1. How to survive in a newsroom

2. Understand the newsroom hierarchy and nuances Copy editors v. reporters Sports v. hard news Pay attention to the personalities and who does what Get to know everyone

3. Find a mentor (or mentors) Ask for advice Listen to old war stories (and smile) Stay in touch

4. Be good at your job A well-edited story is a work of art The best copy editors are the ones with questions. Study grammar as a matter of habit –http://www.newsroom101.com/http://www.newsroom101.com/ –Sign up for Grammar Girl e-mailsGrammar Girl Become a journophile –The history: The Paper and All the Presidents Men –The here and now: trade news (RSS feeds) -- RomeneskoRomenesko Become an expert in something Become invaluable and use your summer wiselyBecome invaluablesummer

5. Be ethical Use your instincts Be skeptical Dont be in a hurry – take a breath and avoid the pressure to go to press Know the code Be aware of sticky areas Police items Unidentified sources Accuracy in headlines Verify, verify, verify Plagiarism Photographs

6. Have a great attitude Come to work with story ideas – show initiative Dont complain or whine in public Be enthusiastic at all times Earn a nickname

7. Enjoy! No better job in world Rejoice in the idiosyncrasies of the newsroom personalities Laugh a lot Camaraderie Newsroom as a refuge

8. michellehassler.wordpress.com