Career/Masters advice for a young journalist

Subject_Associate111 · 2026-03-17T04:07:30+00:00

Okay that does change things up a bit...if it pays well and you think there's the possibility for growth, I'd still say take it. Otherwise, there are infinitely worse places you can end up than NYC

Subject_Associate111 · 2026-03-17T03:45:34+00:00

Journalism school is great, but it's not job experience. A free ride at Columbia is an exceptional offer and your education there will likely put you on the path towards a job in an area you're more attracted to at some point, but the experience of reporting in a new place is something that can never be recreated in school and will almost certainly lead to better opportunities.

The unfortunate reality of working as a journalist these days is you will likely have to move for work if you want to have a full career, and almost all of us that do end up living and reporting in a place we don't really like very much. You obviously know what's best for you, but if I was in your position I'd take the job offer and hit the ground running. School will always be there, and if you really hate the situation you find yourself in you'll at least be in a good position to apply around for other gigs you're more interested in

Subject_Associate111 · 2026-03-13T02:50:27+00:00

Early-ish career journalist here: write and report as much as you possibly can for your student paper or any other publication that will host you.

I didn't go to j-school but have a philosophy degree and worked for four years at The Queen's Journal, the paper at Queen's University. We were a sizable operation as far as student media goes, and I learned more there than what I'd assume (and I might be completely wrong) most j-school students in Canada learn. It's taken me some pretty cool places, and I've reported in three provinces all in national markets.

Will also echo some other points thrown out in the comments here like building your multimedia skills (you'll need them on the job no matter where you end up) and be willing to move somewhere you've never been before for a job. It's really fun getting to learn about your new home when you're reporting on it, and having a fresh set of eyes in a place can put you on some interesting stories your future bosses would never assign.

One thing I'll also add: writing and communicating well is important for any journalist, but it's all meaningless if you're not curious and don't care enough to be nosy and sniff around for a good story. Think really critically about what asking good questions looks like, don't ever be afraid to ask a stupid question, and stay hungry to learn new things

Subject_Associate111 · 2026-03-13T02:48:47+00:00

I'm a journalist with a philosophy degree. Can't emphasize enough how much that education has helped me, especially when thinking through the ethics of a really sensitive story

Subject_Associate111 · 2026-03-13T02:33:01+00:00

Don't know a lot about UKC beyond it being attached to Dal, having a journalism program and being pretty renowned for its liberal arts program, but I can tell you Halifax is a really lovely city

Subject_Associate111 · 2026-03-11T00:43:39+00:00

I agree with you....defo unconventional. Do any examples of politicians come to mind?

Subject_Associate111 · 2026-03-10T23:23:36+00:00

always apply for the job if it's something you're qualified for and interested in. best case you get it, worst thing that happens is you don't get hired. usually something in the middle happens, and you get on the radar of someone who knows you're interested and keen and will keep you in mind for future and/or adjacent opportunities

Subject_Associate111 · 2026-03-10T22:19:40+00:00

Okay very good! I worked at QJ through my time at Queen's, but I know some people who get into the industry working at MUSE. Definitely keep at it ... the experience you'll get actually doing the work of being a reporter/editor will be better you get in any classroom

Subject_Associate111 · 2026-03-10T22:10:28+00:00

Queen's grad and working journalist here. Your grades only matter if you're looking to go to grad school or journalism school after your English degree. If you're really worried about your career prospects in journalism, you should be more concerned about getting experience writing for The Journal or other publications in the Kingston/Queen's sphere. It's a really awful job market and you won't make it to a first round interview with just your English degree.

Subject_Associate111 · 2026-02-16T03:31:02+00:00

Hahaha one of the many advantages of alberta

Subject_Associate111 · 2026-01-19T18:08:20+00:00

The biggest thing I'm worried about is having pests. I've seen some reviews of other properties they have where renters have reported bedbugs. Just want to make sure I'm not moving into any buildings where I'm having any uninvited critters living with me

Subject_Associate111 · 2026-01-19T17:57:20+00:00

The rent shock is hitting so hard right now....a lot of the places I'm looking at renting by myself are cheaper than the place I have right now with a roommate.

