{"id":4453,"date":"2020-12-21T11:00:00","date_gmt":"2020-12-21T19:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/the-roar.net\/?p=4453"},"modified":"2021-06-29T11:58:07","modified_gmt":"2021-06-29T18:58:07","slug":"make-an-impact-with-a-degree-in-journalism","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/the-roar.net\/?p=4453","title":{"rendered":"Make an Impact with a Degree in Journalism"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Were you the type of kid that was always jotting things down in a journal or diary? A curious observer of the world around you?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If that sounds like you, then you should consider an associate degree for transfer in Journalism at San Jos\u00e9 City College<\/a>. It\u2019s sure to be a formative experience that will guarantee your path<\/a> to a bachelor\u2019s degree and launch your career as a professional journalist. At a time when the world desperately needs trustworthy news \u2014 it will prepare you to make an impact.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here\u2019s what to expect when you major in journalism, and why you should choose one of the best journalism programs in the Bay Area. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI just needed somebody to take a chance on me; The City College Times did and I have been reaping the benefits ever since.\u201d<\/p>Brennon Dixson, former SJCC student and City College Times editor<\/cite><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

What is Journalism?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The American Press Institute (API)<\/a> defines journalism as \u2014 the product of the \u201cactivity of gathering, assessing, creating, and presenting news and information.\u201d And of course, that news should be based on evidence and proof. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Today, journalism includes traditional forms such as broadcast television, magazines, and newspapers. It also includes radio and other types of audio. But increasing numbers of people get their news on social media, which is a drastic change that began only a few decades ago.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Journalism is Changing<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Over the past few years especially, the news has been radically digitized. Print is still hanging on for the few of us who love the feel of a real magazine or newspaper. But now, 89% of Americans consume their news online<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

So you might say that modern journalism \u2014 is digital journalism. There are lots of upsides to this shake up \u2014 such as speed, a wider reach and opportunities for new voices. But some folks think the pros outweigh the cons, and they\u2019re pessimistic about the future of the entire field of journalism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The sad truth is that people distrust internet news<\/a> more than ever, and they\u2019re not off base. With the rise of social media and the easy sharing of low-quality content, it\u2019s normal to feel skeptical about what you\u2019re reading on a daily basis. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In fact, if you\u2019re not carefully selecting your sources, then it\u2019s actually irresponsible if you don\u2019t<\/em> question your news. But the more optimistic folks aren\u2019t giving up on news altogether. They\u2019re calling for media literacy in schools<\/a>, and of course \u2014 a lot more quality journalism<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The City College Times Staff with adviser, Farideh Dada in 2019.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Why You Should Major in Journalism<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

We are firmly on the side of the optimists. We agree that the United States needs more journalists with solid education and experience. But a profound need is not the only appeal for an aspiring journalism major. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now let\u2019s explore how pursuing an associates degree in journalism is both noble and practical.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Professional Journalism is Critical to Our Democracy<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The API’s definition of journalism<\/a> also says, \u201cHistory reveals that the more democratic a society, the more news and information it tends to have.\u201d And most of us are well aware that freedom of press is essential for freedom and democracy<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In an article from the World Economic Forum<\/a>, experts further stressed the urgency for quality journalism as we\u2019re confronted by uncertain times. \u201cAs we move forward, independent professional journalism will be more important than ever in helping people understand the major challenges and opportunities facing us, from day-to-day local events to global issues.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

No matter your politics, journalism is critical for everyone, in every free nation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Online Publishing is a Booming Industry<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Traditional publications are drastically altering their business models to remain profitable. And lots of them are making it work. And those who haven\u2019t \u2014 have made room for savvy digital publications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The proof? According to Pew Research<\/a>, \u201cemployment in digital newsrooms increased 82% from 2008 to 2018.\u201d And Business Wire Inc.<\/a> reported that the digital publishing industry is expected to grow by nearly $70 billion in the next four years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another less obvious source for modern news comes from the podcast industry \u2014 which is in a yearslong boom<\/a>. And Google\u2019s personalized audio news<\/a>, which launched in 2019, is expected to become a major news source.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

All of this bodes very well for aspiring journalists. There\u2019s still a huge market, and therefore lots of journalism degree career opportunities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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SJCC broadcasting students at an event in 2016.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

SJCC\u2019s Journalism Program is a Catalyst for Success<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI also got to have a real impact on the creative vision of the publication. That experience, I carry forward.”<\/p>Mark Sheppa<\/em>rd, former SJCC student and City College Times editor<\/cite><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The journalism community at San Jos\u00e9 City College is one of the most vibrant and respected in the Bay Area. Its programs are supportive yet challenging. More importantly, they give students unique opportunities to unleash their journalistic brilliance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Journalism and broadcasting students at SJCC learn in a rigorous classroom setting \u2014 and since journalism is so interdisciplinary, they don’t just study writing. They can explore photography, editing, advertising, designing, marketing, graphic art and social media \u2014 whatever interests them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

They have the opportunity to work on an award-winning publication (The City College Times<\/a>) and on-air radio (KJCC<\/a>). The faculty, staff and students are wholeheartedly passionate about the news.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cJournalists exercise power. They are a voice for the voiceless. We produce journalists who fulfill the media\u2019s role as a watchdog, an imperative to a free society,\u201d said faculty advisor Farideh Dada.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In addition to its strong moral compass, the program has been recognized for its merit and achievements. \u201cWe have a successful program, one that has been part of the community for more than 60 years and has consistently ranked among the state\u2019s best in contests against other two-year colleges,\u201d Dada said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

SJCC leads students on a path to journalistic achievement, so that they may play an important role in modern media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Journalism at SJCC is a Degree with a Guarantee<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The associate degree in journalism at SJCC is a great option for students who would like to transfer to a four-year university. In fact, it\u2019s actually an Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Through the Degree with a Guarantee<\/a> program, SJCC has agreements with the California State University (CSU) system. So college transfer students can qualify for guaranteed admission to a select number of CSUs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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City College Times Editor-in-Chief of spring 2020 Jasper Somera relaxes in the newsroom with a copy of the City College Times newspaper.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

You Can Learn Valuable Skills at the School Publication<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The City College Times<\/a> has received countless awards from a variety of organizations. In November 2020 alone, they received 15 awards from the Journalism Association of Community Colleges<\/a> (JACC).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It provides SJCC students with a remarkable opportunity. A space to collaborate, work and grow. They get experience in communication, writing, reporting and navigating digital media. They have the opportunity to find their voice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The campus publication upholds the highest standards for journalism and professionalism. So that students can cultivate these essential skills before graduation. It\u2019s an experience that puts them ahead of the curve wherever they go. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Brennon Dixson \u2014 former editor of the City College Times, spoke fondly of his time there. He said \u201cthe ability to jump right into the action and shape your own destiny,” made his experience at the paper unique. “It sounds super corny but SJCC\u2019s paper is perfect for those who know they want to be a journalist because there\u2019s plenty of opportunities to report, edit or design,\u201d Dixson said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mark Sheppard, another former editor said, \u201cI was able to develop a management style that I thought was conducive to collaboration. But I also got to have a real impact on the creative vision of the publication. That experience, I carry forward.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dixson transferred to CSULB and has gone on to become an award-winning Education Journalist. Sheppard is now an editor at The Chicago Policy Review<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dixson also said, \u201cI just needed somebody to take a chance on me; The City College Times did and I have been reaping the benefits ever since.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Working at the school’s publication puts journalism students light-years ahead of many of their peers once they transfer. It boosts their confidence and makes them more competitive if they want to go to top journalism schools. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re curious, check out some of the the City College Times articles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n