In a Real Journalist's Footsteps

By Angela Clark | VOX Staff

Art by Felicia Lankford | VOX Staff

Excitedly, my partner in crime and I walked into the elevator to go up to floor number three. We looked at each other, giggling nervously, wondering how our day of job shadowing would be. Would our mentor be mean and bitter or helpful and sweet? Would we be able to see every aspect of the company or just get a tease? Would we ever come back?

Both my fellow VOX staffer Modupe Alabi and I wish to pursue careers in print journalism — more specifically, magazines. For VOX’s Take a Teen to Work program, the adult staff did a tremendous job of finding each of us an adult in a field that matches our goals and dreams.

Mo and I shadowed Elizabeth Westby, assistant editor at Atlanta Magazine, for a day. She showed us around the office and introduced us to many of their writers, editors, managers and the editor-in-chief. They were all very welcoming and touched to meet teens who wished to pursue careers similar to their own. They saw both of us in their magazine’s January 2009 issue and said it was a pleasure to meet us in person.

Although it was a slow day at the office, Mo and I got to see firsthand the work it takes to run a publication. Elizabeth also talked to us about how each employee has his or her own duty to fulfill. She described the process of writing a story and making art for it. There are writers, editors, artists, mangers—even interns to fact check each and every article. We got a sneak peak at the layout of the newest Atlanta Magazine issue. It was similar to our roadmap in the VOX office, but even more in depth and precise.

I also had the opportunity to meet with Bill Warhop, the magazine’s managing editor. He spoke at length with Mo and me about internships and gave us some tips on how and when to apply. He mentioned that a cover letter and resume are the first things that an employer looks at; this is where prospective interns should sort of sell themselves and talk about the skills they would bring to the company. His advice encouraged me and gave me some optimism to look for a career with the magazine when I’m old enough. He said I could possibly come back for a summer internship after my freshman year of college.

Before my experience, I knew a little bit about print journalism, but during my visit, I learned that there is much more to this field than merely newspapers and computers. The staff showed me that the world is changing — a successful publication needs more than just their printed work to succeed. Blogs and online resources help a company survive in this technological generation. Elizabeth explained how Atlanta Magazine was working on strengthening their Web site to keep — and gain more — readers. These tips helped me personally as I dream of one day creating my own satirical news magazine. That way, I can write all I want without being confined to the blase news of murder stories and celebrity scandals.

Teens with a dream should look into job shadowing. It is a priceless learning experience. Although it is always helpful to read about careers, there is nothing more valuable than experiencing the environment you’re working toward.

Angela is a Miller Grove Wolverine awaiting August, when she will officially be a UGA BullDawg!

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Newsdesk Editing 101

By Amanda Dixon | VOX Staff

Walking into the CNN newsroom, where Taylor Gandossy, a newsdesk editor, works, I was mesmerized by the sight of dozens of people crouching over laptops, answering phone calls, glancing at videos, and doing whatever necessary to provide viewers with up-to-date news. Phones rang continuously, as Gandossy paused to respond to one of the 300 or so emails she receives each day.

This room is what Gandossy calls the “nucleus” of the CNN Center. The CNN Wire, the department where Gandossy works, focuses on reporting breaking news. As a newsdesk editor, Gandossy’s primary responsibilities include validating tips and sources, and updating and editing breaking news stories in order to “keep news fresh.”

I job-shadowed Gandossy during spring break, having been matched with her through VOX’s Take A Teen To Work program where members of VOX teen staff are paired with professionals in their fields of interest. I have wanted to be a writer since I was 7 years old, and journalism is an opportunity to combine my interest in writing with my love for researching and gathering information about different people and events.

Education and Training Requirements

To become a successful newsdesk editor, a person needs more than just passion and interest. The position requires at least a bachelor’s degree, preferably in print journalism, though building a solid background in different areas of journalism such as broadcast, Internet and print journalism is suggested in today’s fast-paced world. Surprisingly, Gandossy told me that a master’s degree in journalism, though useful, is not mandatory.

She was hired at CNN shortly after graduating from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she initially majored in English but was convinced to switch to journalism after working with her college magazine. As an undergraduate student, Gandossy interned with CNN.com as a freelance writer and soon became associate producer before working in her current role at CNN Wire.

Any journalist will tell you that internships are very important in building a career in this field because you’ll gain hands-on experience. Networking, or building relationships with different people, even while you are in school is also very important. Knowing a variety of important and successful people can be helpful when searching for a job in the future.

How to Succeed at the Newsdesk

Personal qualities required to be a successful newsdesk editor include the abilities to communicate effectively with others, multi-task, and handle stress and deadline pressure. Working as a newsdesk editor in the CNN Wire requires a group effort in order to ensure that the stories produced are as accurate as possible.

Often times, Gandossy said, her work can be rather stressful because ensuring that each story is detailed and accurate is difficult. Her shifts change from week to week depending on the events that occur. When I was at CNN, she had more free time and only worked a five and a half hour shift, but on a more eventful day, she may be too busy to break for lunch.

Working as a newsdesk editor can be tiring, but Gandossy assured me, “You get used to it.” Holidays are not guaranteed and if you are interested in this particular career, flexibility is a must because you may have to work irregular hours depending on the daily news. However, Gandossy says she likes working at CNN because her days are “never dull” and “there is always something going on.” She also admires the fact that “the people who work [at CNN] have different backgrounds.”

An Aspiring Journalist

Job-shadowing Gandossy was very helpful. My day with her at CNN further convinced me to pursue journalism. I honestly cannot imagine spending my life doing anything else. Hopefully the information I gathered will be beneficial to students who are also contemplating careers in the fields of broadcast, Internet and/or print journalism.

Amanda, 17, is a senior at Dunwoody High School who is eager to graduate and begin the next phase of her life.