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- by Charlotte King
- In Student Life
Posted Sept. 11, 2013
Student Journalism: Is It Worth It?
We live in a world that is less and less defined by geographical borders as time goes on. In this the era of high-speed internet, global communications and the smartphone, we have become more interconnected than ever before. Students are perhaps the most aware of this growing trend due to the fact that an increasing amount of studies and research are accomplished remotely and in the virtual world. For prospective journalists, this presents a unique opportunity for growth and development before entering into the workforce.
Changing Times and Skills It is first a good idea to dispel any myths about postgraduate journalism. Gone are the days of a grad student scurrying around campus with a microphone and notepad. Rather, the truly global nature of this burgeoning field allows students to become an integral part of an evolving process. While in the past university newspapers may have been more of an internal affair, they have expanded to the point that they can be considered equals to the major publications in relation to their scope and coverage of current events. Such an expansion will very much prepare the postgraduate student for a successful career in journalism.
A job on a university campus is not simply about being able to fill an empty slot on a resume. Instead, it will provide invaluable skills to the student that can be used long after entering into the workforce. As this post clearly illustrates, self-confidence, networking abilities and developing useful contacts are all invaluable assets to possess before entering into the competitive world of journalism.
Employment During Trying Times Economic conditions have dominated the headlines within the United Kingdom for more than half of a decade. While the situation may be slightly improving, students and postgraduate students have been particularly hard hit. With tuition fees on the rise and less viable work outside of the campus, journalism within a university has become an enviable position. While difficult for students from the United Kingdom, international students are in an even more precarious position. Articles such as this one highlight the fact that these students face some considerable limitations when finding work. University employment is one of the best ways to mitigate these factors. Even if one is only working twenty hours a week as a journalist on campus, this is a far cry better than toiling away for meager hours and pay at a fast food establishment or as a waiter in a local restaurant.
Learning in a Friendly Environment If we imagine the typical example of a domineering head newspaper editor, images of Perry White in the Superman series may come to mind. Overbearing and unforgiving, this can sometimes be the case in the real world. Simply stated, editors and employers expect journalists to bring a polished set of skills to their new job. As there are more journalists entering the workforce than ever before, it is important for students to develop as much of a working knowledge in this field as possible. What better way to do so than while at university?
Unlike the frenetic pace of a full-time journalist, postgraduate students can learn from those who are not only experienced in the field but who recognise the fact that time and patience equal success. The end result will be a postgraduate student who boasts both the technical and interpersonal skills necessary to become a leader and a recognisable name in the field of journalism.
So, interning in such a way on campus is indeed a great way to begin a career in this challenging and dynamic field. The world needs skilled reporters and beginning a potentially lucrative position as a postgraduate journalist is one of the best ways to embark down this rewarding road.
Related articles
Changing Times and Skills It is first a good idea to dispel any myths about postgraduate journalism. Gone are the days of a grad student scurrying around campus with a microphone and notepad. Rather, the truly global nature of this burgeoning field allows students to become an integral part of an evolving process. While in the past university newspapers may have been more of an internal affair, they have expanded to the point that they can be considered equals to the major publications in relation to their scope and coverage of current events. Such an expansion will very much prepare the postgraduate student for a successful career in journalism.
A job on a university campus is not simply about being able to fill an empty slot on a resume. Instead, it will provide invaluable skills to the student that can be used long after entering into the workforce. As this post clearly illustrates, self-confidence, networking abilities and developing useful contacts are all invaluable assets to possess before entering into the competitive world of journalism.
Employment During Trying Times Economic conditions have dominated the headlines within the United Kingdom for more than half of a decade. While the situation may be slightly improving, students and postgraduate students have been particularly hard hit. With tuition fees on the rise and less viable work outside of the campus, journalism within a university has become an enviable position. While difficult for students from the United Kingdom, international students are in an even more precarious position. Articles such as this one highlight the fact that these students face some considerable limitations when finding work. University employment is one of the best ways to mitigate these factors. Even if one is only working twenty hours a week as a journalist on campus, this is a far cry better than toiling away for meager hours and pay at a fast food establishment or as a waiter in a local restaurant.
Learning in a Friendly Environment If we imagine the typical example of a domineering head newspaper editor, images of Perry White in the Superman series may come to mind. Overbearing and unforgiving, this can sometimes be the case in the real world. Simply stated, editors and employers expect journalists to bring a polished set of skills to their new job. As there are more journalists entering the workforce than ever before, it is important for students to develop as much of a working knowledge in this field as possible. What better way to do so than while at university?
Unlike the frenetic pace of a full-time journalist, postgraduate students can learn from those who are not only experienced in the field but who recognise the fact that time and patience equal success. The end result will be a postgraduate student who boasts both the technical and interpersonal skills necessary to become a leader and a recognisable name in the field of journalism.
So, interning in such a way on campus is indeed a great way to begin a career in this challenging and dynamic field. The world needs skilled reporters and beginning a potentially lucrative position as a postgraduate journalist is one of the best ways to embark down this rewarding road.
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