One of the greatest advantages of learning about journalism in New York City is that you are working close to hundreds of experienced writers and reporters. Susan Hartman’s Interviews and Profiles course got to experience this first-hand when veteran New York Times reporter Sam Roberts visited their class recently. Roberts, the Urban Affairs correspondent as well as an obituary writer, shared his experiences both at the Times and during his former job as a city editor for New York Daily News.
Students loved Roberts’ talk, and were particularly interested in one bit of information he mentioned toward the end: despite 50 years in journalism, he’s overcome with self-doubt every time he writes a piece. He said he procrastinates, and feels like it’s a miracle when an article finally comes together. This is a positive thing, he explained, because if you’re not nervous, “you’re finished, just walk away.” For someone starting a career in journalism, it is common to be racked with anxiety and to feel like everyone else knows exactly what they’re doing. To hear a seasoned professional talk about their worries and fears, it is a relief.
If you too want to learn more about journalism, CALA is offering four courses this summer, including Interviews and Profiles taught again by Susan Hartman: