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Entry Level Jobs for the CJW Career Community 

Starting your job search with a background in Communication, Journalism, and Writing opens doors to careers that shape how people understand the world. Figuring out which path to take could feel overwhelming at first – something all college students go through. However, your time at Lawrence – writing stories, analysing media, creating digital content, performing, producing a podcast, or working on publications – can prove to be a powerful and versatile skill set. Now, let us explore what “entry-level” roles can look like for a freshly graduated Lawrentian in the CJW career field and how to begin navigating that first step towards a career in Communication, Journalism, and Written Arts. 

Where CJW Graduates Can Go 

Career paths in CJW are broad – and that’s a major advantage. While some students directly jump into journalism or media, there is a possibility for a career in marketing, publishing, nonprofit media and communications, or digital storytelling. Here are a few common paths for recent graduates: 

  • Journalism and Media: Graduates can start off as news reporters, editorial assistants, production assistants, or social media producers for newspapers, magazines, radio stations, TV networks, or digital media outlets. These roles allow you to develop your voice while gaining experience in research, interviewing, editing, and storytelling.  
  • Public Relations and Strategic Communications: Beginner-friendly roles such as PR assistant, communications coordinator, or media relations assistant involve writing press releases, managing social media, and assisting companies to communicate effectively with the target audience. Such jobs are common in agencies, corporations, nonprofits, and universities.  
  • Marketing and Content Creation: CJW graduates can step into roles like content creator, copywriter, marketing assistant, or digital content coordinator. These positions focus on managing websites, campaigns, email marketing, and social media using strategic creativity. 
  • Publishing and Editing: If you enjoy writing arts extensively, you can join roles where you can shape written content as an editor, assistant, proofreader, or publishing assistant, which offers hands-on experience in editing manuscripts, fact-checking, and working with authors and production teams. 
  • Arts, Culture, and Nonprofits: Various museums, theaters, advocacy organizations, and community groups also need strong communicators. Positions like communications associate or outreach coordinator allow you to tell meaningful stories that support a mission or cause.  

In all of these career paths, the employers value the same core traits CJW students develop at Lawrence (i.e., strong writing, creativity, versatility, campus involvement, adaptability, and the ability to communicate clearly with different audiences). 

Skills That Set You Apart 

CJW students stand out because of their ability to tell and write stories that make an impact on the public. Employers are always looking for candidates who can write clearly and structurally, think creatively, and adapt their voice for different platforms and audiences – something that Lawrence provides you with in your undergraduate journey. 

Your experience of writing for a campus publication, producing a podcast, creating digital media for clubs and organizations on/off campus, working on a major writing project, or communications focused internship can speak for you when you begin applying to entry level positions out there in the real world. Portfolios, writing samples, and media projects can prove to be a strong asset in your application as it shows your work, and not just academia part of things. 

Your communication skills, with critical thinking and creativity, make you an asset in any organization that needs to share ideas effectively. 

You just need to be presentable with what you’ve done so far to better your chances in any job.  

Where to Start Looking 

Finding your first job often comes down to using your networks and campus resources strategically. 

Here are a few places to get started: 

  • Career Center: The career center should be one of the first stops for Lawrence students when they begin their career search. It is one of the best resources Lawrence offers, which is run by friendly and helpful staff. You can book appointments for resume, cover letter help, portfolio reviews, mock interviews, and career advising. Career Peer Educators(CPEs) and Career Advisors can help you tailor your materials for media, writing, and communication roles. 
  • Handshake: Lawrence’s official job search platform – Handshake – regularly lists opportunities in journalism, marketing, communications, publishing, and media productions. 
  • Alumni Connections (Networking): Lawrence University has an incredibly strong and supportive alumni network. Reaching out to alumni working in media, PR, publishing, or marketing can lead to informational interviews, mentorship, referrals, and job leads. 
  • Career Center Events: Follow the “@lawrencecareercenter” Instagram page and look out for panels, workshops, employer info sessions, and career fairs related to CJW fields can be a good idea. Career fairs and alumni panels are great opportunities to learn what employers are looking for and is a great way to start your professional networking journey. 
  • Industry Job Boards: Websites like Mediabistro, JournalismJobs, Ed2010, and LinkedIn can be helpful to look for entry-level positions in writing, editing, media, and communications. 
  • Newsletters and Professional Organizations: Subscribing to industry/campus newsletters and joining organizations like the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) or Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), etc., can bring you in the loop with new opportunities and keep you updated about trends in the field. 

Building Early Experience 

In CJW fields, experience, projects, and work samples matter. Internships with media outlets, marketing departments, publishers, nonprofits, or campus offices can help you build a strong portfolio. 

