Social Media Provides Endless Opportunities for Students
Flying back from the Bahamas, I chatted with a flight attendant whose daughter is attending Quinnipiac University in Connecticut and preparing for her future career. With the conversation fresh on my mind, I started thinking about the endless opportunities that social media provides students who are planning their futures. As a student, you always want to learn more, stay connected to peers, take advantage of interesting opportunities, have your questions answered and talk to professionals and mentors, when you feel unsure or need advice. Social media provides the limitless resources that lead to your future.
I clearly did not have the same opportunities as a student, although I was thankful for PRSSA, the book, “What Color is My Parachute?” and several of my professors and mentors at the start of my career. Today, I see wonderful opportunities presented in social communities, but what’s even better is that I also see students taking advantage of these unique experiences. I see them participating in the Twitter chats, having conversations in Facebook groups, reaching out to professionals on LinkedIn, and networking with peers and potential mentors.
In keeping with the notion that social media provides endless resources and opportunities, here is a great opportunity that I’d like to share on my blog. USA TODAY emailed me about their Collegiate Correspondent program. Here’s the actual email, with more details, so that you can take advantage of the Collegiate Correspondent Program or pass it along to your friends:
From: USA TODAY College <usatodaycollege@usatoday.com>
Subject: USA TODAY Collegiate Correspondent Program – great opportunity for students
Date: July 15, 2011 11:24:56 AM EDT
To: Deirdre Breakenridge
We are starting a Collegiate Correspondent program in which students will have the opportunity to write and report weekly for USA TODAY College, be mentored by USA TODAY editorial staff and learn other pertinent skills.
Below is some more information on the program. Please pass it on to anyone you think might be interested.
USA TODAY Collegiate Correspondent Program
As a collegiate correspondent, you will be an integral part of USA TODAY College, providing a unique angle on current news events. At the same time, you will hone your skills, write for a large audience, gain experience working on deadline and keeping content relevant.
If you are selected as a USA TODAY Collegiate Correspondent you will be expected to:
– Write one news story a week under a tight deadline for one semester. The semester will begin on August 21, 2011 and end on December 10, 2011
– Respond quickly to communications from USA TODAY College staff
– Stay up to date with current events
In return, USA TODAY College will:
– Provide mentoring by USA TODAY Editorial staff
– Publish your work on usatodaycollege.com for a wide audience
– Pay $350 compensation upon successful completion of the program.
– Ensure your work is considered for publication in USA TODAY and USA TODAY.com
We’re looking for motivated undergraduate reporters (all majors welcome to apply) who will be passionate about bringing smart, engaging stories to our readers. Final selection of correspondents will be made by the USA TODAY Editorial department.
For more information please visit our website:
Please contact Kristen Rein (usatcollegeblog@gmail.com) if you have any questions.
I hope that some of my student friends will go after this opportunity and experience what it’s like to be a USA TODAY Collegiate Correspondent. Remember, because of social media, we’re all reporters! Good luck to those of you who apply.