Ask the Recruiter

Q. You've been there for me in a big way since I started my journalism degree two years ago. But I get a lot of advice, often conflicting, and now that I'm trying to enter the workforce I don't know whose advice to follow.

Is it so much harder to get started in a large circulation metropolitan paper than at a small town? I just moved to New York, but everyone tells me to go back to small-town America if I want to get a job.

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I completed two years of my journalism degree. Though I have a bachelor of science, many people say I should finish my journalism degree. Others tell me editors don't care as much about the degree as they do about the clips. What would you say?

Finally, supposing I stick it out in New York City, how long should I keep searching for a regular internship or entry-level position before I become a receptionist and focus on freelance writing? And between internships and entry-level positions, which news organizations would be looking to hire me, with my modest resume, a bachelor of science degree and my stint as editor of my student paper?

There is a new answer from everyone I ask, but since your responses to others are dead on, I thought you might be able to help me with my strategy.

Thanks so much, I love your column.

Bite of the Apple

A. I'm going to agree with some of what you've heard and disagree with other parts.

Realistically and honestly, you are trying to break into the most competitive journalism market in the country. You are doing it during a time when all kinds of jobs are migrating from traditional media to new media. That gives you some idea of where you should be heading. Out of town might be part of the answer.

Joe Grimm

People with more clips and stronger resumes than you struggle to make it in New York. One such person, locked in as a research assistant at a big magazine, once told me, "I am making enough to be here. But I can't buy anything." She had some fun there and recently left. She landed a job at an ethnic magazine.

From a career standpoint, it doesn't make a lot of sense to try to break into journalism in New York City. But there is more to you than just your career. You're going to have to weigh the importance of being in that great city and being a journalist. It feels like you have come to the inescapable conclusion that this is the best time in your life to try New York City.

And who would I be to argue with that?

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Coming Friday: Unsuccessful internship candidates have called this recruiter to ask what they were lacking. What should she tell them?

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