By Nicole Reitz
When I first entered IUPUI as a journalism student back in 2018, I would have never imagined all of the writing opportunities that would be presented to me and where each of them would lead me. During my third week of college, I came across a tweet about joining the school’s newspaper, the Campus Citizen. I went to my first meeting, and ever since then it has been one of the best decisions I have ever made.
I was a sub-par writer coming from my high school’s yearbook, but after I continuously picked up stories at meetings and became a better writer, I eventually worked up to becoming Co-Editor-in-Chief. That was only the start to what I would do during my time in college.
Thanks to the Campus Citizen, I gained enough experience to land myself three internships and two writing jobs. I am currently working in my third internship as a content writer for the Division of Student Affairs here at IUPUI. I’m also a Sports Clerk with the IndyStar.
As an intern, my days begin with meetings with my boss, Mary Olk, Director of Marketing and Communications for the Division of Student Affairs. We plan and brainstorm story ideas that are going on within student organizations and then I get started interviewing and writing. What I love most about this internship is being able to really learn from the interviewing and editing process. Since I interview so many people each week, I have been able to test out which questions work and which don’t. Additionally, Mary gives me great constructive criticism on my writing and is molding me into a stronger writer.
After I finish working in Student Affairs for the day, I use my afternoons for school work and studying. I devote my nights to editing, posting, and planning tweets for the Campus Citizen. Right now, my Friday nights are reserved for covering football with the IndyStar, where I am learning to work quickly under deadline.
As a senior, my schedule is jam-packed between school, internships, and being an editor, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. I usually have to divide my days up by the hour so I can accomplish everything on my to-do list. It is a lot of work for one person to handle, but the payoff is rewarding. I am confident that the experience I have gained in all of my internships and writing positions will assist me in getting a job after I graduate.
My biggest advice to someone looking to land a journalism internship or job would be to just get writing. Write for the school newspaper, start your own blog, reach out to small businesses and ask them if they want some work done for free. I wouldn’t be where I am if I didn’t have the help of the Campus Citizen to get my name published.
The Campus Citizen is always looking for new writers, photographers, designers, and anyone who may want to do social media or public relations. If you are interested in getting your foot in the door to the journalism world, check out our website and follow us on Twitter and Instagram.