Trouble getting clips?

Q: What happens if I don't have clips?

You see, there is a time conflict with the meetings at the school paper and work, and I've been trying to get into the paper for the past year since you mentioned we need clips even for internships.

I've tried to talk to the advisor and she sent me to the editor and the editor never e-mailed me back. I talked to the senior editor ... no e-mails back. All I have is this little blurb about a book review I put together about other people's suggestions. I don't know if I should even include that as a clip, but that's my only one. Any comments?

Michigan

A: You simply have to get clips to break into newspapers. As much trouble as you're having, we editors still think that college is the easiest and best time to start getting them.

You are facing some of the routine tests that reporters face every day: unreturned phone calls, conflicting schedules, red tape. These daily annoyances are standing between you and your hoped-for career.

You need to get some clips not just to qualify for internships and jobs, but to find out whether you really like journalism.

Persist. E-mail and call again. Show up. Explore other campus publications or small newspapers in the area. You already know some of the things that reporters will do to get the stories they need. You'll have to use some of those skills yourself to get the clips.

Good luck!

 

Comments

[Rachel]

I ran into much the same thing this semester at my school. My work conflicts with the class meetings too and I had editors not respond to my e-mails several times. It is tough, but what worked for me was just being persistent and continuing to send e-mails, making phone calls and talk to editors whenever I saw them in person. Sometimes people aren't really meaning to ignore you -- they just need that extra push from you to return your messages.
If it would be possible for you to miss work just once so you could show up to their news meeting too, that would show them that you are serious about it and give them a face to put with the e-mails you've been sending.
At any rate, keep trying because it will pay off in the long run. Good luck!

[Anonymous]

I'd also check with local independent papers or weeklies. When I couldn't go the school newspaper route, I had a great experience interning for a nearby weekly. Good luck to you.