I am interviewing for a position covering the United Nations for the Saudi Press Agency, a government-sponsored newswire. In many respects, it is my dream job. I would finally get to cover issues and events that genuinely interest me, rather than having to force myself to get excited about road improvements and zoning board
meetings. It would let me live in New York City, where almost all of my friends currently reside. I would get to tell people at parties "Oh, what do I do? I cover the United Nations for an international news wire service. How about you?"
I see it as an avenue into international journalism in general, basically where I always wanted my career to go ever since I declared my major oh so many years ago. I want to work there long enough to develop contacts and experience and then jump to a more legitimate, private news organization.
But I do have concerns.
First and foremost, I can't help but wonder whether working as a reporter for a government might actually hurt my long-term career prospects rather than help. I imagine there will probably be some propaganda element to this since, again, it IS a government media job, which might make me less trustworthy to people in the future. I'm afraid I won't really be able to use anything I write there for a clip since I'd be shilling for a government, which future employers might not look kindly upon. As far as careers go, that's really my only concern. I'm also a bit bothered that I'd almost certainly have a U.S. government file if I did this, but that is neither here nor there.
Basically, I am concerned whether this sort of job might make me radioactive to future employers and hurt me down the road. I am only 25 and hope to have a long career in legitimate journalism and don't want to cut it short. Am I making a mountain out of a molehill, or is this something I should be genuinely concerned about?
Thank you for your time and consideration.
ChrisA. Contrary to what you wrote, this does not sound like your dream job.
It is in a city you love, covering issues that matter to you, but I would keep digging. The First Amendment? It wouldn't cover you. The classic mission of the Fourth Estate? You
would not be there. Shilling? Your word choice tells me this is a compromise. And is this journalism independent enough for you?
I have no experience with this group, but I suggest you Google
Saudi Press Agency and
censorship. Things seem to be improving, but are not all the way to where you'd like them to be.
Would this job make you radioactive? It could. Most writers who work for the U.S. government have some explaining to do as they try to transition to the mainstream press. I think you'd have even more explaining to do than they would. Ultimately, reservations could cause you to lose opportunities.
If you land this job, you'll clearly have a good line for parties, but I think it could be a bad one for job interviews.
Coming Monday: He applied for an editing job but later decided he didn't want it. Good thing. The newspaper decided it might go for a reporter at half the price instead. Is the employment market that tough?
You know, on first impression it doesn't sound great to...
