Walking through the University of Maryland’s Philip Merrill College of Journalism, you’re just about guaranteed to see accomplished journalists roaming the halls. Between former Baltimore Sun editors and The Washington Post reporters, it’s hard not to imagine yourself in their shoes one day. However, any good journalist has to start somewhere.
Stalk the Listserv
If there’s one thing you should know about Maryland’s journalism program, it’s this: the listserv is your best friend. As a freshman (and really any other age for that matter), it is the best way to start getting involved. It’s where you’ll find information about internships, meetings for publications, organizations to get involved in, and information about other opportunities on campus. So what are you waiting for? Go check your email!
Campus Publications
Almost every Maryland student has read at least one issue of The Diamondback. Although the student newspaper is one of the top in the country, Maryland is home to numerous other magazines and newspapers. Between The Mitzpeh, Unwind magazine, The Public Asian, the Campus Trainer, and you can’t forget Her Campus, this campus offers numerous opportunities to gain writing and editing experience. Read the listserv to find out about meetings and opportunities.
Television & Radio
At Maryland, students interested in broadcast don’t have to wait until after graduation to become the next big thing. Journalism majors have the opportunity to help out at the campus’ radio station, WMUC, and host their own radio show. Looking to make it on the small screen? UMTV, Maryland’s television station, hosts a variety of different programs and gives students the opportunity to gain real experience in television production.
The Society of Professional Journalists
The Society of Professional Journalists is a national organization devoted to protecting the rights of journalists and promoting free press. Through your association with Maryland’s chapter, you will have the opportunity to hear from professional journalists, gain leadership experience, and have the chance to attend the national convention held in a different city every year.
Internships
Although campus has many opportunities for journalism students, taking advantage of Maryland’s close proximity to D.C. can be key in securing a job in journalism. Although internships may seem competitive to obtain, most Merrill professors have connections with a variety of media outlets and can be the golden ticket to scoring hard-to-obtain internships. However, don’t be afraid to apply for the competitive internships, you may just be the applicant they were looking for!
Professors
Being in such close proximity to cities like Washington D.C. and Baltimore makes it easy for Merrill students to hop on the metro and get started. Though you may find out about internships through connections, your own research, or your new best friend (the listserv), many students find internship opportunities through professors. Every professor at Merrill is an accomplished journalist in their own right and no student should overlook that opportunities the professors hold to get involved.