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Young journalists learn how to fast-track careersBy Marcus Braziel NABJ Convention Online Staff “This is not a workshop about Jayson Blair,” said Greg Winters, education writer for the New York Times Wednesday as he called to order the Super Workshop, “Making It Into the Big Leagues Before 30.” The workshop, which was casual and interactive, offered insight for young reporters on how to land a job at a large daily newspaper, what it takes to remain strong in a big publication and how prepared one needs to be. Conference attendee Peyton Woodson said she wanted to learn how to graduate to a top-tier daily newspaper. “Right now, I’m probably at a second-tier newspaper and I’ll be 26 in December. So I’m looking forward to making the next leap to go onward,” Woodson said. The panelists discussed their experiences during their early years and then took questions from the audience. Panelist Rachel Swarns, Washington correspondent for the Times, said it was useful to work elsewhere before breaking into a big paper. She said building up solid experience elsewhere could be used as proof that you can cover beats at large newspaper. Panelist Lola Ogunnaike, culture reporter at the Times recalled working for two publications at the same time before working at the Times. “There were times when I didn’t sleep because I worked for The New York Daily News and Vibe magazine,” she said. In addition to getting the experience, having a mentor can be useful along the way, she said. Ogunnaike said it was a good idea to follow up with mentors and contacts even if the extra networking ends up in dead ends. She also said the NABJ convention was a great experience. Entering into the big leagues as a young reporter is a lot of pressure, according to some workshop attendees. Some noted that it takes a while to get adjusted to working at a big paper. Sherri Day, business reporter for the Times, said forming a support group with other young journalists can help you get through the anxiety. Dana Canedy, national assignment editor for the Times said if you can cover a particular story at a smaller newspaper, you could do it anywhere. Convention attendee Adebisi Onile-Ere said it was her first time at an NABJ convention and that she really connected with the panelists as they shared past experiences. |
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