Rachel Gutierrez

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 how much writing was actually going to be involved in doing PR. I transferred to Chico State, so I didn't know that PR was actually under Journalism. Some colleges have it under Marketing. So when I got into Writing for Mass Media, I thought, "Isn't this more News-Ed?" But as you progress through the program you realize it is all connected.

Q. Was journalism what you expected it to be?

A. Yes and more! I was surprised by the options of electives you can take that incorporate more than just writing a news release. I took "Advertising for Copy Writing" and learned HTML code and how to use computer programs I was clueless about before.

Q. How have your goals changed?

A. My goal was to finish and graduate, so now that is being accomplished. I wanted to concentrate on one thing at a time. Job hunting seems a bit overwhelming, so now that I am nearly done I can move to the next thing. Getting a great job is and always will be a goal.

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

A. As much as people dread the class...."Public Relations Strategy." You learn so much and get so much accomplished when you are done. Before that, you don't really realize what PR asks of you until you pull off a planbook.

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

A. Well, I did take "Copy Writing for Advertising," so that opens up another option to go into advertising.

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

A. It would be good to hear from other students about classes that are beneficial to take. The catalog really doesn't do any justice compared to people who have taken the course first hand and can tell you if it will help you with your career or not.

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

A. My internship helped me realize that some places aren't fit for you. It's important to really search the job market and the different industries to find a place that you feel comfortable at.

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

A. My minor is marketing. PR and Marketing go great together and it only gives me a better understanding of the consumer market and how to target and appeal to them with a company.

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

A. Yes, I do. Although, I wish I had taken more classes to help with parts of journalism I feel I am weak in. My advice to anyone out there....take the classes that are out of your comfort zone! You can only grow to be better! :)

Q. What qualities does a journalist embody?

A. They need to have a good head on their shoulders with an open mind. They need to be proactive and get things done on time.

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

A. People will always need to know what's going on with news, so I think it's stable.

Q. Where do you see yourself in five years?

A. Yikes, I can't even predict the next six months! Five years? Hopefully kicking ass and taking names! ;)

Information compiled by Emily Hopkins

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