Community Update

You learn some good skills at this school, but in retrospect, it’s not worth it. After graduating from Medill’s graduate program, it took me a very long time to find a job. When I reached out to the career advisers after graduating, they would meet with me just to have general “discussions" about career paths, but never to actually point out real job prospects that match your skills. Why? Because they themselves know that there are very few job prospects for Medill grads.

The dozens of job applications, phone calls, networking events, etc, led to nothing. What hurt the most is when you realize that a handful of the professor’s favorites end up becoming successful. Often times they are no more proactive than you are. They are just revered for their abilities to suck up to authority. They often struggled like anyone else who joins this rigorous program, but they received a lot more attention and mentorship than the rest of us “normal” students.

Looking back, when I struggled with a particular story and needed some guidance, professors would often dismiss my pleas and give very shallow advice. It was an inconvenience to them to exhibit any form of true leadership. It was beyond their understanding why different students from different backgrounds have different needs.

The ‘popular’ students had cars, so they were always able to reach the good stories beyond the reach of those of us who couldn't afford vehicles. We were limited to a specific radius within the city. I had to take a 3 hour Metra ride once just to interview someone for a story I felt strongly about (with heavy camera gear), when it would have taken less than an hour by car.

That is just one small example. There were countless instances that made me realize I was wasting my time, effort, and money at this school, but I stayed committed because I always believed that the struggle was all part of the experience.

It’s sad to see the handful of successful students get praised by professors on Facebook (yes, they add all their profs on Facebook as ‘friends’), while I sit here at my low-paying, non-journalistic job, wondering if I should call my parents to send me some rent money…

Professors will constantly tell you that by graduating from Medill, you are forever connected to the Medill network; that alums look out for other alums when it comes to career opportunities, and that realistic career guidance will always be available to you.

This is flatly, brazenly untrue. Unless you had an in with the popular kids, you’re pretty much screwed at this school.

I hope this account sheds some light on this program and offers an alternative voice to those considering this school.