Evelyn Larrubia, Associate Editor for the Los Angeles Daily Journal
The Sept. 20 Annenberg Research Seminar featured a discussion about employment in the field of journalism with Evelyn Larrubia, associate editor of the Los Angeles Daily Journal. Larrubia, who filled six positions at the Daily Journal over the summer, emphasized that the field of journalism is not at a lack of entry-level jobs. Although multimedia creative jobs are "the cutting edge," she said, "the entry-level job still looks the same as it did 20 years ago." "No one cares how many Twitter followers you have if you can't string together a story," which most first jobs will require you to do every day and fast, Larrubia said. There is a greater push to hire young and unproven writers, Larrubia said, especially at small- and mid-sized newspapers. The challenge today lies in the layoffs facing mid-career journalists. Larrubia's solution? Specialize: Become an expert in a specific field. The "jack of all trades" approach no longer works in journalism, she said. "Tell employers what you know that's more specialized and better than another writer. Anything that makes you unusual or different is not a drawback but an opportunity," she said. Larrubia discussed the importance of developing and working contacts during a job hunt. Keeping in touch with potential employers will ensure that you are on their radar once a position opens up. Larrubia advised that when it comes to resumes it is important to self-edit and tailor them to each job. "When you're 25 you cannot have a two-page resume. Do not list every task you did at every job," she said. Larrubia said the the best interviews are the ones in which the applicant has clearly researched the publication and comes in ready to present a couple of relevant story pitches. She emphasized that students should not write off the traditional journalism career -- the "invaluable experience of just slugging through stories." No matter how many multimedia skills a student has, she or he is never going to learn to write in theory, she said. "Entry-level jobs are good in harboring those skills."
