Chicago Digital News Editor Bridges The Connection Between Print And IT
The culture in newsrooms is changing. Journalists who used to just write for print are now blogging. Print photographers are organizing online media folders of digital shots. Beginner web design sites make it easier for newbie online news editors to add HTML coding on their resumes; developers who know HTML coding and CSS are finding themselves more attractive to the journalism field.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the average rate for news analysts, reporters and correspondents is $48K annually. Software developers on average make almost $93K. Web developers sit comfortably in the middle with $67K. From a professional standpoint, it may seem obvious that in order to succeed in digital media, journalists must step into the IT field, and IT people who train are ahead of the game.
It is no mistake that Chicago Tribune's Digital News Editor Darcel Rockett continues to sharpen her technology experience to stay lucrative within the online journalism industry.
Rockett earned a bachelor's degree in political science from the University of Chicago and a master's degree in magazine journalism from Columbia University in New York City.
"When I attended grad school, the new media concentration only had a handful of students majoring in it," said Rockett.
With computer application ScratchJr teaching kindergarteners how to complete basic computer coding, the younger crowd is adapting far earlier these days.
"Programs like Adobe Photoshop, InDesign and LexisNexis, usually give you that exposure that enables you to get used to using proper equipment," Rockett said.
While there is still ongoing debate about whether internships should be paid or unpaid, students can check out the U.S. Department of Labor Wage and Hour Division to see what constitutes as fair rules for internships. Rockett is 100 percent in favor of internships.
"I recommend doing as many internships, apprenticeships or shadowing opportunities as possible. This will allow you the chance to see what tools and skills are utilized daily and perhaps help you focus on what specialty you want to center on. Then when you get into school, you can make a real decision on what practical classes to take and what will help you advance in the profession."
Shamontiel Vaughn is a freelance writer covering all things Chicago. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.
