Twitter justified in Journalism?

I felt like this posting this video, would generate interest in micro-blogging being seen as a professional and reliable way to communicate with the audience. I feel as though Twitter allows us to transition from viewers to participants in the media that we an audience to. As discussed in the video, there can be unintentional error caused by lack of research into the tweets that Twitter users are sending to the journalist – however, it still has place in a fast paced society, and has essentially replaced emailing the editor, newscaster, talk show host and has allowed faster feedback. Is it accurate and representative of America’s opinion as a whole? No. But it’s definitely a tool that can utilized in journalism in this internet society.

Who goes to journalism school anyway?

I was recently talking with my advisor. I was discussing the possibility of me enrolling in a journalism school and whether it’d help my career or would a Bachelor’s be just fine. We spoke and that night I took to the internet and found an article posted on EditorsWebLog.Org that answered all of my questions – hopefully it might answer some of yours.

A Forbes article recently released states that journalism school enrollments are at a high, despite the current state of the news media.  The Pew Research Center estimates that 2008 saw a loss of 5,000 newspaper jobs. According to Erica Smith’s layoff tracker, Paper Cuts, there are nearly 7,500 news job losses in 2009 alone.

“Expect trade publications, freelance work and digital media to supply the bulk of jobs,” says the article. And apparently, the Bureau of Labor Statistics says that in 2016 positions for reporter will increase: 2% for entry-level and 10% for experienced writers and editors. Another growing area includes journalism professors as experienced media people are turning to universities. Neil Henry, interim dean and professor at the Berkeley School of Journalism says, “it’s becoming increasingly common and it is difficult emotionally to deal with.”

In a response to the Forbes article, Sarah Lacy wrote in a TechCrunch blog, “I know people do crazy things in a recession, but taking out a student loan for a degree that won’t give an edge in a wheezing industry actually makes getting an MBA look smart.” Lacy never got a degree in journalism, but is still successful in the field. She questions whether learning traditional journalism skills will help students at all as the media evolves exponentially online.

Along the same lines, j-schools are now adapting to the changing media, and are discussing and anticipating what new digital jobs lay ahead. Classes even include blog writing and how to use twitter effectively. While some traditional forms of news media are getting taken over by the Internet, enrolling in a journalism school may seem ironic right now. However, just as the media does, schools have already started to evolve with the times.

The article states that top j-schools like Columbia, Stanford and NYU had increases of 38%, 20% and 6% since last year. People wonder why this is happening and want to know where it is these future journalists will be working.

East Coast J-Schools.

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J-Schools in the East Coast, Plenty to choose from and tour. Some are pretty close. I chosen both urban and surburban j-schools.

The Philadelphia Initiative for Journalistic Innovation (PhIJI)

- I didn’t have the opportunity to attend this conference, however, I was able to glean information about the future of Journalism in Philadelphia, and major media outlets.

Burning Bridges

While sitting in a workshop last Thursday, I was warned about burning bridges, with editors, contacts, interviewees, and other people who cross your path in the journalism world. Without interaction, friendly and professional, you run the risk of burning bridges with potential co-workers, employers, and faculty who can recommend you into the job/career/field of your choice.

Insight with: Prof. Candace Kelley

1.       As a journalism professor, what would you recommend for journalism student in Central and South Jersey to do to propel them in a career?

I recommend that students get their foot in the door with great internships.  This allows them to build their resumes as well as find out where job opportunities are. Students must also  join organizations related to their field. Through organizations students can take advantage of things like workshops ad networking opportunities.

2.       Should some one with a B.A. in Journalism preferably look for a career in Philadelphia or NYC, are there options available in New Jersey?

Any student who is passionate about their career should go where the jobs are. I always advise that if you have to be i the middle of Kansas for just one year, and that’s the only job, it’s worth it.

3.       How did you become a journalism professor, and why did you choose a South Jersey college (Rowan University) to teach in?

I became a professor because I always found myself in the position of teaching people abut the world of journalism, I also did workshops through the church That plus the fact that my parents, grandparents and almost every single aunt and uncle is in the world of academic, it’s a career choice that has always been an option. I chose South Jersey because that’s where an opportunity arose and I was close by though I would have driven 2 hours to teach because like I said, you have to go where the jobs are!

4.       What is a common faux pas that Journalism students make when they graduate with their degree?

Students don’t think out of the box and get out and see the world. I find they often want to stay in New Jersey and nearby. No everything happens in Jersey. If there’s a journalism job in India and nothing is stopping you but YOU, that’s a problem.

