Getting involved with the School Of Journalism and Communication (SOJC) is one of the most important things you can do as an undergraduate. Joining clubs and organizations in the SOJC will not only build your resume but also give you experience in your areas of interest.
You’re probably thinking, “How do I decide which club is right for me?” I struggled with the same question when I first got involved. Here are a few tips that helped me find the right organizations:
- Go to the advising office: The advising office is a great place to start when trying to find where to get involved. The advisors can provide you with a list of clubs and organizations you can join. Keep in mind that some publications, as well as Duck TV, have Ad and PR sections for students to get involved with.
- Make a list: It helps to make a list of the clubs you are interested in so you can focus on finding out more information about them. This can also aid you in the process of deciding if the club is right for you.
- Contact the club/organization: After looking up information about the club or organization, reach out to someone involved with the club and ask questions you may have.
- Apply: Once you decide on a club that fits your interest, find out when applications are due. Don’t be afraid to apply to more then one club. It isn’t guaranteed you will get in.
- Join early: It’s a good idea to join clubs as soon as possible. Your interest will most likely change throughout your time at UO, but gaining experience in different areas of journalism will help you in the long run. Starting early will also give you more opportunities to try out different clubs and identify your strengths and weaknesses.
Finding the right club and organization for you can be a time consuming task, but in the end it is well worth the effort and will help you start your professional career in your field of interest. So, get out there and get involved.
Austin Zerbach is a senior majoring in public relations. Austin plans to pursue a career in event management post graduation. You can contact Austin at austinz@uoregon.edu.