My first time calling someone for an interview: nerve-racking. Seeing my first article in print: a milestone. The first piece I struggled with and only managed to finish thanks to the editor-in-chief’s help: pure relief. I started my journalistic career as a student, writing for Nijmegen’s university magazine – then called KUNieuws, now Vox. It was a fun and exciting student job, one I sometimes spent more time on than on my actual studies. It’s where I learnt the basics of the profession.
A few weeks ago, two enthusiastic students reached out to us. Both film fanatics, they wanted to write reviews. Could they write for us, they asked. Their sample pieces looked promising, so we’re giving them a chance. With a bit of luck, you’ll find their fortnightly film reviews on our website after the summer.
Brimming with energy
It’s not unusual for students to reach out to Observant, brimming with energy and ambition. They’re eager to write, often have inspired ideas, and start out full of enthusiasm. One of our editors takes them under their wing, helping them brainstorm the best angle for their topic, explaining the process (who to interview, how to go about it, how to structure the text, and so on) and setting a first deadline. Then comes an important message: the ball’s in your court. If you’d like to go over anything together, drop us an email or give us a ring. If you get stuck, get in touch.
Radio silence
But these days, that initial enthusiasm tends to be followed by weeks of radio silence. Ten or fifteen years ago, our student freelancers readily picked up the phone to conduct interviews, regularly submitted articles and generally met their deadlines. In recent years, collaborations have been more likely to fizzle out – frustrating for both students and editors. We’re not entirely sure why, but we suspect that the demands of their studies and student life leave little time for a writing job (paid per article) that requires real focus and commitment.
Writing workshops
At Observant, we see it as part of our task to offer students with journalistic ambitions a chance to dip their toes into the profession. But this week, we’ve decided on a new approach for the coming academic year. Instead of accepting casual freelance contributions, we’ll be offering two writing workshops for interested students. This will be in addition to our Summer School, running from 18 to 28 August, which is open to UM employees, students and anyone outside the university.
Of course, our budding film reviewers will keep writing for Observant. We also hope to welcome two student columnists in September – one writing in Dutch, the other in English. You’ll find the vacancies on our website and Instagram. And if, say, a student planning to do a master’s in journalism reaches out looking for hands-on experience, and they’re willing to invest serious time in their writing, we’ll gladly make an exception to the rule. We’d be more than happy to show them the ropes on a weekly basis.