<p>Let me be upfront and tell you that I'm a college freshman and I go to a generic state uni because I didn't work hard in high school or study for my SATs. Granted, I did well enough to get into my uni's honors college and get a dean's scholarship, but I'm still afraid that this uni's lack of reputation is going to hurt me later on. </p>
<p>I guess you could say I've been overcompensating for this fear by grabbing every internship I could in order to prove myself: I worked for a magazine this summer, I'm about to start a broadcasting internship this fall/winter, and in the spring I'll work with my uni's Capital News Service (which is usually a senior capstone course, but because I asked, I get the privilege to). Do you think my hard work and perfect grades will be enough to convince potential employers that the name of my school shouldn't be a factor in their decision? And am I possibly on my way to achieving my goal of interning at CNN by my Junior year? </p>
<p>I can't afford to transfer out of state to a more hailed j-school (and truth be told, I really like it here, so I wouldn't mind toughing it out). I also know that getting into/graduating from a prestigious grad school is always an option, too (though how I'll pay for it, I've no idea). Any advice?</p>
<p>Relax - you'll be OK (you sound just like my son) </p>
<p>1) keep your eye on the academics
2) develop every single related skill you can (e.g. master Photoshop, video & editing, studio lighting and sound, etc.)
3) Master another language (French works almost everywhere, but a mid-east or asian would be very helpful)
4) Don't kill yourself piling on extras - people skills are extremely important and its hard to make time for colloquia, regional conferences and such if you're burried in responsibilities
5) Grades, your portfolio, and the contacts you make on internships will be the driving factors for that first job
6) Be ready to go anywhere for your first (couple of) job(s).
7) If you can afford your own professional level equipment (still camera, recorder, computer system) by graduation so much the better. </p>
<p>Don't worry about grad school - let your employer pay for it if you still need the credential later.</p>
<p>Finally - take advantage of every opportunity. Never go anywhere without at least a semi-pro camera and a little recorder. You never know when something will pop up. When we were in Naples last year my son came across a communist/student street protest and got some great action shots of the plain clothes cops kicking a**. Had to sort of make a run for it afterward though...</p>
<p>Good luck!</p>
<p>Thank you so much for the advice, WilliamC! And I hope your son is doing well in his path to journalistic success!</p>