By Natalie Davis

College students cannot always predict their career path.

But University of Maryland journalism majors can use skills learned at the Philip Merrill College of Journalism for jobs both inside or outside of a newsroom.

Students said the major offers opportunities for growth as writers and communicators. Freshman Mari Barchi said improving her writing was one reason why she chose to be a journalism major.

“I initially thought I wanted to be a journalist, but even though I wasn’t sure, I knew I wanted to be a writer. And I figured journalism classes would help me hone my writing skills,” said Barchi.

Although she now knows that she does not want to be a journalist, she is still excited to learn lifelong skills from her classes, Barchi said 

“I’ve learned a lot about how to find accurate information from multiple sources, which I think will be helpful no matter what I do,” she said. 

Barchi also said that she has a passion for writing about things that are important and valuable to her and that she would ideally like to get a job in the songwriting industry.  

Other students also said that journalism classes teach them more than just how to be a journalist. 

“Being a journalism major without being sure I want to become a journalist still trains me to be a strong student and detail-oriented person,” said Sarah Cassuto, a freshman journalism major. 

Cassuto said she has developed patience, an eye for detail and improved writing and communication skills through her coursework. 

It can be challenging to not have a set career path when classmates have already figured that out, some said. Cassuto said it has made her nervous at times.

“It is both motivating and scary.” Cassuto said. “Being surrounded by students who are sure [of their career path] helps me feel inspired.” 

The Philip Merrill College of Journalism has many ambitious students who encourage each other to reach high levels of success, students said.

“It honestly is a great environment because everyone is so competitive and trying to put out their best work,” said Hailey Yellin, a freshman journalism major. 

Yellin said that while she also does not plan to go into the industry, she has learned important filming and editing techniques through her classes that will help her effectively tell stories, no matter job she chooses. 

Matthew Weinsheimer, a freshman journalism major, said that journalism classes have a strong focus on clear communication.

“At the heart of good journalism is clear and skillful story telling — a useful skill regardless of profession,” he said. 

Weinsheimer said that the ability to effectively and clearly communicate is something that he believes job employers will always be looking for, even outside of the news.

Featured image courtesy user flazingo_photos/Creative Commons.