Campus involvement reflects very well on your resume. Writing for student publications, managing social media for an organization, contributing to blogs, or helping with event promotion demonstrates real-world communication skills. Freelance work, personal blogs, podcasts, or creative writing projects can also help you strengthen your portfolio and showcase your initiative. 

Even small projects can lead to big opportunities when they reflect your creativity, voice, and work ethic. 

Conclusion 

Pursuing a career in communication, journalism, or writing doesn’t mean knowing what you want to do or what you want to be from day one; these fields are very open and allow you to explore what you actually like. Your path might lead you to a newsroom, a publishing house, a marketing agency, or a non-profit organization – and it may evolve multiple times along the way. 

What matters most is your ability to be connected to your basics, which is tell meaningful stories, connect with audiences, and communicate ideas clearly. Your time at Lawrence has prepared you to do exactly that – and the world needs those fearless voices now more than ever. 

Computer Science major and Data Science & Mathematics minor at Lawrence University, and the President of the Lawrence University Data Science Club. Connect with Sabin on LinkedIn

How to get into Film and Television

Dreaming of the silver screen or the bustling world of television production? As a film studies major or minor at Lawrence, you’re uniquely positioned to bring depth and versatility to your craft. Liberal arts schools like Lawrence emphasize critical thinking, storytelling, and interdisciplinary learning—skills that are highly valued in the film and television industry. But how do you turn that degree into a ticket to Hollywood or a thriving indie career? Here’s your guide:

1. Leverage Your Liberal Arts Advantage

At Lawrence, you’re likely getting more than just technical film training. You’re exploring literature, philosophy, art, sociology, and more. These diverse perspectives can help you become a stronger storyteller, with richer characters and more nuanced plots. Use your coursework to deepen your understanding of human nature and cultural trends—it’s this insight that sets great filmmakers apart. Don’t shy away from taking classes outside of your major. A history class could inspire a period drama, while a psychology course could enhance your character development skills.

2. Build a Versatile Skill Set

The film and television industry thrives on multi-talented individuals who are adaptable and resourceful. While Lawrence might not have access to expansive soundstages or state-of-the-art film equipment, it emphasizes creativity and the ability to make the most of available resources. This is your opportunity to borrow equipment, collaborate with peers, and dive into experimenting with editing software—all of which can build your foundational knowledge in key areas.


Key Skills to Develop:

  • Scriptwriting
  • Cinematography and lighting
  • Editing and post-production
  • Directing and producing
  • Networking and pitching


You don’t need to master every aspect, but hands-on experience across multiple areas will make you more flexible, creative, and, ultimately, employable in this dynamic field. Whether you’re planning a student film, participating in a local production, or simply experimenting on your own, building this versatile skill set will open doors and prepare you for the collaborative environment of the professional world.

3. Create Constantly

Your college years are the perfect time to build your portfolio. Collaborate with friends on short films, documentaries, or experimental projects. These will not only hone your skills but also give you tangible work to show potential employers or film schools.

How to Showcase Your Work:

  • Submit projects to student film festivals or competitions.
  • Share your work on platforms like Vimeo, YouTube, or a personal website.
  • Use social media strategically to build an audience for your films.

Remember, your portfolio should demonstrate your range and creativity, so experiment with different genres and styles.

4. Intern, Intern, Intern

Internships are the gateway to the film and television industry. They help you make connections, understand the business, and get a foot in the door. Look for opportunities at production companies, TV networks, local news stations, or even community theaters.

How to Land an Internship:

  • Search Handshake for
  • Tap into the Career Center’s alumni network for leads.
  • Attend film festivals, panels, and networking events.
  • Polish your resume and cover letter with a CPE or Career Advisor to highlight your skills and passion.

5. Network Like a Pro

The entertainment industry is as much about who you know as what you know. Start building your professional network while you’re still in college. Connect with professors, classmates, alumni, and guest speakers—anyone who could provide mentorship or job leads.

Ways to Build Connections:

  • Attend industry events, both in-person and virtual.
  • Join film clubs or organizations on campus, like the LU Latin American and Spanish Film Festival or Motion Picture Club.
  • Stay active on LinkedIn and other professional platforms.
  • Reach out to alumni working in the industry for informational interviews.

When networking, always approach with genuine curiosity and a willingness to learn, rather than asking for favors upfront.

6. Plan Your Post-College Path

There’s no one-size-fits-all path into the industry, so think about your goals and plan accordingly. Do you want to work in Hollywood, enter the indie scene, or pursue documentary filmmaking? Knowing your direction will help you make strategic decisions, like whether to move to a major production hub (e.g., Los Angeles, Atlanta, or New York) or pursue a graduate program in film.

