A study in 2015 identified newspaper reporter as the worst job in America — and this was before the 2016 presidential election happened.
So why am I so comfortable entering a profession where I know a lot of people will hate me based solely on what I do and not who I am? It’s because I’m prepared.
I consider myself fortunate that I figured out what I wanted to do so early on in my college career. I was never really confused about what path I wanted to take. Because of that, I got involved with Student Media right away — before my first day of class, even
It’s the best decision I ever made during my time at the University of Idaho.
Being a part of Student Media gave me what my classes couldn’t: experience. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed most journalism classes I took, and I got some- thing out of every course I completed. UI’s journalism professors know what they’re talking about, but nothing really compares to the knowledge you gain from actually going out and doing the work yourself.
I threw myself into my work, and it paid off. I compiled clips, developed leadership experience and collected a handful of awards to add to my resume. Even if it’s for a student publication, real work experience is more impressive to employers than stories written for a class, no matter how good it is.
The proof is in the pudding. At the end of my first year of college, I secured an internship at a newspaper in the Treasure Valley because of my involvement in Student Media. Now, just days after I graduate from UI, I
will start a full-time job at the same paper I interned at after my freshman year.
I attribute that to Student Media.
My story is not unusual among those who get involved and stay involved. The vast majority of graduating seniors who devoted themselves to Student Media have secured good jobs in a field that is notoriously competitive.
As an added bonus, the friendships I forged through the student newspaper and magazine could be useful connections in the future. Who knows how much these relationships may benefit us later?
At the very least, the time I spent in UI’s Student Media department turned out to be incredibly fulfilling. We’re a family here, tucked away in our little office hidden on the third floor of the Bruce Pitman Center. I’ve met some of the greatest people I’ve ever known — talented and kind beyond their years. Most of the greatest memories I will keep from my time at UI happened in the newsroom or with the people who also found a home there. You can’t beat that.
Quite honestly, I never understood it when students didn’t get involved with
Student Media if they also claimed they wanted to break into the journalism industry after college. Why would you ignore such a golden opportunity? Why sabotage your chances like that?
That goes for fields outside of journalism as well. I’m not as familiar with the other organizations on campus, but I know UI has a group for almost any type of person or occupation imaginable. If there isn’t, don’t let that stop you if you’re truly passionate about what you want to do. Start digging and find a way to get involved. There’s a lot of opportunities the Palouse has to offer.
Freshmen are told from their first day that the best thing they can do with their time at the university is to get involved, and it’s not a lie. Classes are great, but the people who are truly driven to continue doing what they love will take initiative and push themselves further.
Erin Bamer can be reached at [email protected]