Find the RIGHT job out of college

Figuring out what’s after college is — no doubt — stressful. And in the TV news world, jobs are extremely competitive and there’s a lot to weigh before you make a decision.

Workplace culture

The culture of a work place is one of the most important elements to consider. What is the newsroom environment? Is it positive? Is it negative?

Remember – no newsroom is perfect. But attitudes in the room affect a lot.

You’re going to want to come to work and enjoy it. Nobody says you have to be friends with your co-workers, but most of those people will end up being life-long friends.

If you are entering a larger market right out of college, will you be able to relate to your co-workers? Will they help you? I’ve heard the story time and time again of new college grads entering a large market newsroom and being lost with no mentorship or help from co-workers. Don’t let this happen to you.

You have to enjoy coming to work and it starts with workplace culture.

Management style

What is your boss like? Is your boss someone who you will work with? These questions require a lot of faith in your new manager, but you should be able to sense an overall style.

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Is your new boss motivating? Is your new boss going to challenge you and your career? If your new boss going to communicate well with you?

During the interview process, ask to speak to other newsroom employees so you can ask questions to find out about the management style of the newsroom.

When I was a News Director, I always had candidates speak to other newsroom employees. I had nothing to hide and I wanted them to know how I led.

Expectations

You’ve got to know what you’re getting yourself into. Will you be shooting your own video? Will you be editing daily? Will you do live shots regularly?

Ask the questions and find out. Your News Director will be transparent about this because this will literally be your job.

Also, find out about the training you will receive. Make sure you will be able to keep up. I can promise that News Directors will work with you to be patient to be sure you know how to do the job properly.

Location

Your first job will likely not be in your dream market. And that’s OK! Remember that your first job sets you up for your next job. And perhaps your next and next jobs.

The city you end up in may not have a beach or other trendy commodities. You will survive.

I learned early on that I could make any city I lived in a city I loved. I immersed myself into each community, found a great group of friends, and uncovered gems in each city.

Take that advice from a guy who loves living in Abilene, TX (population 130,000.) ME!

Cost of living

Speaking of where you live – check out the cost of living. How much will your rent be? How much will your other bills be? You need to know this before committing.

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While you may want to accept a job in one place, the cost of living may not work with your new salary.

There are some decent cost of living calculators online but I’ve found the best way is to do your own research and find out approximate costs of apartment, groceries, utilities, etc.

And don’t forget: Student loan payments start after you leave college!

Upward mobility

What are the opportunities for growth? Are there opportunities within the station or within the company? These should be big factors in your decisions.

I could tell you so many stories of journalists I’ve worked with who have moved on to great stations, and they started in market 165. The job you get now sets you up for the next.

Claire Kreuz started at KTAB in Abilene, TX, and is now a morning anchor/reporter at KARK in Little Rock, AR. That’s the power of #NexstarNation.

Brenna Henthorn started as an intern at Nexstar’s KXAN in Austin, TX, became a producer at KTAB in Abilene, TX, and is now a producer at KOIN in Portland, OR. That is growth.

Travis Ruiz is a former News Director turned Senior Corporate Recruiter for the country’s largest television and media company, Nexstar Media Group, Inc. If you are looking for your first (or next) newsroom, contact him today!