Jorge Salinas

Alumnus

Public Relations option

Director of Labor Relations

Chico State

Photo Courtesy of Jorge Salinas

Q. Thinking back to your early days in the journalism program (e.g., “Writing for Mass Media”), is journalism what you expected it to be?

A. My first journalism class wasn't what I expected and a lot different from the courses I had taken at a junior college. It reinforced the fact that I didn't know how to write very well. The amount of writing required was immense but manageable and I remember a professor telling the class if we misspelled a name or location we would fail the assignment irrespective of the content of the writing. After the initial shock, I think the entire class adjusted very well.

Q. Should graduating journalism students who want to pursue a career outside of journalism be nervous about finding a job?

A. I don’t think students should be nervous about pursuing a career outside of journalism. The ability to write well is a skill that transcends virtually every occupation

Q. How are you applying the skills you learned in the journalism program at Chico State?

A. The journalism program provided me the skills to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. These are skills that I use on a daily basis. A lot of my job involves advocating a particular position to various parties. This requires the ability to express thoughts and ideas cogently and often in a persuasive manner.

Q. How many jobs have you held since graduation?

A. Since graduating Chico State and New York Law School. Two.

Q. Are you happy with your job (and life) post-graduation?

A. Absolutely. I really enjoy working in labor and employee relations. It’s always nice to work in an occupation that you find both challenging and rewarding. It’s also great to work here at my alma matter.

Q. Please briefly describe what you do in an average day.

A. I am responsible for administering seven collective bargaining agreements covering both faculty and staff. I handle grievances, complaints, investigations and discipline. A lot of my time is spent trying to resolve grievances and issues in manner that is both positive for the employee and Chico State.  

Q. Do you think the journalism program prepared you well for your job?

A. Absolutely.      

Q. Do you think the skills you gained in the program gave you a competitive edge in the job market? Why or why not?

A. I think employers are always looking for employees that can express themselves and their ideas in an effective manner. Having a strong foundation in writing is a definite competitive edge for students and employees.

Q. What do you wish you’d learned or done differently while a journalism student at Chico State?

A. Nothing to do with the journalism program but I wish I had studied abroad. I think that would have been a great experience.

Q. Do you have any advice for graduating seniors?

A. Don’t get discouraged if you initially don’t find success in the job market. Don’t lose sight of the fact that you are well trained and you will be successful in your job search. Continue to learn.

Q. What are your perceptions of the future of journalism?

A. A lot more technology driven.

Information compiled by Nicole Williams

Cat Bytes is a student-produced publication of the Department of Journalism / California State University, Chico