Dear future journalist,
I want to start by saying congratulations! You’ve made it thus far and if anyone has yet to tell you, you’re doing amazing.
If you are a student in the journalism practicum course, you are already aware of just how importance the job of a journalist is. If you are like me, by this point in your matriculation at Howard University you may have already interned at a few news organizations. However, this doesn’t mean that you should be comfortable. The practicum course has so much to offer, and it will allow you to become an even more polished professional within the journalism industry. At this point you should be perfecting your craft and pushing yourself harder than ever as both a student and an aspiring journalist.
Although I have been interning with CBS News for three semesters now, I never had a cover letter that I was fully confident in. My previous cover letters never adequately highlighted or represented my strengths and skills as both a student and journalist. Fortunately, after being a student in the journalism practicum course taught by Professor Thomas, I now have a resume and cover letter that is both professional and polished. I am both confident and proud to present my resume and cover letter to any future employer.
If you have yet to secure an internship during your time at Howard before taking this class, that’s okay as well. Everyone moves at a different pace, and this does not make you inadequate. You should be using this as motivation to apply for more opportunities. This course will provide you with the necessary tools to be successful in whichever internship you choose. While you should always remain humble, this course will allow you to understand that it is okay to toot your own horn! I highly recommend attending every class and actively participating in sharing what you have accomplished as an intern, even the small things. Speaking up in this class will allow you to become more comfortable talking about yourself and your accomplishments, which is necessary when you are trying to stand out in an internship or amongst a crowd at a career fair.
Now, I am not saying that every day at your internship will be the most exciting day of your life, some days will be uneventful, and you may even realize that you do not want to be a journalist. But what I am saying is that you should use every opportunity that you are given to learn. If you are becoming fatigued or you find yourself not being motivated, take initiative by asking how you can be of service to one of your colleagues. I promise, if you remain curious, persistent, and always willing to learn, others will notice.
I will leave you with four points to remember if you want to be a successful intern:
1. Take initiative! reach out to your colleagues to see how you can help.
2. Don’t be afraid to come in early or stay late
3. Ask for help when you need it
4. You may be a part of something monumental, take it all in. Enjoy yourself!
If you listen to any of the tips that I have shared with you, by the end of the semester not only will you receive an A in the practicum course, you may even secure a future bag with another great internship.
Best,
Sam
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