CoJMC Laptop Policy

Angel Jennings

Hometown: Washington, D.C.
Major: News-editorial journalism
Graduation: 2008
Currently: Los Angeles Times, reporter

A prospective student should chose CoJMC for the opportunities the college has to offer. Many newspapers come to the J school to recruit for prized journalism internships. During these summer internship, students take what they have learned in the classroom and apply that knowledge in the real world. It’s that experience and the connections you make at the university that helps you land your first job after college.

I was able to travel to different cities every summer and write for daily publications. I wasn’t at these newspapers getting people’s coffee. I was out in the field, reporting on breaking news and getting bylines in the paper. I also got to attend yearly journalism conventions, where I rubbed elbows with journalism bigwigs who were responsible for hiring. The connections and the experience were instrumental in my career development.

I received so much guidance and advice from the professors. It was that personal touch that made me feel like they were all rooting for my success and they would help in any way they could so I could achieve my goals.

Chris DeRuyscher

Hometown: Leavenworth, Kan.
Major: Broadcasting
Graduation: 2000
Currently: Kansas City Royals, director, event presentation and production

The education you can receive from the CoJMC is as good as if not better than any in the country. The teachers, students and alumni pride themselves on being the best in the world, and we certainly won’t be outworked.

They provided me the opportunity to work with teachers with loads of real field experience.  I also enjoyed the fact that the CoJMC education provided me with the opportunity to try all the various aspects of journalism, allowing me to see what I enjoyed and excelled at the most.

The people and the relationships you will form will last a lifetime.  The staff is very genuine and is always willing to go the extra mile to make a student the best they can be.

Chris Welch

Hometown: Omaha, Neb.
Majors: Broadcasting and political science
Graduation: 2007
Currently: Reporter for CNN

The CoJMC is the perfect school that gave me a well-rounded journalism education from top-notch faculty who have real world experience in their field. Students really benefit from that when it comes to getting outside of the classroom and finding internships and future job opportunities. I was lucky enough to get in with NBC News in New York during my junior year. And now I am on air on CNN. The CoJMC was critical in my ability to get to where I am today.

I had one-on-one attention whenever I needed it. The faculty is always there to help. But not only that – they are there to push you as well. They encourage students to submit work to national journalism competitions. They push (and help) with the internship process.

When I graduated in 2007 I was lucky enough to have landed a job doing what I'd always wanted to do – covering a presidential election (and getting to ‘embed’ with then Sen. Barack Obama's campaign) for a national news outlet like CNN.  Four years later, I am still with CNN, reporting not only on politics but general and breaking news from around the country as well.

Andy Boyle

Hometown: South Sioux City, Neb.
Major: News-editorial journalism
Graduation: 2009
Currently: The Chicago Tribune, news ap developer

It's a great nurturing environment for a student. You're allowed to take chances. Most importantly, it's a great place to fail spectacularly and learn from your mistakes before you head off into the real world. The faculty have a wide-range of skills that you can learn from. And the building looks really cool. Have you ever been in the music building? Oh, man, (Andersen Hall) is the Mona Lisa in comparison.

The internship recruiters it brings in on a yearly basis were quite wonderful. Having great editing studios and computer/software to use for projects was also a great asset. My time in college was spent experimenting with new tools and storytelling techniques I wasn't necessarily getting during internships. You've got professors who keep their doors open, a radio station to DJ/report at, a television studio to do live broadcasts and more.

There's no place like Nebraska, and there's no journalism school like the CoJMC.

Adi Kunalic

Hometown: Fort Worth, Texas
Major: Advertising
Graduation: 2011
Currently: Hurrdat Social Media, co-founder and COO

The professors are amazing. I'd say that's something that really changed my experience at J school. They have been helpful in many ways in getting me ready for the real world.

I was able to meet business professionals who work in the real world. It changed the way I view my college education. The amount of various courses that were offered really impressed me. I was able to learn about niche subject matters and innovative ways to advertise in today's market place.

Learning things like copy editing, strategic/creative advertising, and layout design gave me the skills to land my first job in social media. The college itself helped me in the beginning stages of starting my own company.

