When I was in high school, I fell in love with all things media, but I wasn't too sure about making it my career. From there, I applied to schools as a Fashion Merchandising major, then originally going to school on the intent on being a Criminal Psychologist. It wasn't until my second semester of college that I realized that journalism and communications were my true calling. Of course, I've heard my share of both praise and criticism, and that it was dying out [eye roll]. If you've heard 'em once, you've heard 'em all, so here are some things that both myself as well as my fellow journalists and writers have either heard of or thought of all too often.
1. Can you edit my paper please? I'm desperate!
I'm a journalist, not a miracle worker. Besides, I can hardly edit my own papers and articles, much less yours. I'll do what I can, but no guarantees.
2. "To Use The Oxford Comma, Or To Not Use The Oxford Comma?"
If you're not 100 percent sure as to what the oxford comma is, see here. Although the AP Style guide does not require you to use it, some news publications vary on whether or not it's needed. It can be pretty annoying to decipher whether or not to use it in a sentence (personally, I'm against it). Regardless of how or when you use it, journalists, writers and English majors alike always find themselves on a side.
3. "Do you really think that Journalism will make a comeback?
Well, considering that Journalism has never died, that would be pretty hard to say.
4. Understanding the concepts of the AP Style Guide
... enough said.
5. Deadline Pressure
Especially if you write for more than one place or have schoolwork that coincides with the same day, it can be pretty rough. It gets easier once you get the hang of it.
6. Seeing Grammatical Errors At Any Given Time
Old habits die hard, I get that. But would it kill some of you to read a dictionary? We have Google for a reason. Use it! No, I don't care if we're in school or not. Do better.
7. Struggling To Achieve Your Word Limit
It's happened to the best of us. No judgement (unless it's a habit. Then maybe you should reconsider this profession).
8. Rushing To Get That "Hot" Story Out To The Public Before Anyone Else
It's not impossible, but difficult is an understatement. It's almost as if they have it pre-made.
9. Completing A Masterpiece of An Article & It Doesn't Get Auto Saved
Bonus if your deadline is in less than an hour.
10. Finally, The Age Old Question: "Grad School Or Nah?"
It's not needed or required depending on how far you want to go, but it is a great asset to your career.