Job description
I'm a former broadcast and social media producer currently woking as a digital content producer for KNX 1070 News Radio, the only 24-hour news source in Los Angeles.
Why did you choose this program?
I was a wildlife major who loved to write and wanted to take a class that I was excited to go to. Enter Photojournalism! Professor Mark Larson was not at all shy about recruiting me to the department. I almost immediately enrolled in all of the JMC courses I needed, including The Lumberjack, because I finally felt like I had found "home" on campus.
How did this program prepare you for your job?
The Journalism Department taught me to report, research, and accomplish the technical sides of the trade. But aside from that, the team taught me to persevere. To always push harder, to question my work and always try to make it better, to ask how I could better serve my audiences, and to be aware of the impact my stories could have on the community.
What did you enjoy most about the program?
Small class sizes and professors who truly have an interest in every single one of their students. When I first changed majors I thought it was too late in the game to get to know everyone, especially the professors. It wasn't long at all before I was walking into Bret Harte House being greeted by them with a smile. To this day I'm still in touch with several of my professors and know that if I ever have a question or need advice, they'll be there for me.
What would you say to prospective students who are thinking about applying to this program?
I would say if you're looking to be a journalist, this is the program you want. Start early, and throw the timidness out the door. You're a future reporter/photographer/videographer/newscaster!
Ask all of the questions, go the extra mile to write for every beat as often as you can to see where your passion lies (even if it's not your thing). Explore all aspects of the program—my print knowledge and experience led to a work ethic in broadcast that actually still astounds my coworkers. Don't limit yourself to one medium.
If you have time, double major or get a certificate - that way you have a specialty under your belt and something that stands out on your resumé.
Think big! Reach out to local news outlets like the The Times Standard or TV stations in Eureka and see if they can print your freelance work/offer an internship.
I changed my major midway through my second year at HSU. If I could do it over I would have either double majored or gotten a certification and spent my summers dedicated to freelancing/internships.