Covering the Humble "Beat"

Most young journalists have spent the majority of their time in the campus newsroom. And so, we have, the Student Journalist Ego.

Think about it: Campus newsrooms are devoid of strict deadlines, giving writers the OPTION of writing stories. And so when the big news story IS eventually written, the student journalist is praised up one side and down the other by peers and professors alike, which can cause student journalists to become --- well, big headed. (And that’s without adding an internship to the resume)

But then you enter a real newsroom. And the individuals in that newsroom are not your peers, are not those professors who say, “It’s OK if you can’t write the story today..." These are mavens. They have been doing it longer than you by a long shot. At times they will help you out with pointers and tutorials. But that’s when you need to dilute that ego and take a big piece of that humble pie.

I’ve already had a handful of those moments. An editor tried to tutor me on how to use a digital camera. Well DUH! Then there was the editor who applauded me when I decided to shoot and edit my own online videos ... ummm, I already have five under my belt. There’s nothing wrong with relearning things you already know. It allows you to perfect the craft. Also, newsrooms journalists are more inclined to give tips and points to those open to their guidance as opposed to those who think they have made it...

So be humble. Because You haven't made it YET!!