Mitch Smith

Hometown: Overland Park, Kan.
Major: News-editorial journalism
Graduation: 2011
Currently: The Chicago Tribune, reporter

For me, it was the combination of location, scholarships and reputation that made Nebraska attractive. Journalists who succeed at UNL are able to compete with the best from anywhere. It has pushed me to broaden my repertoire. I've taken classes in science writing, feature writing and sports writing, which gives me the confidence to tackle just about any story.

If you have the ability and are willing to put in the work, there's no one better to have on your side than CoJMC professors. They have the experience and connections to boost your career. The J school reinforced my love of reporting and confirmed that journalism is what I want to spend my life doing.

Elicia Dover

Hometown: Bryant, Ark.
Major: News-editorial journalism
Graduation: 2010
Currently: ABC News (in New York City), producer

CoJMC has unmatched professors with real experience, high standards for students in education, internships and classroom experience. If you would like to compete on the national level for journalism jobs out of college, there is no better place than CoJMC.

The professors trained us to be real working journalists even in college. Our standards for work were compared to pieces in print and on air in the business. We weren’t allowed to turn in work just ‘good enough’ for college students.

Do you want a school with a nationally competitive edge? Do you want to surround yourself with the best students and future journalists in the country? Then it’s Nebraska, no question.

Carley Schnell

Hometown: St. Louis, Mo.
Majors: Advertising and psychology
Graduation: 2009
Currently: The Richards Group (Dallas), brand management

CoJMC provides an opportunity to be extremely hands-on in all parts of the advertising industry, from media to creative to account management. No student gets pigeon-holed. No student works in a vacuum. Everyone has an opportunity.

Max Olson

Hometown: Lincoln, Neb.
Major: News-editorial journalism
Graduation: 2011
Currently: ESPN's HornsNation.com, Texas beat writer

Great professors, great peers, great price. You get a really valuable journalism education from a school that's really affordable.

I had lots of opportunities during my 3 1/2 years in CoJMC. I got a job at the Daily Nebraskan my first week on campus and worked three wonderful years there. I took lots of specialized journalism classes that matched my interests.

I quickly built up a resume that landed me good internships and part-time jobs. A story I began writing in my sports reporting class won second place in the Hearst Awards. And by the end of my time here, I was able to get a job. Not a lot of student journalists can say that these days.

Teresa Lostroh

Hometown: Malcolm, Neb.
Majors: News-editorial journalism and Spanish
Graduation: 2011
Currently: Teaching fellow in Spain

The college is small enough to feel comfortable but large enough to get recognized nationally. You may not think UNL carries any prestige. You’re wrong. Anyone in the journalism industry who’s not an elitist knows UNL’s journalism college is one of the best in the country. Really — ask around.

Additionally, every journalism professor knows me by name. Let me put it this way: If I saw one of my professors at Wal-Mart or the movies, they would say ‘hi’ and ask me what I’m up to. Students at many colleges can’t say the same for their professor-student relationships. Lastly, they want you to find a job after graduation. I can’t count the times professors have asked me about my post-graduation plans. When I didn’t know where I was headed, they told me about open applications. If you work hard for them, they’ll work hard for you.

Jeff Zeleny

Hometown: Exeter, Neb.
Major: News-editorial journalism
Graduation: 1996
Currently: The New York Times, national political correspondent

I decided to attend the University of Nebraska and the College of Journalism because of the quality of the institution. There are more immediate opportunities at UNL than other pier schools: one-on-one instruction, real-world experience, hands-on learning, broad-based education to prepare for a job.

There are few places that offer so many opportunities to students. By the time you receive a degree, you can travel abroad for an in-depth reporting project, anchor a television show, work at an advertising agency—etc. You can learn—and live—journalism, not simply read about it.

Jane Hirt

Hometown: Lincoln, Neb.
Major: News-editorial journalism
Graduation: 1989
Currently: Chicago Tribune, managing editor and vice president

I think UNL’s journalism program provides an excellent journalism education at a hard-to-beat price. I also think that the Nebraska work ethic sets up a person for success in the real world, where those who work hardest and smartest tend to get ahead. I also like the direction that Dean Kebbel is taking the college. The field of journalism is evolving rapidly, and he is in tune with the need to keep up with that evolution.

