After graduation, Jordyn Reiland (B.A. 2015) accepted an internship at the Buffalo News in New York. Reiland worked at the Daily Iowan during her time at SJMC, and thanks her publisher at the time, Bill Casey, for connecting her. Casey knew a fellow publisher, also an Iowa alum, at the Buffalo News and helped Reiland get her foot in the door.

Following her internship, Reiland began her professional career in Auburn, New York as a crime & courts reporter. “It was quite an experience. I was always fascinated being in court two days a week, and hearing all the cases,” she said. “It was very interesting and exciting! After about nine months there, I realized I wanted to be closer to home though.”

Today, Reiland lives in Chicago but works remotely as the editor of www.skillednursingnews.com, doing healthcare-based reporting and writing on a digital platform.  “I run the website as editor with two reporters working for me. I report directly to the president of the company,” said Reiland.

Skilled Nursing News is part of Aging Media Network. They have four publications that specifically deal with nursing homes and healthcare, all online. Reiland shifted to this role because she was seeking a leadership opportunity in the journalism world.

In September, Reiland’s company held their first in-person event since the pandemic began. “We had a day-long RETHINK conference in Chicago with networking opportunities to connect over skilled nursing and what’s been going on in the industry. I spent about 40 minutes on stage moderating the panel. It was a great experience,” she said.

Photo Caption: Reiland interviewing Consulate Health Care’s chief nursing officer

“I am looking forward to hosting our next event in March 2022, in Washington D.C.”

During school, Reiland took a coding class that was offered. She enjoyed having that opportunity outside of just the traditional writing courses, which helped her online reporting career. “I think that made me more marketable with the additional skills.  I think students should take as many classes as they can to expand their skillset and out of their comfort zones,”  said Reiland.

“The network that the School of Journalism and the Daily Iowan have built is very strong. I’m very grateful to have been given the opportunity I had to get my foot in the door,” added Reiland. “I’m always willing to help current students and give back myself as well.”