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Matt, Journalist at CNN: Advize Career Interview
A career in journalism, as revealed by a CNN journalist, is a dynamic and rewarding journey.
The path to CNN involved building a strong portfolio through diverse experiences like writing for a college newspaper and interning, showcasing skills beyond formal training.
Daily responsibilities involve crafting live news updates, blending raw reporting with contextualization and copy editing, demanding strong writing skills and broad knowledge.
The work is unpredictable, challenging, and emotionally intense at times, but offers constant learning and the opportunity to connect with people and share stories that broaden understanding of the world.
Aspiring journalists should focus on gaining practical experience at local news organizations, building a portfolio, and cultivating relationships with mentors.
The industry values passion, resilience, and adaptability, with storytelling remaining a central skill regardless of evolving platforms.
Even significant setbacks are ultimately temporary, highlighting the importance of perseverance and maintaining positive relationships.
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Matt Meyer
Journalist
CNN
UC Santa Barbara
Political Science, American Studies
Arts, Entertainment & Media
Communication and Marketing
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Career Path Of A Journalist At CNN
Matt's career trajectory highlights the value of practical experience over formal journalism schooling; after a political science degree and "getting involved in as many ways as possible" at UCSB, including writing for the school newspaper and interning at CityTV, Matt progressed from a small local newspaper where they covered "everything from school board meetings to dog park openings," to local TV news, finally landing at CNN after creating a successful live-streaming news show.
Main Responsibilities of a Journalist at CNN
Matt, a CNN journalist, focuses on the digital platform, specifically as a live news editor crafting "live updates" – "a series of blurbs" constantly updating major news stories like the war in Ukraine. The role blends taking raw reporting from field reporters, adding context and copy editing, with weekend leadership overseeing daily coverage decisions.
A Day In The Life Of A Journalist At CNN
A day for a live news editor at CNN, like Matt, "starts a little bit differently" depending on breaking news; while they may begin focusing on major ongoing stories such as the US presidential election or the war in Ukraine, unexpected events—from mass shootings to prominent deaths—"come out of the blue" and dramatically shift their focus.
Most Important Skills for a Journalist at CNN
Matt, a CNN journalist, emphasizes writing as "the bedrock" of journalism, highlighting the need for clear communication of complex information; the ability to be "very well read," absorbing writing styles from high-level sources, is equally crucial for success in the field.
Favorite Parts Of Being A Journalist At CNN
Matt, a CNN journalist, thrives on the unpredictable nature of his work, stating that "every day is different" and offers a "world of possibility." He also finds deep satisfaction in the trust people place in him to share their stories and in mentoring fellow journalists, taking particular joy in "seeing writers win."
Biggest Challenges Faced By a Journalist at CNN
Matt's biggest challenge as a CNN journalist is covering "negative, scary, controversial, difficult topics," such as mass shootings, because the emotional intensity of these events makes maintaining objectivity difficult while also impacting their well-being. The immense responsibility of informing the public about critical events, coupled with the potential for mistakes, is a constant pressure, though Matt believes it is worthwhile to cover such important subjects.
Favorite Parts of Working in Journalism as a Journalist at CNN
Matt, a CNN journalist, finds the most rewarding aspect of the profession to be "the ability to broaden the world a little bit," gained through connecting with a diverse range of people and sharing their stories, from weather broadcasters explaining scientific phenomena to community members impacted by disasters. This process, from interview to publication, allows Matt to open "that world further" for a wider audience.
What Type Of Person Thrives In The Journalism Industry According To A Journalist At CNN
Journalism rewards individuals with "passion" and "resilience," who are driven by a deep-seated desire to "tell stories" and possess strong writing and organizational skills. Success in the field hinges on a genuine enthusiasm for the work, coupled with the persistence to hone one's craft and navigate the demanding nature of the industry.
What a Journalist at CNN Wishes They Had Known Before Entering Journalism
Matt, a CNN journalist, advises aspiring journalists to embrace the industry's constant evolution, stating that "journalism is this constantly evolving field," with changes in platforms like social media impacting how news is consumed and shared; the core skill of storytelling remains adaptable across formats.
Entry-Level Positions For Aspiring Journalists At CNN
Matt, a CNN journalist, advises aspiring journalists to consider entry-level positions at local news organizations, emphasizing that "you get to do more of the work" and gain valuable experience, building a strong portfolio—a crucial factor for career advancement—rather than focusing solely on large companies. This approach allows one to develop skills across the entire journalistic process, from reporting to publication, building a strong foundation for future opportunities.
Significant Career Lesson From A Journalist At CNN
Matt, a CNN journalist, learned that even though "whatever feels like the biggest thing in the world," like a significant mistake, will eventually feel insignificant with continued hard work and treating colleagues well. This perspective, emphasized by mentors, helped Matt persevere and maintain a positive outlook on career progression, reminding them that "there is more to life than work."
College Experiences That Helped a Journalist at CNN Succeed
Matt's undergraduate success stemmed from building "a portfolio of work" through diverse writing and video experiences, showcasing skills beyond a political science degree. Mentorship proved equally vital; cultivating relationships with key professors provided valuable feedback and lasting professional connections, even leading to post-CNN job updates.
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