Working on Student Newspapers Makes You More Employable
Working on a student newspaper, in any capacity, can be helpful for future endeavors. Working for student media outlets gives you back what you put into it, but the rewards multiply many times over.
By Al Dickenson — September 19, 2022
One thing I have learned from my time working on student newspapers is that they can make you significantly more employable after graduation. Working on student newspapers can aid you in your job search, not just in search of positions with heavy writing or communication emphasis. There were alums of my college newspaper who entered fields as far as teaching, IT, and assembly line management, along with event planners, sales, and marketing, not to mention both print and broadcast journalists, as well as copywriters and academia. Below are just a few reasons joining a student newspaper can improve your hireability.
What can a student newspaper do for you?
Camaraderie: small newsrooms are full of like-minded and thoughtful individuals ready to make a difference in the world. Don't you want to be part of that? Critical thinking happens in those college newsrooms and editorial meetings that are not academic but no less important. Student journalists think deeply about their schools and the issues facing them. Editors and managers in the newsroom want to be there and be engaged in a productive and meaningful manner. One way to think about each paper issue is that it is a group project, which you'll reencounter time and time throughout college and afterward, but without the immediate pressure of grades or wages. Working as a reporter can also build a sense of connection to the campus and any faculty or school staff you may interview or use as sources.
More Than Just Writers: Though you may anticipate that college newsrooms have only English majors and news buffs, more diversity exists than these spaces receive credit for. There are those interested in the various sections usually offered by papers: news, opinions, arts/ entertainment, and sports, but there tends to be more. There are often business majors, athletes, and artists or graphic designers as well. Working effectively with multiple departments, content creation skills, and work styles can benefit you in the long run as you look for the next steps after college.
Portfolio Padding: Whether your school has a daily, weekly, or monthly publication, working in the newsroom offers ample opportunities for students to bolster their resume, portfolio, or clippings list. Though some prominent positions may focus on writing, editing, and editorial planning, others may increase your appeal to prospective employers, internship providers, or even faculty and college organizations. If you'd rather go into marketing than journalism, try working as a social media strategist for your school's news media. No matter the organization you join, there will always be a budget that needs management, and perhaps a small paper would be an excellent option to get your feet wet as a finance major. The position may also allow you to spearhead new initiatives, like social media, or create a broadcast version of the paper. These projects and positions can show initiative to employers.
A Chance to Move Up: don't take this wrong and assume that student newspapers are high-turnover groups. Many students, myself included, worked on the college paper for three or four years. For many students, that is most, if not all, of your college career. By being dedicated and present within the organization, many students will have the opportunity to move up the ranks of the paper. I started my journalism career as a contributor, then a columnist, and eventually, I got promoted a semester earlier than anticipated to the news section editor. In my senior year, I became The SWORD's Editor-in-Chief. That shows a lot of upward movement that is available to student journalists. I worked up the ranks along with several other classmates and was proud to do so and see all of their accomplishments. As they say, the sky's the limit regarding upward momentum. Post-college, employers and graduate schools will appreciate the drive you’ve shown to climb the ladder.
Working on the paper, in any capacity, can be helpful for future endeavors. Becoming a reporter or columnist improves your sense of place within the college community, but it can also build your portfolio and clippings list. If you climb the ranks of the newspaper, you may develop project management and content creation skills, not to mention experience in budgeting and human resources management. There is an initiative to be seen by employers and graduate schools, should you choose to participate in the school newsroom. Ultimately, working for student media outlets gives you back what you put into it, but the rewards multiply many times over. As I learned, this experience is a forever, future-paying dividend.
Al Dickenson
Al Dickenson graduated from Wisconsin Lutheran College with bachelor’s degrees in history, communication, and English. He currently serves as an editor for an international equine practitioners’ magazine in and around Milwaukee, Wisconsin, his hometown, where he lives with his wife.
What Extracurriculars Are Right for Your Ninth Grader?
May 16, 2024
Welcome Back: Campus Leadership Qualities
August 3, 2023
