What can wannabe hacks teach employers?

A few weeks ago I went to see my tutor for a bit of a catch up on my major project. As always, as well as discussing my project, we got on to talking about lots of other things. One thing that my tutor mentioned that really stuck with me was something the Jay Rosen of NYU said at CovCons (I’ve looked all over for a link to this or something but couldn’t find one, if you can, please let me know!) about how journalism students should be able to teach employers something when they get that elusive first job.

Image courtesy of ÅdneD This really got me thinking. Without wanting to sound really big headed, I’m a good student. I work hard and, generally, I get good grades. Ok, I was never headed for Oxbridge but I’m fairly intelligent and I can write a news story pretty well. But, I don’t really know what I could teach an employer.

I mean, I’ve learnt loads through my degree. If three years ago you’d told 18-year-old me that I’d have done half the stuff I have, I never would have believed you. In a really cliched and nostalgic way, I’ve come so far in the last 3 years. And while, yes, I’ve learnt so much, I’m still not sure what out of that I would be able to teach someone who’s been in the industry for years.

Maybe I’m being too hard on myself. I’ve learnt a lot of online skills that a lot of local newspapers could probably do with learning – especially if my work placements over the summer are anything to go by.

I’m still a bit unconvinced though. Maybe I’m just a bit daunted by the prospect of growing up and having to be a proper adult with a job and responsibilities. Maybe the workload and the pressure of finding a job has finally got to me. Or maybe I really do need to work out what I have to offer an employer.

Now, over to you. What do you think you can teach an employer? What do you have to offer? Leave a comment below or send us a tweet @wannabehacks

Image courtesy of ÅdneD

ClelandThomCTJT

@wannabehacks Ideally, yes ... but some staff, esp editors, will feel threatened. You have to earn your right to be heard.

The Intern

Like @NicolaG01 its not exactly "teaching" but improving a situation. As the future generation of journalists we should be able to display our new skills to perhaps more traditional journos. Be it, suggesting you take hold of the company's social media, using your knowledge of CMS systems, live blogging- you may be able to teach your colleagues something in your first job. Hopefully if anything, it will show intitative and impress your colleagues- than appear big headed.

NicolaG01

@wannabehacks I wouldn't 'look' to teach them something, but, if I had skills I thought to help them improve something I would suggest it

rhysdgriffiths

@wannabehacks Not sure that would be quite the right mindset, but then a good colleague will always try to learn from those around them.

samblackledge

@wannabehacks The best trainee reporters can absolutely teach experienced journalists something. Enthusiasm and ideas go a long way.

paul_d_stevens

@wannabehacks Teach your first employer something? Nice in theory. You might as well just call everyone stupid for all the good it'll do!

GeetSinga

@wannabehacks Yes as I believe we live in a two-way learning world now. So much knowledge at our finger tips, teaching each other is key.

JayCockburn

Well for a start...the proper use of social media to engage listeners/readers/viewers/the general public seem to completely evade most seasoned editors. I see so many radio stations and regional papers just posting a list of their articles on twitter all at once, once a day and thinking that's enough. I even know of some newsroos where individual journalists aren't allowed their own 'journalist' account and must use the 'official account'.Aside from that....just use your head! When you arrive in a new job you're a fresh pair of eyes...it's easy to spot things that could be done better when people are stuck in their ways. It's just a case of having the guts to point it out!

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Can you teach your employer something new? I hope so. | Nick Petrie says:

February 20, 2012 at 7:30 AM

[...] current or potential employers something ‘new’ – a skill, a tool or an approach (sparked by this post from Natalie, The Undergrad). I was surprised enough by some of the more negative responses to pen a few thoughts [...]