Journalist Guide to Survival: Five ways to thrive on your first job

This is something I saw firsthand running a small newsroom, which inspired me to pursue my master’s degree to teach. My vision was to get the degree and land in a journalism department, training up our next, greatest journalists. Then life took me in another direction, running a television station. I didn’t have that on the BINGO card.  

So, I’m writing this article as our future journalists are preparing to walk across the stage this winter. I hope that what I share here will stick with them when the days on the job are anything but ideal.  

Here are some of the things I wish someone had told me when I first started.  

REMEMBER YOUR WHY: The hours and days may feel long, but what we get to do is incredibly rewarding. It’s something I know from personal experience and something that I’m seeing through my team. On days that feel really challenging, you must remember your why. The thing, or things, that drove you to pursue a career in journalism. I have my why written down on small pieces of paper and saved on my phone. When days feel exceptionally tough, I look at those words. They help me remember that the work we do is so much greater and the impact is so much bigger than one tough day. Every day will not feel like the best day, but the good ones outweigh the bad ones by far. 

GIVE YOURSELF GRACE: Sure, you were amazing in your college program, and you graduated top of your class. That doesn’t necessarily mean that jumping into that first job will be a super-easy transition. Being a journalist working 5 days a week, it is a bit different than doing your weekly college newscast. You are adjusting to how that station operates, there are new expectations, and more than likely, you are in a new city or state. There’s a lot that’s coming at you in those first few weeks and months. The first six months may feel tough, but it gets better - trust me!  

ASK FOR HELP: This is your first stop; no one expects you to be an expert on everything. In fact, I promise you that the person who hired you is more than prepared to take on any questions you may have. Being ashamed or embarrassed to ask for help only holds you back. Also, don’t be afraid to find your newsroom buddy you can lean on. It can be someone with decades more experience than you or just more time at the station. I’ve called on a colleague for assistance a few times, and I have no regrets.  

FALL IN LOVE: Even if it’s not a long love story, love everything there is that makes your new city special. You will be a better journalist for your team and your community if you look for the good and hold onto it tight. Or at least if your contract lasts! I know being away from your family and friends may be hard and challenging, but if you put yourself out there, you will grow your own community that starts to feel like home. I’m pretty sure that’s how my one-year stay in my current city turned into six + years.  

CONTROL THE CONTROLLABLES: No matter where you are, or who your colleagues are, you are in control of how you respond to what’s happening around you. Create the kind of environment you can thrive in. As leaders, it is our responsibility to create a positive and healthy work environment, but everyone plays a role in it. I tell people often to be a Good Human. For me, it means being the person who positively contributes to the team by your work and how you respect and engage with people each day.  

As you take on that first job, these are some things you may want to keep in mind. I’m not saying they will make that first job magical - but I think they’ll help.  

A decade from now, you’ll look back on those early days and laugh at who you used to be. Followed by so much pride in your journey to become the person you are today.