Southern Methodist University

Date: Feb 13 2009
Major: Journalism (This Major's Salary over time)
I graduated in 2005, and I've found that SMU's name recognition has increased considerably, especially with the new Bush Library being housed there (which I don't agree with, but that's another story). No matter what sector you're in, you'll find people who've at least heard of the school or know of one of their programs.

I found that the journalism program was excellent. The faculty and staff had been working journalists for many years, some of them award-winning, and had many contacts within the field. They were always encouraging, easy to talk to, easy to get in contact with, and treated students with respect. My professor used her contacts to get me an internship, which turned into my first job—I was actually hired before I received my diploma.

Considering the basic collapse of the newspaper industry, I wish I had taken classes on the business side of the news, so I could have a better understanding of it. But the semester after I graduated, SMU's journalism program started a joint program with the Cox School of Business. The administration does their best to keep the program ahead of the curve.

Being a medium-sized school there's tons of opportunities to practice your craft and know a little of everything—print, broadcast, Web. I worked at The Daily Campus, the student newspaper, where I gained more experience and forged friendships that last to this day. And again, internships. The faculty and staff work to get you the inside track, especially if you've got the talent and drive.

I wasn't into the whole Greek thing, nor did I come from a wealthy family, nor was I politically conservative, which are big stereotypes about the average SMU student. They're there if you want to be in that group, but there's more diversity at SMU (in students, faculty, and thought) than you would think.

I don't work in newspapers anymore, but the foundation that I received at SMU definitely helped in the transition to my current position. Like most students, I have student loan debt, but I wouldn't trade my experience for anything.

As a high school or college student, I'd advise you to work on your writing and storytelling, be inquisitive, be engaged, and have a good work ethic. Take a campus tour and speak to students or learn about professors in your desired program. Be proactive about your education. Map out your class schedules with your advisor, but figure out ahead of time what classes you need to take. I think in each instance, you definitely get out of the program what you put into it.