1. Where did you do your internship while in MRU Journalism?

Where Calgary Magazine and The Calgary Journal

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

The real world of journalism is very different from a classroom newsroom. There is less content pitching, and the writing is much more fast paced, but people are also more willing to trust your expertise without as many critiques. The classroom newsroom is actually harder to survive than the real world. You'll definitely be ready for it, even overprepared.

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

The camaraderie in our newsroom is something that I really miss, along with always having a fresh pair of eyes on my work through classmates, not just me and my boss. I also really miss the variety of media I got to work with during my classes. I don't work with photography and video nearly as much now, but working with them in school did prepare me for the work I do now, even if it's not multimedia focused, in that I have the comfort level and skill to work in any medium required of me.

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

Highly. My education covered a variety of media production methods, and the degree itself is a great prerequisite to other fields, like Law, Arts, Teaching, Library Science, Counselling, etc. should someone be interested in changing their path after the fact. A journalism degree is not just about learning to live in a newsroom, it’s about learning how to tell the best possible story using the tools available to you. Good storytelling is the pulse of multiple fields and organizations, and it’s a skill that is not to be undervalued.

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

I love connecting with our patrons and making a meaningful difference in their lives. When I worked in social at the Library, I met community needs through exceptional digital customer service experiences. I created content, which kept me creative and created surprise and digital for our users. Connecting Calgarians to the quality information they need brings me a lot of fulfillment. In my new role, the additional strategic responsibilities I’ll be undertaking will also allow me to make life easier for my coworkers, who I love and am honoured to work with. The stories I help shape and the connections I build improve other people’s lives, and that’s so rewarding to know.

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

Clear communication (both in your writing and your connections with colleagues), managing expectations, and sharing your good ideas will take you everywhere. And don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. Nobody needs you to be a hero and know everything. We all share in the success when we work together.

7. Who has most inspired you along the way, and why?

My elective professors, particularly Micheline Maylor and Richard Harrison. We continue to stay in touch, and their advice has always inspired me to take my aspirations to new heights, expect more of myself and my writing, and think outside the box.

8. Is there anything else you would like to share about your experience in MRU Journalism?

All in all it was a solid experience. It prepared me for work in the fields I desired to work in, but most importantly, it taught me that I didn't actually want to be a journalist, I wanted to be a writer. You don't have to be a journalist to share powerful stories with the world.