Class of 2001

Shashank Bengali Africa Correspondent McClatchy Newspapers, Nairobi, Kenya shashank@alumni.usc.edu

Bio:

Missouri correspondent, Kansas City Star, 2001-2003

ATVN positions and duties:

Reporter, Producer, Executive producer, 1999-2001

How did ATVN prepare you for your current job?

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 are the top three skills college journalism students should be working on in order to be prepared for their first broadcasting job?

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 is the most important thing a college journalist should know when he or she is trying to negotiate his or her 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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