Hot on the Presses: UC Journalism Alums Graduating into Jobs

Though the Department of Journalism in the University of Cincinnati's McMicken College of Arts & Sciences is only four years old, eight of its graduates from the last four years have scored jobs at Cincinnati’s only daily newspaper, "The Cincinnati Enquirer."

“This is a really good track record to have essentially two graduates per year. It shows that we have a long term relationship with the Enquirer. They went through a period when they lost their senior staff. Our graduates survived and they have taken on more since then,” says Jeff Blevins, department chair. 

The changing media landscape helped open new opportunities for journalism graduates. UC alums hold traditional titles like “breaking news reporter” and “photojournalist,” but there’s a “strategist” and a “producer and reporter” in the mix as well.

Preparing students for employment has always been a strength in McMicken’s journalism program, which has grown from scattered class offerings to a certificate program to a major program and now, finally, its own department. The department has always required students to complete internships and students are encouraged to get hands-on experience by working for the student media, including The News Record, an independent student publication.

Keith BieryGolick, Reporter for Butler and Warren County
Most useful skills learned at UC: I was pretty bad at interviewing people when I first had to do it for a journalism class at UC. That changed before I left because of the practice I got.
Most useful experience at UC: My professors encouraged me to get involved with The News Record, which was an invaluable look at what it is really like to work in the field.
Favorite part of job: Telling a good story.
Advice for students: Take a class from an adjunct professor. If Kathy Y. Wilson still teaches there, take a class from her. Get involved with The News Record. Write outside of class.

Rebecca Butts

, Breaking News Reporter

Most useful skills learned at UC:

I would say my time spent at The News Record has helped me most. It helped me practice and improve the skills taught in class.

Most useful experience at UC:

I can't stress this enough, the experience I gained at The News Record and through internships is irreplaceable.

Favorite part the of job:

I love reporting and sharing the story with readers (and I still get excited when I see my name in print).

Advice for students:

 Build relationships with your professors and other journalists. They can connect you to future opportunities and they will give you an idea of what journalism looks like post-college.

Kareem Elgazzar, Photojournalist
Most useful skills learned at UC: At the University of Cincinnati, I built tremendous relationships with fellow students, teachers and others on campus.
Most useful experience at UC: Working at The News Record as managing editor, among many other positions, gave me the real-world experience of working in a newsroom that I needed before actually doing it.
Favorite part of the job: It must be how proud and rewarding it is to know that my pictures help illustrate life to my neighbors, friends and ordinary people.
Advice for students: If you really want to be a reporter, photographer, graphic artist, etc., know that it is doable. It’s critical to actually produce content outside of the classroom to show that you can do the work

Sam Greene, Staff Photojournalist
Most useful skills learned at UC: My time working at The News Record was most definitely the most valuable time I spent at UC.
Most useful experience at UC: Through internships and The News Record, I don’t think I could have gotten the same kind of education anywhere else.
Favorite part of the job: I work full-time as a sports photographer, doing what I love every day and representing the community.
Advice for students: Work hard, take risks, devote yourself entirely to the craft and be willing to push yourself beyond your comfort level.

Ben Goldschmidt, Producer and Reporter
Most useful skills learned at UC: Learning to not be scared. Oh, and AP style.
Most useful experience at UC: Things and problems for me to report on.
Favorite part of the job: When something monumental is happening in Cincinnati, I love having a hand in shaping that coverage, guiding the storyline, looking for other avenues to explore.
Advice for students: Get published, get published again, then get published weekly. Talk to people you have no business talking to until you realize that you’re qualified to say words to any human being.

Jason Hoffman, Sports Strategist
Most useful skills learned at UC: Developmental and copy editing skills have been the biggest help.
Most useful experience at UC: While at UC I was fortunate to build mentoring relationships with Elissa (Yancey), Jenny (Wohlfarth), Bob (Jonason), Sean and Jon Hughes. They guided me a lot during my days at UC and I still lean on them for professional advice.
Favorite part of the job: I love the fact that I’m entrusted with delivering the best sports content I can to hundreds of thousands of people every day, and I get to go to work with such a professional team of journalists.
Advice for students: If you get a degree, have a great portfolio of clips, have collegiate awards and impressive internships. That will probably get you a phone interview or an in-person interview if you’re local.

Madison Schmidt, Visual Journalist
Most useful skills learned at UC: My greatest skill was the determination to better myself, so I made time and began working at The News Record.
Most useful experience at UC: Working for The News Record helped me a lot. As an independent publication, we got to choose our own content.
Favorite part of the job: Each day is an opportunity to meet new people, and as a journalist I get to capture what people see in the news while making it new and interesting for our readers.
Advice for students: Step outside of your comfort-zone and start talking to people now because a single contact can take you a long way into your career.

Scott Winfield, Print Producer
Most useful skills learned at UC: My professors and colleagues helped me realize how detail-oriented I am when it comes to my work, and how to focus that trait.
Most useful experience at UC: Every opportunity was available to us. From The News Record, to Verge Magazine, to internships and other work within the UC and Greater Cincinnati communities.
Favorite part the of job: I like the idea that, through my work, I’m leaving traces of myself on the page. A signature. I’m trying my hardest to make my product as clean, clear and compelling as humanly possible.
Advice for students: My advice to today’s journalism students is don’t approach anything halfway. If you’re serious about getting into journalism, be a part of every opportunity available.