Young Journalists Tell Secrets of Their Success

Persistence--and maybe a little luck--are the keys to landing a job in journalism, a panel of six media professionals said Tuesday night.

At the discussion in Ticknor Lounge sponsored by the Institute of Politics, 60 prospective journalists learned "How to be a Successful News Correspondent Before Age 30."

Most of the panelists--representatives from both print and broadcast media--said they rose to their positions at major networks and publications only after humble internship experiences.

Eileen McMenamin, a correspondent for ABC, said she started as an intern at the network and suggested Harvard students should look for their first job in journalism based on name--rather than duties.

"Starting at ABC is a wise choice," McMenamin said. "You make contacts even if you're only doing faxing and xeroxing."

Mike Allen, a reporter for The Washington Post, said Harvard students should seek jobs at large papers and big stations.

"Harvard kids should definitely go straight to the big leagues," Allen said. "If nothing else, you're around bright people, and you'll be there when the opportunity to step in comes."

The panelists also spoke about being discouraged when they first tried to find work but found persistence paid off.

When Peter Baker tried to apply for his job as a reporter at The Washington Post, he was told flatly not to try.

"Even though I was told not to apply, I did it anyway," Baker said. "And the guy who had originally told me to forget it actually hired me."

John Karl, a correspondent for the Atlanta-based Cable News Network said young journalists should keep calling to speak with people about jobs.

Being eager to offer one's skills pays off, Karl said.

For Harvard students nervous that the nation's third-ranked university does not offer a degree in journalism, panelists said neither an undergraduate nor graduate degree in journalism is necessary for success.

Instead, panelists said it is much better to have a specialized knowledge and hands-on experience.

"I'm think of going back to school to study history," said Laurie Kellman, a reporter for The Washington Times.

When Kellman began working at age 22, she actually received better assignments than did her co-workers who had graduate degrees in journalism, she said.

Karl said the best thing for aspiring journalists to have is experience.

"It's what you can produce that gets you the job," said the CNN correspondent. "That and some luck."