Have you figured out what to get a journalism student after graduation? Well, I've got you covered. Remember, they're going to need things that are useful and ready to go. Whether covering a crime scene or an event, a journalist always needs to be ready at the drop of a hat.
1. A good pair of headphones.
If they're a broadcast journalist especially, they're going to need headphones. They'll need them to check audio levels on their camera, and to edit footage when they return to the station. Headphones are vital to a journalist, and without them, it can ruin the story.
2. A nice coat.
If you're from Arizona like me, this won't necessarily be used everyday. Most of the time, recent graduates end up going to small markets in the midwest or north, where it is freezing for a good chunk of the year. Save them some money and get them a good coat for all weathers, so they can stay warm while covering stories.
3. A gift card to a coffee chain.
Caffeine is like the lifeline for some journalists. Some get up before the sunrises, or are still covering stories even after you go to bed. Coffee is a lifesaver and allows journalists to stay alert and focused. Giving them a gift card for a larger chain will help them, because Starbucks and Dunkin' are almost everywhere in the U.S.
4. A nonfiction book.
Journalists need to know a little about a lot. Giving them a nonfiction book about economics for example will help them in the long run. We need to be quick on our feet and ready to understand a topic before we cover a story.
5. A good pen.
Journalists are always taking notes. Usually in a tiny notebook, they're going to need a pen with lots of ink. Could you imagine getting the best parts of a story and then your pen runs out? Gosh, that sounds like a nightmare to me. Do them a favor and get them. more than one pen.
