5 Tips To Someone Considering The Mizzou Journalism Program
Start writing a post
Student Life

5 Tips To Someone Considering The Mizzou Journalism Program

Everything you thought you knew about writing is WRONG.

167
5 Tips To Someone Considering The Mizzou Journalism Program
missouri.edu

If you're a Mizzou journalism student, like me, you understand that the program we're in is VERY challenging. However, if you're considering journalism as a possible career, here are a few things to think about:

1. Your writing in high school is not as great as you thought it was.

I went through all of high school thinking that my writing was A+ work and nothing less. However, upon applying to the journalism program, I've discovered that I have so much to learn. A required class for all journalism students is J2100 (News). This is by far the most challenging class I have faced up until this point. However, after successfully completing the course, I feel far more confident in my writing than I ever did in high school.

2. If you are an opinionated person, journalism might be challenging for you.

News reporters today are expected to be unbiased when presenting information to the public. This is very difficult as it is natural for human beings to project their opinions. As a journalist, you have to push that tendency aside and focus on both sides of the story to present information that benefits everyone.

3. One typo can flunk you; so double check and triple check your work.

Yes, this is VERY intense. Unfortunately, the grading rubric is very strict. One typo can get you an automatic 50% on any assignment. BUT THERE ARE BENEFITS TO THIS!!! Now, I'm very careful to read over my work. This prepared me to write more professional pieces for publishing.

4. The course load may seem daunting, but everyone wants you to succeed!

Something I learned a little late through J2100 is that your professors are VERY willing to help you. You always hear, "go to office hours!" and "your teachers want to help!" but do you really take that seriously? I never had until now. Professors want to help. They want to see your writing improve, and they are the most knowledgable of anyone in that course, so ask them for help!

5. It will be the most difficult and wonderful decision you've ever made.

Going into my freshman year, I very honestly had no idea what I wanted to do with my life. All I knew is that I really loved putting pen to paper and my fingers to the keyboard. After further developing my list of interests, I decided journalism was the track for me. I believe with hard work and determination, I will emerge from this program a better writer and a wiser news consumer.


So, potential journalism student. I hope you've taken away my main point here: journalism is rewarding. I personally don't know any career like it.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

59037
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

38122
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

959610
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

196406
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments