As a professional school, helping students explore careers is a valuable part of the School of Journalism and Mass Communication’s undergraduate mission.
Director David Ryfe and Internship & Placement Coordinator Paul Jensen came up with a series of webinars they called “Finding Your Starting Point,” in fall of 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. Due to the success and number of students that participated, they decided to continue the series through the fall of 2021. During these webinars, students met alumni and visiting professionals who have forged careers in various industries with their Journalism and Mass Communication degrees. In discussions with these alumni, students had a chance to learn about what it is like to work in these industries.
Each event was an hour-long and featured four alumni. Current student and intern, Bailey Cichon served as a host for the series.
Missed one? Watch them using the links below!
Finding Your Starting Point: Writing Centric Careers
On Sept. 28, the University of Iowa School of Journalism & Mass Communications presented "Finding Your Starting Point: Writing Centric Careers". Guest speakers Brian Stewart of af&Co, Rebecca Morin of USA Today, Alisa Hrustic of SELF, and Lauren Coffey of the Tampa Bay Business Journal join current students to offer advice and tidbits about writing centric careers. Click to watch now.
Finding Your Starting Point: Digital Media Careers
On Oct. 12, the University of Iowa School of Journalism & Mass Communications presented "Finding Your Starting Point: Digital Media Careers". Guest speakers Jenny Earl of CBS, Matthew Ericson of the New York Times, Mallory Hughes of Twitter, and Molly Georgia of Real Time Media visit with current students over zoom to offer advice about the professional world and moving into digital media careers. Click to watch now.
Finding Your Starting Point: Visual Media Careers
On Oct. 26, the University of Iowa School of Journalism & Mass Communications presented "Finding Your Starting Point: Visual Media Careers". Guest speakers Joshua Housing of Associated Press, Alicia Kramme of the mySidewalk, Sam Lane of PBS Newshour, and Lily Smith of Omaha World Herald visit with current students over zoom to offer advice about Visual Media Careers and tell about the initial steps they took. Click to watch now.
The number of webinars decreased this semester, but SJMC made sure to focus on industries that are growing every year. SJMC always wants to prepare its students once they graduate, and learning about the intersection between writing centric, digital media, and visual media careers gives current students the ability to hear about the opportunities that are awaiting them after graduation.
Students can look for more insightful career exploration opportunities next semester.
Alumni interested in participating can contact paul-w-jensen@uiowa.edu.