My journalism classes at UNL were quite rigorous and they, combined with my Daily Nebraskan experience, set me up for success in my first job. First impressions are so important, and I was able to hit the ground running at the Tribune. But I also had fun learning journalism, and at UNL I discovered that journalism is my passion. Being able to be passionate about one’s career is invaluable.

Paula Lavigne

Hometown: Gretna, Neb.
Major: News-editorial journalism
Graduation: 1998
Currently: ESPN, reporter

The program is adapting to the changing world of journalism by including more classes geared toward multi-media newsgathering and presentation. It gave me the skills I needed to get my first foot in the door. It grounded me in the basics of reporting and editing. It taught me to always ask, Who cares? before embarking on a story or project.

One of the things that made the program stand out was the varied experience of its faculty across all departments. It gave me the foundation from which I built the skills I needed to advance in my career. It connected me with a lot of great people who have turned into some of the nation's top journalists and whose connections remain valuable to this day.

Kris (Saalfeld) Malkoski

Hometown: Columbus, Neb.
Majors: Advertising and speech communications
Graduation: 1983
Currently: Craftsman, vice president and general manager

UNL has one of the top undergraduate journalism programs in the U.S. I love getting inside of people’s minds and figuring out what makes them tick, so advertising seemed like a perfect major. The faculty provides you with great training and experience, you work with real businesses on real solutions, you compete in national competitions and you graduate ready to make a difference in the workforce.

I started my career knowing the basic requirements of effectively marketing to consumers. And my faculty believed in me and gave me opportunities to show my skills. It built confidence that I carried into my first job to be effective.

Jenna Johnson

Hometown: Omaha, Neb.
Major: News-editorial journalism
Graduation: 2007
Currently: The Washington Post, higher education reporter

This is a place where you can jump right into taking journalism classes, where you can start writing for the Daily Nebraskan on the first day of school, where you can quickly figure out if journalism is the right path for you. Nebraska is a big state school with a strong reputation, but CoJMC has a small-school feel and it's easy for students who work hard to stand out.

Some of the best editors I have ever worked with were CoJMC professors. They pushed me to dream up big story ideas, research deeply, ask more and more questions and re-write over and over again. During my first semester freshman year, they encouraged me to work at the Daily Nebraskan and apply for internships. By the time I graduated, I had done three internships, bylined dozens of articles and built a set of clips. On top of that, Joe Starita secured a large grant to take a group of students to Sri Lanka to report on the aftermath of the tsunami, which to this day is one of my greatest reporting experiences.

Emily Nohr

Hometown: Crofton, Neb.
Major: News-editorial journalism
Graduation: 2012

Currently: Omaha World-Herald, reporter

CoJMC students get the best of both worlds, meaning you get the small and big school experience. At the J school, I run into friends all the time and am on a first-name basis with pretty much every professor. But, at the same time, I love the big college experience that UNL offers, from awesome Husker football Saturdays to famous speakers at the Lied Center.

I’ve had fellowships and internships at the Omaha World-Herald and the Yankton (S.D.) Daily Press and Dakotan. CoJMC professors have helped me score national reporting opportunities like News21, an investigative reporting project, and the Poynter Fellowship for College Journalists, a two-week multimedia boot camp. I’ve also been able to take specialized reporting courses. I’ve participated in the Nebraska News Service, a statehouse bureau that lets students write about state government; New Voices, a reporting project that focuses on refugee communities in Lincoln; and data journalism and investigative reporting, a class that teaches students how to analyze data in the form of spreadsheets, databases and maps to find stories.

Ellen Jean Hirst

Hometown: Elgin, Ill.
Majors: News-editorial journalism and psychology
Graduation: May 2012

Currently: The Chicago Tribune, reporter

The faculty is incredible, and I learned I would have the opportunity to do international reporting. I've since been to Bolivia for an in-depth report!

The only reason I landed my internships at Q101 and The Loop—radio stations in Chicago—and then the Grand Island Independent and The Omaha World-Herald is because my professors pushed me – shoved me – to apply. I'm so glad they did because I grew as a journalist and as an individual those summers.

