Jacqueline Carambat

2008 graduate

News-Editorial 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 knew right off the bat that there was going to be a lot of writing involved, but I was ready for it. I have always loved to write and tell stories. But being in this program showed me that there's a lot more to journalism than just writing. There's rules, laws, and other ethics we as journalists need to understand, and this program does an excellent job of teaching us them.

Q. Was journalism what you expected it to be?

A. If what you mean is non-stop writing, then definitely yes. But I was pretty surprised by how much freedom I was given to explore story ideas instead of just being told what to do. I think it would have hindered both my writing and my creativity if I didn't get to choose what I wanted to cover.

Q. How have your goals changed?

A. When I was in high school, a local news woman came to one of our career days. Ever since her visit, I wanted to be a broadcast journalist. But being in this program, which is virtually all newspaper-based, showed me that journalism is much more than what I see in TV. Though it would be amazing to work as a broadcast news reporter, I'm leaning more toward the newspaper and magazine outlets, simply because I will get to write a lot more than I ever would being on TV.

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

A. Wow, this is a tough one to pick. I would have to go with "News Editing and Copyreading." The skills I've learned from that class are ones I will be using until my career ends. It's the basics, but essential basics nonetheless.

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

A. I would have to say the special topics class "Journalism Technology and Society" I took last semester. It showed me that journalism is moving into other outlets, specifically the Internet. I never considered working for a newspaper online, but with the way newspapers and other traditional outlets seem to be fading, that may be my only option!

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

A. I would make some kind of interviewing skills class. Though we already have some classes that briefly touch on the subject, some people still walk away not feeling comfortable interviewing. It's an important skill to have, so the more practice the better.

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

A. Hands down, working for The Orion. It's been the most "real" world experience I've had yet, but it's been a good one. Working for the paper has been challenging, but it's giving me experience and that's something I'm definitely going to need once I graduate.

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

A. I'm a musical theatre dance minor. I've been a dancer for many years, so once I started taking all these dance classes here, I figured it would just make sense to make it my minor instead of picking up something entirely new. Though some people might think it's weird to combine the two, there are people who write for dance magazines, so that would definitely be something I'm interested in!

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

A. I feel pretty confident with what I have accomplished within this program, so I hope it stays that way once I enter the real news rooms.

Q. What qualities does a journalist embody?

A. A journalist isn't afraid to get in there and get the good stories. A journalist likes to get the big, breaking stories, but also likes to tell the story of an average joe. As for me, I love to tell stories and meet new and interesting people, and I'll get to do both being a journalist.

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

A. Changes are coming, that's for sure. Lots more stuff online and a lot more multi-media. If some traditional outlets haven't jumped on the technology train yet, they better get moving otherwise they'll be left in the dust.

Q. Where do you see yourself in five years?

A. Writing for some publication in The Bay Area. The Bay is my home and I hope I'll be able to stay there. Doing some dancing on the side wouldn't be too shabby either.

Information compiled by Lindsey North

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