Q: I'm worried and scared as hell. I didn't graduate from a good school and I'm dreaming of starting out with a daily as an intern reporter. Does having four or five daily internships make any difference?
Worried
A: Get a grip and get to work.
Not everyone who wants to get into journalism this year will get in, that is true.
But some people will get in -- ahead of seemingly more qualified candidates -- because they will be more willing to do what it takes to get started.
What does it take? It may take moving, starting at a smaller daily or compromising on the position you take.
Hard work, adaptability and the ability to grow on the job will count more than the prestige of your sheepskin.
So, dont be intimidated by others' degrees. Outwork them, outthink them and look outside of the boundaries they may place on their job search.
This internship issue is an interesting situation. We have an opening for some interns, we offer great (500,000 readers weekly!), but frankly do not have the ability to pay (right now). Some prospective great writers are seeing the opportunity and that cash will be forthcoming, but others are offended. I am just letting them know what we have, and what we can do. Sometimes companies have great unfunded ideas, that can always lead to something...a better job elsewhere or it can prove that you can do the job...and even better, that the idea works and is a new profitable area.
thanks, GL HOFFMAN
Minneapolis
Posted by: gl hoffman | July 26, 2006 at 11:08 AM
You know that not everyone has the ability to work for free, don't you GL Hoffman? I'd be offended at the implication that your publication only hires the already-wealthy as well.
Posted by: a reader | July 27, 2006 at 11:39 AM