I’m looking through my narrowed list of colleges and finding myself in a conundrum. I want to be (Broadcast and Digital) Journalism major and my top choice is probably Syracuse. Syracuse’s Newhouse school will give me great connections, but in terms of getting experience working at the radio station or newspaper on campus, there’s a hierarchal system in place that would practically force me to wait until my junior year. Other schools that I’m interested in but not as high on (Ithaca, Elon, Fordham etc.) will give me more opportunities to get experience, but at a sacrifice of the level of connections Syracuse can offer. In the field of journalism, would school connections or experience in school be considered more valuable? (One more add: Northwestern and UNC (out-of-state) are also on my list, but I am far from getting my hopes up on them)
wanted to bump to see if i could get some advice
I am not familiar with the news/radio/other journalism-centric industries, but I would recommend you talk to students from both schools if possible. Also, look at internship and full-time work placements, if available. Be aware that when you do this, there is not really a standardized way of presenting this information, so it can be easy for insitutions to “cook the books”, so read the statistics in context. I would also perform searches of the different schools’ alumni on LinkedIn, and see how well-represented each school is for the most desirable positions.
you can not(or better yet should not) choose a school based on “connections” you think you will get. there is no way to know if that is true. connections are not simply bestowed on you by virtue of you attending a college. and other schools may provide you a much happier more fulfilling path. you need to choose the school that your gut tells you is the best fit for you all around and not obsess on “connections” that may or may not be more available at one school over another.
My greater concern is over the experience I’ll be able to get. in terms of getting experience working at the radio station or newspaper on campus, there’s nearly no chance I can do that as an underclassman at Syracuse, while at some lower level communications schools I may have a chance. My question really should be if I should sacrifice school prowess to get experience even if I like the school?
I worked in TV journalism for years. At the time, there was no doubt that where you went to school mattered. 90% of the staff was from Missouri, Northwestern, Syracuse and USC. I believe this is the case today, as well. At those schools, you may get fewer hours of experience than compared to other schools, but your training (and internship opportunities! and they’re crucial!) will be considered top-notch if you go to one of those universities. In other words: you’re not “sacrificing” anything. You’re getting a superb education and experience and, yes, connections that are recognized throughout the industry.
If you have cash for OOS admissions, you might also consider:
U of Missouri
UW-Madison
Indiana U
U of Maryland