Q. I would like to know the industry's stance toward people who have worked for universities doing communications (writing for alumni magazines, media relations, online work, et cetera) but whose long-term goals involve socially relevant journalism. I am in a position where I might be offered such a job, but am hesitant to take it if it means my journalistic goals will be compromised.
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I have been freelancing for a large daily for three years now, a paper where I interned right before they started a major hiring freeze. I work mainly for their smaller weekly papers, but I occasionally do cops shifts and submit features to the mainsheet. In addition to some magazine work as well, I have also garnered work as a grant editor and personal assistant to a local author. My husband, a young attorney, started his first job about a year ago and we have little interest in moving since he'd likely have to take another bar exam. We also bought a house locally and would like to stay in this area for at least a few more years.
I want to make the most of this time in my life before we have children, and have hustled as a correspondent, but there's a chance my correspondent opportunities will be more limited as the paper recently made a number of layoffs and cut two entire editions. A steadier job would be nice as well, especially at this prestigious learning institution. This university job will offer a steady paycheck, something I haven't had since I interned, and benefits. It will also provide writing opportunities and multimedia Web training.
Ultimately, though, I do not want a better paycheck to dictate my career goals. I put myself through graduate school (M.A. in journalism) and know in my heart that I want to be a career journalist. When we decided to stay in this area, it looked like I would get hired any day at this newspaper, hence my husband taking the state bar exam. We've made a commitment and now I need to make the most of my time here. I've heard the lines between media relations and journalism are blurring, and this job would not involve working for a political party or big corporation.
What do you think?
Hedging
A. You are right to have concerns, but I would not be too worried.
The work sounds quasi-journalistic and fun and might ultimately give you the security and balance you'll need. You probably would not be able to cover this university as a journalist, but the better you keep away from controversial issues, the more areas you will leave open for future work as a journalist. University experience could even be a help in future job searches.
I'd go ahead and try it, keeping your long-term goals in mind as assignments come up. If you are working in a department with other people, it may be you can grab the assignments that produce the smallest chance of eventual conflict. The Web skills, editing and writing you do on the job could further your skills better than freelancing does.
Coming Thursday: His applications were cooking along with two newspapers and then -- ice. Should he e-mail to ask about his status?
