Hofstra JRNL10 Prof. Vaccaro

 SPJ compiled a list of things for student journalists to do before they graduate. Let ’ s take a look at that list to start… CLICK HERE

 Before jobs come internships and before internships comes on-campus experience  School paper, school websites, school magazine, school radio station, school TV. Get my drift?  Many internships look for some previous experience. If you submit a resume with nothing compared to your competitor who has done all of the above … he or she wins.  How do I get started? Knock on the door, say hello and be open to new things. Send an . Make a phone call. Network. Do it all. Now is the time.

 Freelance for outside publications or radio stations … you don ’ t need a previous internship, you need some clips (on-campus) or something substantial to show you can perform the task.  Treat your classmates and peers as competitors … always try to be better off in your career and your experience then others you know. Always try to be the hardest worker you know.  What can you do, that others haven ’ t? What will someone say wow about?  Network at functions, meetings, cold call people, ask power position individuals for advice.

 I ’ m nervous, I never wrote or did anything like this before. So what! That ’ s what college is for … test it out, see if you like it. Your older peers who run these student-wide organizations know what it ’ s like to be in your shoes.  How much is enough? Do I get involved with everything? It depends on your major and career goals. Everyone is different. Assess your goals and do what you think is necessary. Talk to a professor/advisor.  I work, I commute, I take a full course load, how am I supposed to do more? Sacrifice is an important characteristic. Understand that need to work hard now to reap the benefits of landing a job later. Remember that there is always someone out there working harder.

 Prepare: Update your resume, edit your resume, let someone look it over, put it on plain white paper, do not be fancy. Write a cover letter specific to that internship, be to the point, not longwinded and overly creative.  Target: Where do you want to apply? Proximity … to your home or your campus housing, where you ’ re living. But if you want to move, then open the search wider. Apply for at least internships each fall, spring, summer (depends on when you ’ re doing it for credit vs. when you ’ re doing it for experience). None of them are guaranteed, so don ’ t take chances by applying to only a few.  Apply: Four-month lead time … don ’ t wait until May for a summer internship. The beginning of the semester is a good rule of thumb.  Interview: If you get called in, that ’ s a good thing. You need to look presentable, speak clearly, do not show any signs of nervousness and come prepared with understanding the company you might intern at shortly.

 Credit CubReporters.org for this info  "The best internships are paid.” … Not true. Some of the best internships are with media outlets that attract many applicants but don't offer compensation. But these opportunities can be the gateway to jobs because "experience" itself is prized by employers.  "It's better to intern for a big name media company than a small one.” … Employers look for the most qualified candidates to fill job openings. You might get to do a lot more substantive work for a small newspaper than a large national paper. Prospective employers are more likely to be impressed by the responsibilities you had than the name of the company you interned for.  "I'm graduating this spring, so I should be looking for a job, not an internship.” … Of course you should be looking for a full-time job. But consider doing an internship as a back-up plan. With the current state of the media and the economy, good entry-level positions might be difficult to come by. An internship certainly beats unemployment. And sometimes media companies hire interns who do a good job.

 Time to get a job … apply for everything and anything. With this job market, there are no guarantees.  Use your connections and networks from four years of college.  See if the place you interned at is hiring.  How many jobs should I apply for? As much as it takes is not too much by the way.

 Continue to stay active in the craft… free-lance for things nationwide if you ’ re up for it.  For broadcast students, remember that PA jobs or low level part-time jobs are good to start with … you can work your way up fast, so don ’ t turn them down.  Use Hofstra and its alumni network.  Consider going to graduate school  If you want something bad enough, you ’ ll figure out a way to get a job. Do not let the market dictate your future, only you can affect the outcome of your life and career.

 You have a resume, cover letter, clips and ambition, but it ’ s not enough  Create a Twitter feed that you can list on your resume, Facebook if you want, but not necessary. Show the employer you know social media … everyone uses it.  Open a LinkedIn account  Create a digital portfolio …

 1. Wordpress.com†- Free hosting, many themes to choose from, blog-style portfolio page 1. Wordpress.com  2. Blogger.com †- Free hosting, easy to start - themes, including free themes, are available from independent services 2. Blogger.com  3. Posterous.com †- Free blog-style tool, can be customized with themes and with your own URL. Easy to use. Allows posting by . Posterous Key Features 3. Posterous.com Posterous Key Features  4. Tumblr.com †- Free blog-style tool, can be customized with themes and with your own URL. Easy to use. Here are some of Tumblr's Key Features † 4. Tumblr.com Tumblr's Key Features

 In class, let ’ s create a Linked In page if you don ’ t already have one …

 Reminder: FINAL PROJECT DUE NEXT CLASS! … You must present your news package to the class!