Jennifer Arnold

2008 graduate

Public Relations option

Department of Journalism

California State University, Chico

Q. How have your perceptions of journalism changed between when you started the program and now?

A. I didn’t realize the impact of the Web on journalism and how it has transformed the industry.

Q. Was journalism what you expected it to be?

A. For the most part, yes.

Q. How have your goals changed?

A. I wasn’t completely sure that PR in particular was what I wanted to do, but after going through the program, especially due to my on-site internship, it really cemented that goal of mine. I also started out thinking that an agency wasn’t where I wanted to work, but it is now my goal to get an entry level job at an agency.

Q. What has been the most beneficial course in the journalism program, and why?

A. It is a toss up between "Public Relations Strategy" and the on-site internship class. Both are hands-on, practical public relations experience. They both gave me a really good idea of what working the field is like, both the good and the bad. But I enjoyed being challenged in both, and feeling like my hard work was going toward something meaningful.

Q. What course had the most surprising impact on your potential career options?

A. The internship class. My internship with Chico Performances opened my eyes to the integration of PR and marketing. I also found a real enjoyment in promoting the performing arts. I would love to do PR for a music/entertainment agency. My supervisor is a great mentor and really has helped guide my job search. I would come into the office and find printed job openings in my box. 

Q. If you could change one thing about the journalism program at Chico State, what would it be?

A. In terms of the PR track, I would say a class on media relations. That is one thing that I had to learn while working for Chico Performances, my on-site internship.  I didn’t feel completely prepared for that type of PR work.

Q. What extra-curricular activities (e.g., clubs, internships, study abroad) have helped shape your worldview and preparation for the “real” world?

A. Having a job while I went to school has prepared me for managing my time and being able to jump from one work environment to another. My internship has also had a big impact on my preparation for the “real” world. I wasn’t particularly involved in school, I have always worked too much to be able to, but working and balancing a healthy social life I think is crucial to transition into the workplace.

Q. What is your minor and how does it fit with your employment goals?

A. My minor is Theatre Arts. Like I said before I am interested in pursuing a job in the arts/entertainment industry and having a background in the theatre arts will help with that.

Q. Do you feel equipped to go into the workforce?

A. Yes, without a doubt!

Q. What qualities does a journalist embody?

A. A journalist should be honest, patient, discerning, dedicated, detail oriented, curious, neutral, etc. The list goes on.

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

A. Print is pretty much dead, and it is all about online. Now newspapers need to figure out how to make money online.

Q. Where do you see yourself in five years?

A. Doing corporate PR in Southern California or New York, married, possibly with kids!

Information compiled by Andrea McDonald

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