Many said they started participating even before coming to campus as they applied for programs such as Ernie Pyle Scholars, Media Scholars or Media Living Learning Center residents. Others got involved as soon as they arrived, either in student media or other campus organizations. Most often heard piece of advice? Get involved in student media as soon as you get to campus.
Here's more of what they had to say:
 |
I haven’t pondered that question since coming to the School of Journalism. My freshman year, I met friends and colleagues in the Media LLC. I’ve been fortunate enough to get to know faculty personally through the Media Scholar program. I’ve built my profile and experiences through the Indiana Daily Student and journalism class 812 Magazine. I’ve heard world-renowned speakers through the school’s speaker series. I’ve traveled. I’ve discussed my career plans with my personal adviser multiple times — and I’ve never felt like a number.
The personable instructors and engaging curriculum have given me a local relationship that has prepared me for worldly potentials. I couldn’t be happier.
Kelsey Collisi, Media Scholar, Media Living Learning Center resident and IDS Weekend editor
I love that the school of journalism teaches you a lot of different things. It gives you basics of writing, editing, audio and filming. It lays the foundation for everything you need to be a journalist in the future.
Matt Spears
I love the journalism school because it’s so small. It provides a niche in such a big school. Every faculty member is helpful and nice, and they all want you to succeed. The journalism school provides internships and academic help. I love the traveling opportunities that the school provides.
Allie Medellin, Media Scholar
I witnessed a very family oriented and passion-filled environment upon walking into the IDS for the first time. I couldn't have possibly received half of the opportunities that I have today had I gone elsewhere. There's no place like Ernie Pyle Hall.
Michael Majchrowicz, who joined the IDS as a freshman
Get involved. We have great student media here, so getting involved from the beginning is really important. I’ve learned more here in the IDS than I have in any of my other classes. You get to put the things you learn in the classroom into use here.
Christine Spasoff, Media Scholar, Media Living Learning Center resident
Make sure you find what you want to do whether it’s writing stories, PR, radio or television. There are so many different avenues. Find your favorite part and follow it. Them, make sure you’re well-immersed in everything. Make sure you have the capability to do anything. That’s really important in order to be marketable as a journalist.
Matt Spears, who interned with the Indiana Pacers
 |
Charlie Scudder, Ernie Pyle Scholar
The IDS was one of the main reasons why I came to IU. I joined the IDS my first semester freshman year and just dove into it. I haven’t stopped since. You learn so much from the people you work with. There are world-class writers, designers and photographers at the IDS who are students.
Michael Auslen, Ernie Pyle Scholar
Being a beat reporter is a lot of work. I wrote 40 to 50 stories a semester. My freshman year, I had the field hockey beat. My second semester, I covered softball. When my roommates were still getting settled in and figuring out what they wanted to do, I was up and about running around covering things for the paper. I think that even though it was a lot of work, it was still really fun because I got to do something I was passionate about. It gave me real-life experience.
Aaron Siegal-Eisman, School of Journalism Ambassador
Get to know the journalism school faculty and professors. They all have really great connections, and it’s a great opportunity to network. Knowing the right kind of people from the journalism school will help you later on.
Allie Medellin, Media Scholar
Really utilize the skills you learn in your journalism classes. It’s so applicable to so many other careers. Learning how to write under deadline and interview people really helps in any kind of career.
Lierin Ehmke, Media Scholar
 |
Araceli Gomez, student representative for La Casa/Latino Culture Center and CommUNITY Educator at her residence hall
