So a journalism degree is valuable afterall

It never occurred to me prior to today that I would be a part of the next generation of journalists. Eventually the people covering the news and events in the world right now will retire, die (or get fired...) and the job of maintaining democracy will fall upon the students studying journalism right now, which includes me.

This semester I have really pondered a lot on my future career, what journalism is, what my personal ethics are. Sometimes I often wonder why on earth I am going into a field where jobs seem to be shrinking (at least in traditional form). Another question I've asked myself several times is why I am majoring in print journalism when the profession does not even require a degree?

Poynter had an article by Chris Lavin with an interview of the Dean of Penn State, Doug Anderson. It discussed how a journalism degree is more valuable than ever before. The change from a negative perspective was refreshing.

Lavin said, "One sign of hope is the annual Hearst Collegiate Journalism Competition -- often called the Pulitzers of college journalism -- which included a multimedia category for the first time this year."

While so much is changing within the field of journalism, the advances in technology and alterations in curriculum allows and prepares for current students of journalism to branch out more creatively than before. This generation of news calls for higher quality stories and immediate distribution. We can cater to these new developments and demands.

As the future's journalists we must be knowledgeable of everything. Not just writing, but photography, design, and editing. This provides us the opportunity to become well-rounded, efficient journalists, as well as increase credentials for employment. Obtaining a degree in journalism is more valuable than ever before. Walking into a news room and asking for a job will no longer cut it. In order for the public to receive good journalism, news organizations must hire a better breed of journalists, ones that are aware of the changes and able to meet the demands of society.

To read the rest of Doug Anderson's interview: http://tinyurl.com/6hq3mt