Reeder Offers Sound Advice for Journalism Students in a Changing Industry

University of Georgia students of the Magazine Club and National Association of Black Journalists held a joint meeting last Thursday to hear the advice and experiences of Upscale magazine’s health and fitness columnist and assistant editor last Thursday. Sponsored by both organizations, Nina Reeder, a former Grady College of Journalism student, spoke to the group of 20 about what it takes to be a magazine journalist in the current world of printed publications. “If you want to make your first million by the time you’re 35, be a dentist, go to law school, don’t be in Grady.” Reeder said.

Reeder is an UGA alum who graduated in 2005 with a Bachelors of Arts in Journalism and a minor in Film Studies. During her senior year at the university, Reeder had an unpaid internship with her current employer, Upscale, a monthly entertainment and lifestyle magazine targeting African American females. Despite the daily 90-minute commute to Atlanta, she said it was the best internship she ever had. “I’d do the internship over again if I had the chance. But I’d start even earlier.”

One of the things Reeder said would begin to do earlier in her career is building writing samples, known in the journalism industry as clips, to show potential employers. “At the end of the day your clips will sell you.” The way to build clips, according to Reeder, is to start freelancing, and to start freelancing early. She encouraged the group, including underclassmen to start sending out pitches with clips now. “Freelancing is where the jobs for college kids are,” Reeder said, “As long as you’re freelancing, even once a month, it’s enough to get your name out there.”

Reeder also said the best way to score a freelancing job is to deliver an interesting and creative pitch. “I often hire the freelancers who write good pitches and have the clips to back it up,” Reeder said. Another important characteristic of a good pitch is its relevance for the publication it is sent to. Reeder said to always know who the potential audience you would be writing for is. “One time I got a pitch to do a cover story on Kathy Ireland, and it was a great pitch, but Upscale is not a publication who would do a cover story on Kathy Ireland.”

Reeder also spoke about the journalism industry as it transitions into being predominately electronic. For the up and coming journalists to be prepared for this change, Reeder stressed the importance of being Internet and computer savvy. “If you aren’t in a computer class, you should be,” said Reeder, She adds that new media and online publications are the future of print, and the job market for new media editors is growing as a result. “They’re looking for people who can write the news and then put it up on the Internet.” Reeder said.

For senior Haley McNeal who attended Reeder’s speech, the advice translated clearly and relevantly. “Hearing her speak about starting to intern sooner is something I can relate to. She definitely reinforced the importance of being prepared. But its encouraging to hear that the hard work is going to pay off and that there’s a light at the end of the tunnel,” McNeal said. The magazines major said while she shares Reeder’s regrets, seeing Reeder’s success keeps her hopes high about her own future in the industry.

From being an intern, to being in charge of interns, Reeder said that professionalism is paramount. “I know people watch ‘The Hills,’ but the real world is not like that. Take it seriously. LC and Heidi aren’t coming.” Furthermore, it is the interns who are professional and easy to work with, she said, are the ones who get recommended to other publications. Always be prepared and always bring your A-game,” Reeder said. As a regular editor, columnist, and freelancer, Reeder continues to be professional. “I’m still climbing up the ladder and trying to prove myself.”