In “Chatting with Alumni,” I will sit down (at my computer desk) and email alumni of the Texas Tech University College of Media and Communication and catch up about life after graduation and their memories of Texas Tech.
This week, I got in touch with Anna Schumann. She is an editor at SmartBrief, a data-driven article and email compilation service in Washington, D.C. Schumann is a 2008 graduate with a B.A. in journalism and a B.A. in political science.
How did you find your way to Tech/ Why Tech?
“Growing up, I’d always assumed I’d go to the school that most of my family went to and never gave it much thought. Once I got to high school, though, and really started thinking about college, I knew that I wanted to be sure that where I went was my choice and not my family’s. At a college fair junior year of high school, my mom and I laid out the requirements – she wanted a school with an Honors College and I wanted a school where I could play lacrosse. The Tech recruiters were amazing and I quickly saw that Tech offered not only those two things, but much more. We booked a campus visit for spring of that year, and I was hooked the second I set foot on campus. I immediately fell in love with not only the gorgeous buildings and landscaping, but the atmosphere – the one only Red Raiders can truly understand: the flags at Memorial Circle, the pride in the school, the way it feels like home right away. I went to several other events on campus my junior and senior years, and my feelings grew stronger with each visit. To appease my family, I applied to Tech and the other school, but there was no question where I’d go. From that moment in April 2003, I was a Red Raider for life.”
Why did you pick your majors/majors? Any interest in the subject while growing up?
“I didn’t always just know that I wanted to be a journalist the way that some people have always known what they wanted to do. This sounds terrible, but I chose journalism originally only because I knew I wanted to write and because I hate English classes and couldn’t imagine what I’d do with an English degree. (If you are earning an English degree, there are things you can do! I was 18, I didn’t know!) I actually changed my majors a few times, originally starting with journalism and political science, then switching to public relations and international relations, before switching back and earning degrees in journalism and political science.”
“The reason I wanted to double major was because I was afraid of being a reporter who didn’t know the context behind whatever was happening. I’d always been interested in politics and had done well in social studies and government in grade school, so it seemed like a good fit. As I got deeper into both curricula, I just knew I wanted to be a reporter on the Hill and maybe one day join the White House Press Corps. That hasn’t happened…yet.”
Favorite class/professor?
“This is basically impossible to answer. I had such a great time at Tech and learned so much from each class and professor. I can give you three favorites though: Dr. Brewton, Dr. Reddick and Mr. Wernsman. I attribute my love for journalism to Mr. Wernsman and Newswriting. It’s an intimidating class for most people – and of course it was for me too – but it was in that class that I realized the great responsibility journalists bear. It scared me out of the field at first, but after taking that class I realized I’d found what I love and quickly recommitted to the major. Dr. Brewton’s passion for journalism and for “skepticism,” as he always said, was also intimidating but invigorating. And Dr. Reddick always believed in me, even when I didn’t believe in myself. His recommendation helped me get my first job as a reporter and his faith in me got me through some challenging times. I still keep in touch with all three of them, especially when something big happens in my career.”
Fondest memory of Tech?
“Again, impossible to decide. I was really active in an organization that provided a lot of great memories. Carol of Lights is one thing I really miss. But my favorite would have to be my last home football game as a student: We beat OU by a touchdown, knocking them out of national championship contention, and rushed the field after the game. I was pretty emotional knowing it was my last time to sit in the student section, but could not have asked for a better last game.”
Tips for students in school?
“Go to class and get there on time. I know I sound like a parent on this one, but it’s important. Regardless of attendance policies, being present is key. Being early is key – don’t be that person who comes in late and bothers everyone. It’s extremely disrespectful and wastes everyone’s time, including yours. These are not abstract concepts that you won’t encounter again after school. If you pursue a career in journalism, you’ll need to be present at a lot of things, either for stories or to cultivate relationships with sources. It will always benefit you to be early to meetings – you never know who you’ll get to talk to or what you’ll see when you are. And regardless of the career you pursue, people might not notice when you’re on time or early, but they will always notice when you’re late.”
Tips for students in getting a job/internship?
“This is going to sound harsh, but as a student, you are not “too good” for anything. Get as much experience as you can. Do every internship you can. Do every assignment you can. Don’t know broadcast at all? Take a class in it, if time and money allow. Find another way to learn it if you can’t take a class. Go cover that “lame” event and give yourself practice in finding a new angle on the story. You can not have too much experience in this field. Every experience will help you learn and every experience will help you sell yourself. (There’s a story I did when writing for the DT that remains a favorite, and I have mentioned it to every prospective employer over the past seven years.) When it’s time to apply for jobs and internships, apply for every one you can. Apply for things you think are out of your league and apply for “safe” options just in case. Think about the job you want when you graduate – it’s ok if that job changes frequently – and try to make every step one that will help reach that goal.
This might sound contradictory to the idea of gaining every experience you can, but you also can’t sell yourself short. Once you’ve graduated, you must stop giving things away for free. What we do – writing, photography, design, communications – has value. And when we allow ourselves to get paid in “experience” instead of in real money, we devalue our work and our entire industry.”
Opportunities in your field?
“I can’t stress this enough – there are SO MANY opportunities for journalism and mass communications graduates. People want to get so down on the economy and millennials and the market for liberal arts graduates, and while a tough job market can’t be ignored, neither can the value in what we do be ignored. We tell stories that have never been told and dispel dangerous myths and hold people accountable – and do it all in a way that makes people eager to find out more. I’ll go back to my “you’re not too good for anything” line from earlier. Take that job in rural Idaho if that’s the one that comes along. You don’t have to stay there forever, but the experience is invaluable.”
“Remember that you aren’t married to your degree, and that it is really just a foundation for your career. If you have an interest in addition to your degree field, such as oil, travel, education or business, consider a job at a trade publication. Playing to your strengths does not make you a sell-out; rather it strengthens the entire industry. And remember that just because your first job is in journalism, it doesn’t mean your second one has to be. Find what you love and go after it. Your skills don’t depreciate as long as you keep them sharp!”
What have you learned so far since having graduated?
“So much. One of the biggest things I’ve learned is how well-prepared Tech graduates are compared to a lot of others. Yes, I’m biased, but I’ve also held a few jobs in two major cities and met people from a lot of other schools who honestly don’t have the foundation we have and have had to play catch-up once they got into the real world. Another big thing is versatility. I’ve learned how necessary it is to adapt quickly to changing situations. The story you think you’re covering or the job you think you’re about to do is not always going to be the story you end up writing or the job you end up doing. It’s not always easy, but you have to learn to be ok with that.”
Anything else you’d like to share?
“My advice, summed up: Don’t be afraid to try new things. You never know where those new things will take you. Have an amazing time in college – make new friends, go out of your comfort zone, and use the excuse “Because I’m in college” as long as and as often as you can – but don’t forget that you’re actually there to learn and earn a degree!”
How to reach Anna Schumann
Anyone wanting to contact Schumann, email her at anna.t.schumann@gmail.com or Linkedin at https://www.linkedin.com/pub/anna-schumann/8/a38/800
About Julien Demers
