Jennifer Wright

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 now realize how much work it is for journalists around the world to get their stories in. Tracking down people for interviews, crafting leads and writing good stories are hard work, and they do it every day.

Q. Was journalism what you expected it to be?

A. Yes and no. When I came into the program I was prepared to do a lot of writing, which I enjoy, but I didn’t realize how much interviewing and how much outside time all my schoolwork would take because I was naïve about it.

Q. How have your goals changed?

A. I started out as a news-ed option and quickly realized that isn’t for me, so my goals have changed drastically. I originally wanted to be a reporter, now I’m looking into a career doing some sort of PR, maybe agency work, or a career in editing, because that’s what I love to do more than anything.

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

A. “Public Relations Strategy” was the most beneficial to me by far. It showed me how much work and stress I can handle, and the planbooks were the first project I’ve ever done where I felt like I had created something of importance. It was also by far the most stressful class I’ve ever taken, and the only one that I ever cried over, but once it was finished I was able to appreciate the course and Debra so much for everything I had learned through the course of the semester.

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

A. Journalism 445 has had the most impact because I’ve been working as a member of the editorial staff at Tehama Group Communications for the past two semesters and realized how much I love to edit. It was never something I had seriously considered before, but now I’m trying to explore my options in that field.

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

A. I wish there were more available sections of classes because sometimes it was hard to schedule around, but I’ve enjoyed every class I’ve taken in the program.

Q.What will you miss most about Chico State’s journalism program once you’ve graduated?

A. Probably Debra Johnson. I couldn’t have asked for a better adviser. She is so on top of things and really cares about her students and the work they produce. I wouldn’t be half as prepared to graduate if it weren’t for her.

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

A. I studied abroad in London for the spring 2007 semester. This has changed my worldview more than anything because I was able to see how another culture lives and was also able to see how the U.S. is perceived.

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

A. My minor is English, and it helps me strengthen my editing and writing skills. I’ve also been thinking about going into literary editing at some point, so if I did my background in English would be extremely helpful.

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

A. Yes and no. It’s definitely a scary thought even though I know I can handle it and am a fast learner. If anything, I’m more in denial about having to grow up and being in the workforce for the rest of my life.

Q. What qualities does a journalist embody?

A. Journalists need to be energetic, creative, hard working, and detail and time oriented.

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

A. Honestly, I’m a little nervous about journalism’s future. With everything moving progressively to electronic media, it’ll be interesting to see what happens to print media in the coming years.

Q. Where do you see yourself in five years?

A. Ha, I have no idea!

Information compiled by Marcia Miller

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