I also got to go to Bolivia one summer, and I participated in an in-depth reporting class on immigration another semester. Another professor encouraged me to apply for The New York Times Student Journalism Institute. I spent two weeks writing for Times editors in Miami in January 2011. The same professor helped me and a friend start a Multicultural Students in Media club where I have made many friends and put on some worthwhile diversity awareness events.

Kay Kemmet

Hometown: Bismarck, N.D.
Majors: News-editorial journalism and Spanish
Expected graduation: December 2013

I came to UNL because I wanted to get hands-on experience in journalism, travel abroad and have the opportunity to stand out. After two years at UNL, I’ve accomplished all those goals.

The faculty and students at CoJMC act like a family. The faculty, both administrators and professors, is constantly looking for ways to help their students. And while there is competition between students, at the end of the day we all want to see each other succeed. Whether you are a fourth-year student or just starting out, there will be someone there to root you on every step of the way.

Ryan Swanigan

Hometown: Papillion, Neb.
Major: Broadcasting
Expected graduation: 2015

I felt that I had the best chance to succeed at CoJMC and go where I want to go in my future. I chose UNL because of the opportunities and the quality of the school as far as technology goes. I’m very pleased with my decision.

Since I’ve been here I’ve been added to the KRNU sports staff and am now a contributing member. I put together a segment for our pre-game show every football Saturday and go on the air with the staff for the pre-game, halftime and post-game shows. All of this is my paying job here on campus, and I absolutely love it—because of the money—but also because of the fun I have in talking about Nebraska football on the air. I look forward to announcing basketball and my favorite, Husker baseball, in the future.

Camila Orti

Hometown: Lincoln, Neb.
Major: Broadcasting
Expected graduation: May 2013

CoJMC at UNL is ranked as one of the best journalism colleges in the nation. The faculty is amazing—all the professors I've had were at one point, or still are, professionals in the field, so they are familiar with what you need to know to be successful. If you want a career in journalism, CoJMC at UNL is where you need to be.

I've learned so much from my experiences at CoJMC. The most beneficial classes I've taken, which happen to be most of them, have had a hands-on approach to learning. Basically, the professors have you do what you would be doing in the real world as a journalist. These kinds of classes are challenging because of their high expectations, but it has forced me to learn lots of information in a short amount of time and feel ready for the pressures of working in the field.

Morgan Spiehs

Hometown: Wood River, Neb.
Major: Journalism
Expected graduation: 2015

I picked CoJMC because of all the great things I had heard about the program, the incredible professors I met on visits and all the great places that this college has taken people who have attended here.

In the first five weeks I was at UNL, I became president of the Photo Club here on campus, had the opportunity to take pictures on the sidelines of Husker football games and became a part of the photo staff at the campus newspaper, the Daily Nebraskan.

Faiz Siddiqui

Hometown: West Chester, Ohio
Major: Journalism
Expected graduation: 2015

CoJMC isn't just a school; it's a community of learners, educators and professionals who are passionate and determined in their pursuit of journalistic excellence. It's a professional environment that breeds writers, designers, photographers and, above all, artists. Journalism is an art that can't be taught in a simple classroom environment.

To me, CoJMC presented an opportunity to refine my writing skills in a hands-on professional environment, where most of the learning would take place outside of the textbook.

Cody Elmore

Hometown: Bryant, Ark.
Major: Advertising/public relations and broadcasting
Expected graduation: May 2015

Nebraska knows where it wants to go and how it wants to get there. I believe that no other journalism program in the nation is preparing its students for the future better than UNL. Whether it's Gary Kebbel teaching in JOUR 101 class or Scott Winter searching for and bringing talent into the college, everything is on a trajectory for success. Journalism is changing, and Nebraska is along for the ride.

As a freshman, I’m writing a weekly personality profile for the Daily Nebraskan on students, staff and Lincoln citizens who work graveyard shifts on or around campus. I’m working as a graphic designer with Jacht Club, a student ad lab that works with clients such as the Raikes School of Computer Science and Management, Nebraska Dairy, Speedway Motors, Vestn and a variety of other businesses around Lincoln. I’m also the social chair of the UNL Photo Club.

