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.
Entry-Level Jobs, Local News Experience, Portfolio Development, On-the-Job Training, Career Progression
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
Video Highlights
1. Consider local news positions to gain experience and responsibility.
2. Smaller news organizations offer more opportunities to participate in all aspects of the news process, building a strong portfolio.
3. A strong portfolio of work is more important than starting at a major news organization immediately.
Transcript
What entry-level positions are there in this field that an undergraduate college student might consider?
I love this question because I think it's really important to emphasize this for people. When you are starting out, do not be afraid of going into local news.
A lot of people have dreams of working at CNN or the New York Times. They think the best way to go is to get whatever position they can, even if it's an internship or a part-time job at the biggest company possible. That's a way you can enter the industry and work your way up, but those jobs are really hard to get.
It can be very valuable to work for a smaller news organization because you get to do more of the work. If you're hired by a small newspaper, website, or local news station in a smaller market, you'll have more responsibility.
Where you might just be a researcher at a larger organization, at a local news station, you might get to be a reporter. You might get to do every part of the process, from gathering information in the field to writing it up and having it published.
There's nothing wrong with going with local news. It can be a really good foundation because you do more work more immediately, and that portfolio of your work is the most important thing.