Journalism major: screwed?

WilliamC
Mon, 06 Oct 2008 08:41:34 +0000

Relax - you’ll be OK (you sound just like my son)

1) keep your eye on the academics
2) develop every single related skill you can (e.g. master Photoshop, video & editing, studio lighting and sound, etc.)
3) Master another language (French works almost everywhere, but a mid-east or asian would be very helpful)
4) Don’t kill yourself piling on extras - people skills are extremely important and its hard to make time for colloquia, regional conferences and such if you’re burried in responsibilities
5) Grades, your portfolio, and the contacts you make on internships will be the driving factors for that first job
6) Be ready to go anywhere for your first (couple of) job(s).
7) If you can afford your own professional level equipment (still camera, recorder, computer system) by graduation so much the better.

Don’t worry about grad school - let your employer pay for it if you still need the credential later.

Finally - take advantage of every opportunity. Never go anywhere without at least a semi-pro camera and a little recorder. You never know when something will pop up. When we were in Naples last year my son came across a communist/student street protest and got some great action shots of the plain clothes cops kicking a**. Had to sort of make a run for it afterward though…

Good luck!