Melissa Davis

Hometown: Raymond, Neb
Major: Advertising
Expected graduation: May 2013

Most of the professors in this college have been front-runners in the industry before coming to UNL or have been involved in it throughout their career. They have immeasurable insight and numerous connections. They are here to help us, and their goal is to see us succeed. After coming to school here, I can positively say that you will notice this aspect. It’s very encouraging and helpful and inspires me to be the best student I can be.

CoJMC has offered me numerous opportunities over the years. As a freshman I first became involved by attending the meetings hosted by Ad Club. My adviser was Amy Struthers, and she was informative and encouraging in getting me to become integrated in the college right from the start. I started exploring J Ambassadors as well and then devoted most of my time to Ad Club when I became an officer my sophomore year. The past two semesters I’ve been a part of COJMC’s first student-run ad agency, Jacht Club. This opportunity is giving me an amount of experience that I didn’t think I could possibly obtain while still in college. I’m very thankful for it and for COJMC as a whole. It as it acts as one big community, giving us the tools to help each one of us succeed.

Cori Schwabe

Hometown: St. Joseph, Mo.
Major: Advertising
Graduation: 2012

Currently: L'Oreal, New York City

The amount of time and detail spent on every student from the faculty members is such a tremendous resource. Not only are our faculty top people in their respective fields, they also have a genuine care and concern for all students. They are connected to many people and will help a student connect to others as well.

They provided me with some great, unique classes to take. Two important classes were a building a mobile app class with professor Wagler and starting a student-run advertising agency with professor Struthers. These two professors led me to all my current and past internships, such as the one I received at McCann-Erickson.

Come to Nebraska! Not only will you feel welcomed and loved at the college, you will also gain so much experience and so many opportunities, which are vital in today society.

Zee Chiweshe

Hometown: Zimbabwe, Africa
Major: Advertising
Expected graduation: May 2013

The students who choose the CoJMC should be ready for a challenge, but you will be greatly rewarded. The CoJMC prides itself on offering classes that present you with hands on opportunities that you wouldn’t get in the normal classroom setting. It’s really cool to have taken classes that I have listed on my resume as internship experience. For example, I took part in the 2010 Special Olympics USA National Games during summer of 2010. I worked as a member of the documentation team, and I did event photography, recorded video interviews and attended one of the coolest concerts for free. I would definitely say it was the easiest A I’ve ever earned.

Being a part of CoJMC has really helped me grow because I’ve received great advice and insight from my professors and mentors. During my journey here I’ve had the opportunity to learn about local agencies and got the chance to do some great networking.

Kaitlyn Burke

Hometown: North Vancouver, British Columbia
Majors: Advertising and business administration
Graduation: 2012

What is special about this college is the passion that professors have for their industry and their willingness to help students. CoJMC offers several unique opportunities that allow students in their prospective majors to gain real world experience through Jacht Advertising, KRNU and others.

CoJMC has provided me with countless opportunities. Through Jacht (the student-run advertising agency) I have had experience in an agency setting. I know what it takes to run an agency and how to communicate with clients effectively. I better understand the demands and expectations that are placed on an account executive and account planner. CoJMC has also allowed me to interact with professionals in the industry through lunch meetings, guest speakers and networking events. CoJMC allowed me to participate as a PR and broadcast journalist for the 2010 Special Olympics USA National Games. I am very grateful for the opportunities that this college has given me and am confident in saying that I believe CoJMC is one of the top programs in the country.

Alex Michael Perez

Hometown: Fort Worth, Texas
Major: Advertising
Graduation: 2012

I was first attracted to UNL through the National Hispanic Scholarship. After looking at the advertising program, I knew that UNL would be a great place for me to excel. Students should choose CoJMC because of the community it fosters. I feel like I know more people within my college than my friends in other colleges. CoJMC also has great facilities.

CoJMC has helped me grow as an advertiser by connecting me with alumni who are now industry leaders from all over. In talking with alumni and other distinguished industry leaders, I have been able to get a grasp on what I will be doing as an advertiser in the real world.

What is special about CoJMC is the open door policy with professors and the fact that all the professors of the college have offices in the same building as classes. This creates an easy setting to connect with professors.