5.       What warnings would you have for a college graduate about to enter the Journalism field?

I warn students that with the changing job market and the economy, they may not get the job they want RIGHT away. If they don’t, they should still keep their feet wet, write for free, write a bloc, do something that keeps you immersed in the field. I also warn them that the habits the begin in class will continue out there in the real world so they should get it right now.  I also warn the that the world has changed and they need to learn Spanish. It’s a tool they cannot be without.

 

Candace Kelley
kelleyc@rowan.edu
Professor Kelley earned her B.A. from Howard University, M.S. from Syracuse University, and J.D. from Seton Hall Law School. Professor Kelley teaches broadcast writing and production courses as well as Media Law. She hosts the NJN television series, Another View. She is the recipient of three Telly awards. She has also been nominated for an Emmy.

MuckRack.com

Journalists were originally referred to as muckrakers,  for the deep investigative work specifically in corruption and politics that landed them the information that they seek.

Courtesy of: MuckRack.com

MuckRack.com, helps to perserve the original spirit of journalism, and helps journalists find each other according to interests, location, and twitter accounts.

If you are looking to connect with a Journalist or a Journalism student in your area, you’re in luck. In fact, I found my recent interviewee via MuckRack.com

Insight with: Megan DeMarco

Megan is a student journalist at The College of New Jersey. Her passions include writing, new media and politics. She hopes to work for a metropolitan newspaper or online news organization after she graduates in May.

Courtesy of: Megan DeMarco

Megan DeMarco like many reading this blog, is a New Jersey resident, who has expanded her outlook, and encourages Journalism students to start writing immediately, and actively seek out opportunities to flex their writing muscles.

1.       As a journalist, what would you recommend for a  journalism student in Central and South Jersey (or any journalist in a small town area) to do to propel them in a career/gain internship?

First and foremost, get some clips. Find your local paper, e-mail the editor, and see if they need freelancers. If you’re a college student, write for your college paper. In New Jersey, utilize the NJPA’s internship directory (http://www.njpa.org/collegepress/interns.html) to look for internships, and apply to as many as you can. If you have a passion or an interest, start your own blog that you can show and talk about on a job interview. When it comes to applying for internships or jobs, it seems showing that you have experience is key.

2.       Where are you from originally and how did you land a Philadelphia Inquirer internship?

I’m originally from East Brunswick, NJ in Middlesex County. I applied for the Inquirer internship during the summer two years ago, and started out there as a part-time intern last fall. I interned in the Inquirer’s New Jersey headquarters, located in Cherry Hill. I was asked to stay for the spring semester, and applied for the full-time summer internship as well.

3.       Why did you choose to a be journalism major and what encourages you to continue your chosen major path, what are your future plans?

I started on a journalism path in high school, writing for the Teen section of my local paper, The Home News Tribune, and spending my senior year as the Editor-in-Chief of my high school newspaper. I came into college as a journalism major and have never really wavered. Every experience I’ve had in journalism has encouaged me to stay on that path. I’ve spent a lot of time at college as News Editor, Managing Editor and currently Editor-in-Chief at my school newspaper, The Signal. It’s exhilarating, challenging and exciting to be in charge of keeping the campus community informed. At my internships I’ve gotten to cover so many cool things – I helped cover the president when he came to stump for Gov. Corzine, for example – and meet a variety of interesting people. I love writing, but I also love going out and talking to people. I would never want a job that consisted of sitting at a desk all day. It’s just a blast.My future plans include landing a job at a newspaper or online news organization – easier said than done.

4.       What is a common faux pas that Journalism students make while in college – motivation or internship wise?

Definitely not getting involved early enough. Like I said above, you need to have the clips. My classes here have been terrific, but I’ve learned more from internships and working at the Signal than any class I’ve taken. I don’t get how someone could be a senior and getting ready to graduate and look for a job but has nothing to show for four years as a journalism major.

5.       You like myself reside in NJ, do you think we have a future in this state, is working in NY/PA our only option?

Definitely not. While there are some great opportunities in NY and PA, beggars can’t be choosers. With the state of journalism right now, especially in New Jersey, I think restricting yourself to a geographic area as a graduating journalism major would be a mistake. Personally, I’m applying to both paid internships and jobs all over the country. It’s a competitive field, especially in NY, and jobs are going to be limited, so why not apply to anything and everything available?

Megan DeMarco, can be found on twitter, (@megandemarco) and her website www.megandemarco.com.