For this week’s assignment, I used Indeed to find entry-level jobs local to Atlanta. For each search, I used the key phrase “entry-level” and followed it with a specific phrase to narrow down the results. I used three different searches before finding a job that interested me and would help me gain experience.

The first two searches I used were “entry-level journalism”, which barely yielded any jobs in the journalism field, and “entry-level sports media” which again was a bust. I searched for the latter because as stated in my first blog, I do wish to work for sports media in the future. However, most of the results under that emphasized workplace associates and ortho positions available for teams.

My last search, “entry-level media”, yielded better results. Under this search, I found a position for the CNN News Associate Program here in Atlanta by Warner Bros. Discovery. The program is designed for early career journalists and is meant for them to gain and improve their journalistic skills. It is a 12-month program based in Atlanta in which candidates will have 3-4 rotational assignments for different teams at CNN.

The responsibilities of chosen candidates are:

1. To work with the editorial teams on researching, logging, and writing stories.
2. Being able to manage different sources including other networks, social media, and local news to get the most newsworthy stories.
3. Being able to record video, and audio, and upload images as well as document who, why, what, and where the digital media comes from for producers.
4. Research and fact-check digital stories and scripts.
5. Assist producers, as well as correspondents, in story production.
6. Being able to pitch and identify diverse voices in newsgathering and storytelling.

The qualifications for the job are as follows:

1. A Bachelor’s degree in either journalism, English, or political science.
2. Outstanding communication skills and a desire to know about current events
3. Being able to successfully work under deadline pressure and work effectively with teams.
4. Being able to work in fast-paced newsgathering and production environments.
5. Being flexible and able to work with multiple teams.
6. Have strong attention to detail and a creative mindset.
7. Have writing skills that meet a basic proficiency level.

For this position, there is not a high need for experience, but it is stated that an internship in a news environment is preferred. The only software expectation is a strong knowledge of Microsoft Suite, and though not required, bi-lingual skills are highly valued for this job.

Just about all employers are looking for people who can communicate effectively and strongly, work well with teams, have proficient writing skills, and workers who can be flexible. This makes sense as many media jobs are collaborative and have an emphasis on trends and current events, which are always changing. These jobs also call for individuals who can handle fast-paced environments with minimal stress.

At this point, I do not have many documents that show specific abilities that employers are looking for. I have a couple of assignments from a news writing course at GSU, that showcase I know how to write in AP Style, which is the writing style all journalists write in. I also have a short “news” story that I wrote for the class, and a year I ran the Instagram for a club in my school, so I know how to make appropriate, professional social media posts. I also have a basic knowledge of Microsoft Suites, but it could use improvement. Lastly, I know how to use Canva, an online graphic design platform. Other than that, I do not have much to show for my specific abilities.

Between now and graduation, I need to up my skills in Microsoft Suites and create more documents that showcase the abilities I have. I also need to gain experience, in some form, in the journalism field as most jobs require some sort of experience. I attempt to do this by applying for internships in my chosen field. By doing so, I will gain experience as well as have more documents and visuals to prove I am proficient in the skills necessary for media/journalism jobs.

While doing research, a lot of the notions I had about jobs in media and journalism were reassured and confirmed. I knew going into the research that these jobs require experience. Even if not outwardly required, it is always preferred for jobs in this field. Because of that, I went into my major intending to get an internship while at GSU. At this point, I still feel like I have time to find my footing in the journalism world, but I would like to get a head start on it. I know that it might be stressful in the coming years to gain experience in the journalistic/media field, but I am willing to put myself out there to get the experience I need for my future career goals.