzanne Haberman is now a staff writer for Texas Co-Op Power Magazine.

            Despite students stories of being hired upon completion of internships, some students say they are still hesitant about entering the journalism field.

             According to freelance journalist Ted Irving who does work out of Austin “Journalism is a competitive field that has changed over the last few years and is expected to continue changing, but it is not going away.”

            Careers in journalism include a variety of jobs and entry into the field can come in many ways. One thing that professionals agree on says production owner Ralph Nickerson is that “You need experience; an employer will look at your commitment to the task and your achievements. This is a hard industry to get into and you need to take your opportunities.”