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Annenberg School of Communication and Journalism University of Southern California
ALUMNI

Shashank Bengali

Class of 2001, Bachelor's



National Security Correspondent for the Los Angeles Times

Africa Correspondent, McClatchy Newspapers

Missouri correspondent, Kansas City Star, 2001-2003

Survey

What are the top three skills journalism students should learn in college?:

1. Writing
2. Writing
3. Writing (as a college student you don’t realize what a rare skill this is, even in major companies)



What were your duties at ATVN? :

Reporter, Producer, Executive producer, 1999-2001



How did ATVN prepare you for your career?:

Learning how to write accurately, clearly, concisely—and fast.



What is your advice to aspiring journalists?:

Your first job—and even your second and third jobs—aren’t your last jobs. Don’t be afraid to go someplace new.



What should graduates keep in mind when negotiating their first job?:

Don’t be shy about asking for more money. The worst they can do is say no. And don’t undersell yourself. The ATVN mafia’s reputation is strong and growing.

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