Post-College Options:

  • Entry-level jobs like production assistant, camera operator, or assistant editor.
  • Graduate programs to deepen your expertise in film or screenwriting.
  • Freelance work to build your portfolio and gain experience.

Final Thoughts

Breaking into film and television is no easy feat, but as a Lawrentian, you have the tools to succeed. By building your skills, creating a standout portfolio, and networking strategically, you can carve out your own path in this dynamic industry.

Generated with the help of Copilot.

Exploring Stop Motion Animation: A Guide for Lawrence Students

What is Stop Motion Animation?

Stop motion animation is a filmmaking technique where objects are physically manipulated in small increments between individually photographed frames. When the sequence of images is played back quickly, it creates the illusion of movement. This method can bring anything from clay figures to everyday objects to life on the screen.

How is Stop Motion Animation Made?

Creating stop motion animation is a meticulous process that involves several key steps:

  1. Storyboarding and Planning: Just like any film, a stop motion project begins with a storyboard. This outlines the plot, scenes, and key actions.
  2. Building Models and Sets: Animators create or choose objects, characters, and backgrounds. These can be made from clay, paper, puppets, or even LEGO bricks.
  3. Animating: The objects are placed on the set, and a picture is taken. The animator then moves the object slightly and takes another picture. This process is repeated many times. Each tiny movement is one frame of the film.
  4. Photography: High-quality cameras are used to capture each frame. Consistent lighting is crucial to keep the visual appearance steady.
  5. Editing and Post-Production: Once all frames are captured, they are compiled and edited to smooth out the motion and add any special effects or sound.

Skills Needed for Stop Motion Animation

Stop motion animation requires a blend of artistic and technical skills:

  • Patience and Attention to Detail: The process is time-consuming and requires precision.
  • Creativity: Developing characters and stories requires a vivid imagination.
  • Technical Skills: Knowledge of cameras, lighting, and editing software is essential.
  • Manual Dexterity: Fine motor skills are needed to manipulate objects delicately.

Employers of Stop Motion Animators

Stop motion animators are hired by various employers, including:

  • Film Studios: Companies like Laika and Aardman Animations specialize in stop motion films.
  • Television Studios: Networks produce stop motion TV shows and commercials.
  • Advertising Agencies: Advertisers use stop motion for unique and eye-catching ads.
  • Video Game Companies: Some video games incorporate stop motion elements.

Examples of Stop Motion Animation

A well-known example of a stop motion film is Coraline (2009), produced by Laika. The film tells the story of a young girl who discovers a secret door to an alternate reality. Other famous stop motion films are Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993) and the Aardman Animations / DreamWorks film Chicken Run (2000).

Starting a Career in Stop Motion Animation

Stop motion animators can start their careers in a variety of ways, and both freelancing and studio employment are common paths. Here’s a closer look at each option:

Freelancing

Advantages:

  • Flexibility: Freelancers can choose their projects and work schedules.
  • Diverse Experience: Working on various projects can build a broad skill set.
  • Creative Control: Freelancers often have more creative freedom.

Challenges:

  • Unstable Income: Freelance work can be inconsistent, making financial stability a challenge.
  • Self-Promotion: Finding clients and marketing oneself requires time and effort.
  • Lack of Resources: Freelancers may need to invest in their own equipment and software.

How to Start:

  1. Build a Portfolio: Create and showcase your work through a personal website or platforms like Vimeo and YouTube.
  2. Network: Connect with other animators and potential clients through industry events and online communities.
  3. Freelance Platforms: Use websites like Upwork, Freelancer, and Fiverr to find freelance gigs.

Studio Employment

Advantages:

  • Steady Income: Studios typically offer more stable employment with regular paychecks.
  • Resources and Equipment: Studios provide access to high-quality equipment and facilities.
  • Collaboration: Working with a team can lead to valuable learning experiences and creative collaboration.

Challenges:

  • Less Creative Freedom: Projects may be directed by studio requirements and client needs.
  • Work Hours: Studio jobs may require long or irregular hours, especially close to deadlines.

How to Start:

  1. Education and Training: Many studios prefer candidates with formal education in film or animation programs that offer courses in stop motion.
  2. Internships: Gain experience and make industry connections through internships at animation studios.
  3. Entry-Level Positions: Look for entry-level roles like animation assistant, model maker, or production assistant to get your foot in the door.

Career Outlook and Salary

The demand for animators, including stop motion animators, is expected to grow. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median pay for special effects artists and animators was about $99,000 per year as of 2023. However, salaries can vary widely based on experience, location, and the type of employer.

Further Information

For more information on stop motion animation, check out these resources:

Embarking on a career in stop motion animation can be both challenging and rewarding. With dedication, creativity, and the right skills, you can bring your imaginative worlds to life.