If you have the skills, people will call
Yes, it is a tough time for journalism graduates — or anyone looking for a journalism job — but there are jobs available for people with desirable skills.
Recent journalism graduate Kyle Hansen just accepted a job at the Las Vegas Sun. More noteworthy, is that in this terrible time for journalism companies and the economy, he had interviews in five different states with newspapers. Five different states.
What skills does Hansen have that most recent journalism graduates don’t? Well, for starters, he blogs. It doesn’t have to be the best or most popular blog, but having a blog shows potential employers that Hansen is willing to try out new tools and that he has an understanding of the power of blogging.
Hansen also has multimedia skills, which include some knowledge of video editing, Flash and Web design. No one is saying that Hansen needs to be an expert in any of those areas, but the simple fact that he is inquisitive is a major plus for employers.
Not only can he write (which every journalism graduate should be able to do), but Hansen also has Web and multimedia skills. People like him will find employment.
The average, run-of-the-mill journalism graduate will have a tough time finding employment, especially at a desirable destination like the Sun, which is arguably the most desirable journalism destination in the U.S. right now. But journalists with modern skill sets are still in demand.
And it’s never too late to update your skill set.
July 22nd, 2008 at 2:34 pm
Good advice, and thanks for Kyle’s story. It’s fuel for my fire to get basic Flash knowledge.
I’m always surprised by how many people I know in college who want to be journalists aren’t working on online skills, especially the easier ones to try like blogging. It’s one thing for people who have been working at papers for 30 years not to want to blog, but it’s ridiculous for someone who has grown up with the internet not to try.
July 22nd, 2008 at 5:04 pm
Thanks for talking about me
You are exactly right. Every single one of my interviews was a direct result of my experience blogging or editing video. Of course, another key is who you know. Two of the three places I was considering were places that I knew people working there. One of the others was a place that someone I knew recommended.
July 23rd, 2008 at 9:19 am
[...] If you have the skills, people will call [...]
July 23rd, 2008 at 10:03 am
I’m with you Pat. The right skill set is crucial. I think of all of the journalists I’ve worked with, (particularly as the multimedia editor at a newspaper) who had so many chances to learn new skills when they weren’t necessarily worried about losing their jobs and imminent cuts. We were doling out training opportunities and not many people jumped on board.
If nothing else, this is also a reminder to people that the best time to gather new skills and take advantage of opportunities is when you are most complacent. When the pressure is off, picking up these skills and heading in a bold new direction is exhilarating.
July 23rd, 2008 at 5:51 pm
Monkeys can blog. You’re living proof. Jesus.
July 23rd, 2008 at 6:02 pm
Well, we’ll know why the Kansas City Star isn’t doing well, because employees like “King Jesus” are too busy leaving inflammatory comments on blogs instead of working.
So, you’re lazy, waste company time and are an idiot. Bravo.
July 24th, 2008 at 8:06 pm
@Kyle
I agree that part of it is who you know. That’s part of journalism, no doubt.
That’s another strong reason to have a blog and to have an online presence on sites like Twitter, delicious and facebook. It’s a good way to get your name out there.
With fewer and fewer journalism jobs, people are looking to hire people they know. Employers don’t want to hire unknowns, which is also another important reason to have a digital resume.