The Pros Words of Wisdom
Throughout our course we’ve spent a lot of time exploring the various areas of the media. Our in depth lessons have provided us with the kind of knowledge that we need to write and write well. Though who better to answer our questions about what it takes to “make it” than those who have already experienced the journey we’re just beginning. There were a few pieces of advice that particularly stuck out to me in our “Learn from the Pros” activity.
The first was from my interviewee, Jim Hatchett, the news director of CBS 19 in my hometown. When asked about best responding to the rapid changes happening in media technologies every day he responded by suggesting reading broadly.
Since I’ve started my internship and lacked access to Facebook and the other social networking sites our generation seems to thrive on, I’ve spent an obscene amount of time on news websites. It’s amazing how valuable reading others’ work both in print and online can pay off. Not only am I more informed but I also take notice of AP Style and the way writers bring countless sources together to create a news story and one that is interesting. There’s so much to be learned simply by reading and I definitely agree that it gives you a leg up.
Another piece of advice I liked came from Cary Darling, a reporter for the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. His advice to “specialize” definitely hit home for me. My boss recently arranged a phone conference for me with one of the major associates in PR at Comcast. She highly advised me to go into what I’m most interested in but at the same time, find a field that I can become knowledgeable in.
One of the big points she highlighted to me was being a stand out because there are a lot of people in the field. I think it’s important to have something unique about yourself that you can sell to potential employers.
Finally, I also connected to the advice from Ben Volin, the sports writer for The Palm Beach post. His words were “The only way to become a great writer is to write, a lot! I know it can be tedious at times, but in the long run it will pay off.” I feel this might be the most valuable piece of advice for us college students, especially while in this course.
I feel that throughout our class, it has been the continuation of activities and exercises that build one upon the other that really develop our skills. Of course the feedback helps but the more you do something, the more you can develop your talent in it and find your own style.
At this point, I’m pretty sure I’m going to follow the path of strategic communications rather than journalism. I’ve come to realize that I really like working hands-on with people and I want to do more than just write and report. The advice from the pros was definitely helpful. They truly have a lot of valuable knowledge to pass on so we’re beyond fortunate in having the means to reach out to them and listen.
