1. Where did you do your internship while in the journalism program?

I completed my internship with the MRU International Education office.

 

2. Knowing what you know now, what advice would you have liked to give yourself as you started your internship?

My internship was a communications role (and wonderful), but if I had to go back and do it again I would say leave the city, if that's what it takes, and do an internship with a newspaper. The more experience you have before you actually enter the workforce, the better. It will also give you a real taste for the industry and what the job is day-to-day, which is much different than university. That way you can be better informed when you decide which path to take upon graduation–community reporting isn't for everyone.

 

3. What is something that really stands out when you think about your time at MRU Journalism?

There are many things I learned in university that I use every day at my job. Sean Holman's guidance in writing, interviewing and looking for stories sticks with me every day – find the tension! His passion for journalism and support in his classes is what got me through my second year when I was doubting my education choices. His ongoing work in the industry continues to inspire.

Another class I loved was the multimedia projects class. It was a challenging culmination of everything I had learned and a fulfilling way to finish off the second-last semester of my degree.

I appreciated learning a little bit about every medium. Though I mostly write and photograph in my current position, I know I am capable of branching out into video and podcasting if I have the time.

 

4. In your career, what type of work has most excited you, and why?

I love writing stories that raise awareness about social justice issues such as sexual abuse and mental health and substance use. I feel that part of a community journalist's role is to create and foster connectedness. If I can make someone feel less alone because they read that someone else is going through the same thing, I have succeeded. I also believe it is empowering for someone to share and own their stories of struggle.

 

5. What is the most important but unwritten rule that you’ve learned on the job?

Having the story first is important, but don't sacrifice quality or trustworthiness in order to do that. Learn to take enough time to do a "good enough" job. Get it right and add more later.

 

6.  How transferrable were the skills you acquired in your education?

Problem-solving, verbal communication, visual communication, written communication, teamwork, scheduling, creativity, able to work on a deadline, video and photography editing, copy editing and leadership are all skills that I use in my career every day.