Courtesy of Stacy Jones
Stacy Jones is an alumni of Rowan University, she graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism as well with Honors Program in her minor Psychology. She is now a current graduate student at the University of Maryland seeking her Master’s in Journalism, Online Journalism. She has inspired me to endeavor to more as a journalist of color. I have chosen to spotlight her accomplishments as my final project. Her journalism career thus far answers the questions that I had when I started my blog.
Stacy Jones attended high school in Piscataway, NJ at Piscataway Township High School. While at Rowan University as an undergradate student; she became editor of The Whit, as well as securing internships with: The Ledger as a Metro intern from June 2008 – August 2008; The New York Times Student Journalism Institute as student reporter from May 2008 – June 2008, and the Courier Post as an intern from December 2007- May 2008.
Stacy Jones, rapidly propelled through college secure in her ambitions. I witnessed it, but unfortunately only caught her in her last year. I was inspired. From watching her, I witnessed that journalism is draining. Leads sometimes turn up empty. Even the best of writers get writer’s block. I saw the true spirit of perseverance. I was amazed by her tireless energy and dedication to all that is journalism. She’s an amazing journalist; her articles show her deep influence into many of the large decisions and stories affecting Rowan University.
I was granted an Q&A with her, in which she gave me insight into coming out the knots of confusion that can be journalism in South Jersey. Her growth since graduating from Rowan can be witnessed in her answers to my questions.
Why did you choose to go to graduate school in Maryland?
I chose to attend UM for graduate school because of the j-school’s reputation and the program’s length. The Philip Merrill School of Journalism is very well-respected, minutes outside of D.C. and all its resources and Prof. Quigley couldn’t say enough great things about their master’s program — she’s an alum. I also like that I’ll be able to put on my resume that I received my B.A. in May ’09, and my M.J. in December ’10. Getting this program done in 15 months will be tough, but I didn’t want to lose too much momentum by having to write a thesis. My last semester will consist of working full-time for the school’s online news magazine.
As a student who attended school in South Jersey, what would you tell students from South Jersey and other states with small towns — about broadening their perspectives in journalism?
Few pieces of advice: Don’t overlook jobs at smaller or mid-size local papers. They offer you more one-on-one time with your editors, more assignments and a more nurturing environment. A lot of the veterans at big newspapers or networks who are in hiring positions now probably got their jobs by working at a bunch of smaller papers. That’s a tried and true path that they respect. If you really want to impress them, prove that you can do great work WITHOUT an impressive name on your press pass. I’d also recommend that all journalism students find reporters who they admire and READ READ READ their work.
What is a common mistake that you see journalism students do in college to sabotage themselves?
Few pieces of advice: Don’t overlook jobs at smaller or mid-size local papers. They offer you more one-on-one time with your editors, more assignments and a more nurturing environment. A lot of the veterans at big newspapers or networks who are in hiring positions now probably got their jobs by working at a bunch of smaller papers. That’s a tried and true path that they respect. If you really want to impress them, prove that you can do great work WITHOUT an impressive name on your press pass. I’d also recommend that all journalism students find reporters who they admire and READ READ READ their work.
Where do you see yourself in your future?
I see myself pursuing lots of things, really. I hate to sound scatterbrained, but there’s not much that I’d say no to in the world of journalism right now. Frankly, there’s not much I can AFFORD to say no to. I would love to work for NPR’s online news department, or work as a general assignment reporter at a mid-size daily. I could see myself applying for jobs at Salon or Slate, since they’re my favorite online news mags. I adore The Atlantic, and that’s on my longterm goals list. Anything to get me in the door somewhere so I can keep building my clip portfolio.
Why do you choose journalism as your career path? Did it choose you?
Journalism chose me. Rather, it stole me from a mundane path I had charted for myself. I had this skill set – loves to write, hates fluffy academic pose, curious almost to a fault, hates monotony – that didn’t seem to quite fit with pursuing a sociology, psychology or English major. I wound up in a journalism class at my high school by accident and have always considered it the best mistake that ever happened to me.
Is there anything that you’d want to offer as advice to future journalists?
As advice, I’d say try to think about the things you might be asked to do at your ideal job and how many of them you’d have to honestly say, “I’m sorry, but I can’t do that,” to. Starting today, build a set of skills that will shorten or eliminate that list. You want to regularly surprise your editor with the things you are willing or able to do. Also, don’t send out a ton of applications to jobs you’re not earnestly interested in. Send out a decent amount of high quality resumes and clip packages. Follow up with polite correspondence and above all, have faith.
Stacy Jones is the epitome of what a journalist from any background ought to become. Fully focused on the task at hand, never faltering to the left or right. I hope that I can follow those footsteps – and create something all my own.
You can follow Stacy Jones on Twitter, read her blog, and view her website. You can also read her articles within The Whit here.
