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A decade ago, I was trying to pass Chemistry 101 before graduation and all I had was a pile of newspaper clips to show my work.
I wanted to be a reporter, maybe cover schools. I accepted my first job @philanthropy on the data team to cover nonprofits. I made $36K in DC in 2009
I wanted to be a reporter, maybe cover schools. I accepted my first job @philanthropy on the data team to cover nonprofits. I made $36K in DC in 2009
I went on to report for @StarTribune, then transitioned to digital and social, largely unknown territory for local newspapers at the time.
Later I went to run digital for a small cooking magazine, where they gave us wine after photoshoots and I made $60K while living in MSP.
Later I went to run digital for a small cooking magazine, where they gave us wine after photoshoots and I made $60K while living in MSP.
Next, @jgrovum’s career brought us back to DC. I worked for @amywebb and @Philanthropy before @NoahShachtman found and hired me to @ForeignPolicy.
I eventually convinced @benpauker to up my pay in 2015, and by then I was making $85K in DC, doing a job I loved and was great at.
I eventually convinced @benpauker to up my pay in 2015, and by then I was making $85K in DC, doing a job I loved and was great at.
At @ForeignPolicy I worked on my first CMS project and at the end @timshowers told me I should think about product work.
Me at the time: wtf is product? But also how do I get into it?
Me at the time: wtf is product? But also how do I get into it?
At age 27 I got *very* excited by the prospect of being recruited by @nytimes and went to work for @nytopinion.
They moved us to NYC and suddenly I was making $98K, coming in just shy of our rule: *someone* had to make 6 figs for us to afford a move to NY
They moved us to NYC and suddenly I was making $98K, coming in just shy of our rule: *someone* had to make 6 figs for us to afford a move to NY
When that move didn’t work out as planned, @NoahShachtman continued his long game to bring me to @thedailybeast, which would be my home for three years—the longest I’ve ever stayed anywhere.
I was the AME running daily newsroom ops and finally crossed that $100K mark.
I was the AME running daily newsroom ops and finally crossed that $100K mark.
I moved to product, eventually lost my job and struck out on my own.
This year I worked less than I ever have and made more money.
I learned to stand on my own two feet.
I learned who I can count on and who I can’t.
I learned to dream big, achieve it, then dream bigger.
This year I worked less than I ever have and made more money.
I learned to stand on my own two feet.
I learned who I can count on and who I can’t.
I learned to dream big, achieve it, then dream bigger.
I can’t be grateful enough for mentors like @nextgenradio and @AvQueenBenet who have “raised” me since I was a cub reporter.
For friend colleagues like @katiehawk and @kimbui who have pushed me through the haze to help me find who I really am.
For friend colleagues like @katiehawk and @kimbui who have pushed me through the haze to help me find who I really am.
Journalism has changed dramatically in the past decade. But there are still ways for journalists to succeed and achieve, do great work while earning a livable wage.
We need better leadership to steer the industry. The folks in charge have not succeeded so far. But there’s hope.
We need better leadership to steer the industry. The folks in charge have not succeeded so far. But there’s hope.
All to say, journalism careers are measured in decades not years.
In my first decade professionally, I had some incredible highs and some devastating lows. But I found a way to make my mark along the way, especially as a media diversity advocate.
In my first decade professionally, I had some incredible highs and some devastating lows. But I found a way to make my mark along the way, especially as a media diversity advocate.
And a huge thank you to @bradwolverton, who taught me the value of negotiating a job offer even when you know they aren’t going to give you more. Show them you value your work at a higher rate, he told me.
This advice not only stuck with me, but got me from $36K to $100k+
This advice not only stuck with me, but got me from $36K to $100k+
Want to do cool journalism and technology projects in 2020? Hit me up!
I’m a product and digital strategist. I like to build things and make newsrooms run more smoothly and efficiently.
I’m also a leadership coach and newsroom trainer.
Let’s save journalism together.
I’m a product and digital strategist. I like to build things and make newsrooms run more smoothly and efficiently.
I’m also a leadership coach and newsroom trainer.
Let’s save journalism together.
I’ve decided this thread does not accurately depict the rich history of sponsorship, mentorship and friendship I have received from women throughout my career. Some of my strongest supporters have been women and I need to acknowledge them:
First off: @lyndamcdonnell and @ggwriter and @n_yang for getting me through my college and internship years.
Baby journo me would not have survived without your tough love and guidance.
And Nancy always made sure I was appropriately dressed and wrote my thank you notes.
Baby journo me would not have survived without your tough love and guidance.
And Nancy always made sure I was appropriately dressed and wrote my thank you notes.
Post college, I joined Twitter and post-college-Journo-Twitter of 2009-2010 was basically a small town. This is how @jmsummers @KelseyProud @jmestepa and many others came into and stayed in my life. We were all in our first jobs together, trying and struggling.
DC gave me amazing mentors in @amywebb @AvQueenBenet @tiffanyshack @jakesNYT
As well as amazing ride or dies like @AllieG
As well as amazing ride or dies like @AllieG
Then Friend Slack became a thing and people @sisiwei and @juliachanb created groups that changed my life and career.
Next chapter: @thedailybeast I met an amazing girl gang in @Katie_M_Baker @maliagriggs @OliviaMesser @sarahnrogers @kbriquelet @tanyabasu
Next chapter: @thedailybeast I met an amazing girl gang in @Katie_M_Baker @maliagriggs @OliviaMesser @sarahnrogers @kbriquelet @tanyabasu
Finally, I joined #TheCohort and met my #poyntersisters. Some are in my class like @becca_aa @shanbow @ihearttheroad, others I coached like @malloriesullivn @rkwise @GinnyRomney. Women like @hwise29 @hannahjwise @aroyalbox and more. They’re amazing. They’re your future bosses.
