Preparing for the job market

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In an increasingly competitive job market, good grades are not enough—potential employers are impressed by work samples and other evidence of experience outside the classroom. Start building your portfolio and experience on campus. Avenues for journalism students to explore include student organizations, campus publications and internships. Gaining Experience (.pdf) provides information on possible employers and employment-preparation strategies. We encourage you to begin thinking about these matters early in your university career, and to discuss them with a Career and Academic Advisor in the Student Services Center and your faculty adviser as soon as possible.

Internships
You do not need an internship to graduate but internships are very, very important. Students are advised to start working with their career counselor as early as their freshman year to talk about career exploration and a personalized plan. Transfer and post-baccalaureate students should meet with the career counselor in their first term. Visit the SOJC Career Services website today! 

Student organizations
Participation in a student organization is an effective way to get involved in the school, the university and your future profession.

Campus media
Campus media provide an excellent opportunity to gain experience and begin to develop your portfolio. Although not officially connected with the school, many premajor and major students work for them.

  • The Oregon Daily Emerald is the university’s independent daily newspaper. Many journalism students work there as reporters, editors, photographers or advertising sales representatives. The paper employs more than 100 students each year. All staff and freelance positions are paid. Staff positions are usually filled in the spring for the upcoming year but openings do occur throughout the year. A common method of getting on staff is to start as either a freelance writer or photographer.
  • Ethos Magazine is a nationally recognized and award-winning multicultural student publication.
  • Other student-produced campus publications include: Oregon Voice, The Commentator and The Insurgent. Partially funded by student fees, they provide students with opportunities to work in writing, editing, design and advertising.
  • The student-run radio station KWVA offers UO students the opportunity to gain experience in a variety of broadcast jobs.

Special academic opportunities

  • J434 Advanced Television News students produce Oregon News, a weekly program of campus and regional news telecast live on cable television throughout Lane County.
  • J465 Cyberjournalism students produce a multimedia news website that combines video, audio, graphics and text.
  • J475 FLUX Magazine Production produces FLUX, an annual four-color magazine entirely written and designed by students in the class using facilities in the school’s design laboratory. Admission is by application and portfolio.
  • J449 Advanced Advertising Campaigns (“Ad Team”) is the class designation for students selected for the annual advertising competition team. Admission is by application and portfolio.