Get Savvy with Social

  • Blog
    • MEDIA
    • CAREER
    • BLOGGING
    • LIFESTYLE
    • TRAVEL
  • Media Kit
  • Chats
  • Workshops
  • Books + Wine
  • Shop
  • About
  • Contact

How I became a journalism professor

CAREER

How I became a journalism professor

Here’s the story of how I started teaching journalism. While I’m a journalist for my day job, I’m also an Adjunct Professor of journalism at USC at night. I’ve taught classes for graduate and undergraduate students.

I was always interested in teaching, but journalism was my calling in life.

I started my journalism career at 15 with a front-page exposé for my town newspaper.

MORE: The story behind my first Emmy

And I fell in love with it right then and there, going on to get my master’s at Columbia University and then working for a number of media outlets.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Olivia Smith (@livnews)

Part of the reason I wanted to get my master’s degree was because I knew many universities allowed journalists to teach if they had that degree.

My original plan was to be a journalist for a few decades before becoming a professor. But that’s not how it worked out.

Right before I became a professor, I met a woman who was teaching at night while also working full-time as a journalist. Although it sounded like a lot of work, I was interested. I did some research, asked a lot of questions and set a plan. I wanted to start teaching – at the time I was 29. So a few decades ahead of my original goal.

MORE: 8 very important tips on how to become a journalist

I was living in L.A. and I wanted to teach at USC. I respected the school and knew they had a great program. So I reached out and started networking, looking at positions available online and sending emails to people at the university. I eventually connected with the school, inquiring about some roles they had open.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Olivia Smith (@livnews)

USC saw my resume and experience and offered me my first class. Since then I’ve learned from some other amazing professors, I’ve taught a number of classes and I’ve grown my skills not only as a teacher but also as a journalist.

MORE: Sign up for media consulting services!

I think moving my plan up a few decades was extremely beneficial for my career.

Teaching keeps my skills sharp, and I learn from my students as they learn from me.

And there you have it, that’s how I became a journalism professor.

  • Share
  • Tweet
  • LinkedIn
  • Email
  • Print

Related

Leave a Comment

Previous Post: « Great last-minute Valentine’s Day gifts
Next Post: Set travel goals for the future »

Reader Interactions

Comments Cancel reply

Primary Sidebar

Watch my latest YouTube video!

https://youtu.be/iTQwdI_mgf8
Buy me a coffeeSay thanks!

Top Posts

  • How can I get all of my friends to see my Facebook posts?
    How can I get all of my friends to see my Facebook posts?
  • Add a clickable link to your TikTok bio
    Add a clickable link to your TikTok bio
  • Who can see your liked videos on TikTok?
    Who can see your liked videos on TikTok?

Let’s be social media BFFs!

Spent the morning feeding ostriches 🐦 Spent the morning feeding ostriches 🐦
Time for some R & R (socially distant, of course ✔️)
Load More... Follow on Instagram
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • Pinterest
  • YouTube
  • Twitter
  • LinkedIn

Copyright © 2021 · GET SAVVY WITH SOCIAL · ALL RIGHTS RESERVED · DISCLAIMER & PRIVACY POLICY