Ohio University is known for its journalism program. The “J School” is full of enthusiastic up-and-coming journalists who experience many of the same struggles, concerns and glaring comments about their career choice. Although journalism as looked at as a dying field, there are plenty of job opportunities and internships awaiting some of the best journalism students in the midwest. Here are 7 things every journalism student has only heard a thousand and one times:
1. Journalism is dying.
OK, chill. This is not a dying field. As long as events keep happening and giraffes keep having babies, reporters will never go extinct. So I appreciate your concern but I’m worried I won’t get a job straight out of college just because I’m new to the field and it’s a common worry, I don’t need any extra help with worrying.
2. So you’re in communications?
NO. First off, communications is not a thing. Communication studies is a major, but no, that is not what journalism is. They are different things with different classes and different focuses.
3. You obviously like to write.
Yes, I do. But not every journalist is in it for the writing. Many people go into journalism for the broadcast side of things. The writing and editing pathway is popular, but it’s not the only option.
4. My English teacher said I was a good writer; I could be a journalist.
I’m happy that you can write academic papers, it’s an important skill to have. But writing for English class and writing an article are very different types of writing. I’m not here to write papers for the rest of my life.
5. You won’t make any money doing that.
I most likely will not end up rich by societal standards by being a reporter, but at least I’ll love what I do. Hopefully I’ll make enough to pay the bills, buy thrift store clothes and clearance mugs. Either way, I’ll be fine.
6. What are you interviewing for?
It never fails when I mention I have an interview, someone will ask what I’m interviewing for. If I interviewed for as many positions as I do people for stories, I wouldn’t be worrying about a job for post-graduation.
7. Can we talk about (insert topic in the news)?
Yes, please. These are the kind of people that are my favorite. Let’s talk about the news.