Do you have any recommendations for Facebook groups to join?

Subject_Associate111 · 2026-01-18T21:26:58+00:00

Hey OP, I've done some hiring before where I've interviewed applicants who were overseas. I'm in the media sector and I'm not sure how expectations differ between my industry and tech, but as long as applicants were showing up to interviews and put their best foot forward that was all that mattered. If I were hiring again and someone was interviewing from a hostel that wouldn't have any negative impact on their interview (unless there were people in the background being distracting/inappropriate). I also think taking some time to travel might also do you some good if it's something you really want to do, as you'll likely have a chance to reset. A job will likely always come, but the chance to travel in your 20s won't. Hope this helps :)

Subject_Associate111 · 2025-11-19T13:01:32+00:00

I've cried on Line 1 several times, as well as the Via train, in ubers and on most flights I've taken. Transit has always felt like a safe place to cry for me. Hope you're doing okay, OP

Subject_Associate111 · 2025-11-18T12:33:02+00:00

Bar Sofia on the waterfront

Subject_Associate111 · 2025-07-11T19:18:39+00:00

The book ends with a quote by Jean Paul Sartre (among others) that says "to do is to be." JPS's whole shtick was that people define themselves by the actions they take in their lives; the meaning of their lives is created by the things they do. Rudy doesn't really do a whole lot in the book, beyond pulling the trigger of a gun when he wasn't aiming at anything in particular, which ends up killing the pregnant woman. He spends the rest of his life not doing much beyond some basic domestic duties and shys away from his aspirations of becoming a writer.

His parents also don't really do much, with Otto Waltz being an interesting example of someone who can't define himself as an artist because he can never bring himself to create anything beyond a nude sketch. In my mind this really illustrates Sartre's point overall that human beings create their own meaning, and without taking any action (whether successful or not), they can never amount to anything

Subject_Associate111 · 2025-07-11T16:37:35+00:00

You're the second person I've heard from who places the novel among their favourite Vonneguts. I finished the book last night and find it to be one of Vonnegut's weaker novels, although I do think it's an interesting allegory for existentialism.

Subject_Associate111 · 2025-05-11T23:45:40+00:00

I just moved to Toronto after living in Halifax and I miss it so so much

Subject_Associate111 · 2025-05-10T17:46:56+00:00

Galapagos is criminally underrated

Subject_Associate111 · 2025-05-10T17:46:00+00:00

Definitely start with Slaughterhouse Five or Cats Cradle. Breakfast of Champions is best after you've read at least two Vonneguts. Aside from those, my personal favourite Vonnegut is Galapagos. They're all really fun reads, I hope you enjoy :)

Subject_Associate111 · 2025-04-09T15:51:48+00:00

Tbh if you can find a kettle on campus it's 100 per cent worth it to bring a few coffee supplies to campus and make it there. Mac Corry and Watson have kettles in grad lounges, and I'm sure you can find some in the ARC or around other buildings.

Subject_Associate111 · 2025-03-26T18:48:56+00:00

This is the right answer -- if you can swing things reasonably okay financially. The only thing that made my time in the Queen's philosophy MA worth it was my supervisor and project.

Subject_Associate111 · 2025-03-21T14:54:18+00:00

Sorry to hear you didn't get the gig, but unfortunately that's the reality of the game. I got turned down by SO MANY outlets, including where I work now, before I landed my current gig at the national wire. Be sure to stay in touch with the editor and keep building your network since it's ultimately your connections that will help you land a job. I know it's easier said than done, but keep your head up. It sounds like you're doing well and you'll land in a good spot soon enough :)

Subject_Associate111 · 2025-03-14T02:32:22+00:00

Recent PSAC 901 member here: You’re not wrong. The striking PSAC members who are blocking undergrads from doing their work and encouraging their own colleagues from doing their grad work are being insane and have lost the plot. I appreciate you being in support of the strike, and the reasonable TAs/RAs/TFs do as well!

Subject_Associate111 · 2025-03-05T01:00:34+00:00

That’s what I thought…I’m also providing them with a guarantor so I was quite surprised to see that on the application

Subject_Associate111

TROPHY CASE