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.”