Not so obvious to journalism students? To earn the best sports media jobs, one needs to work hard for a long time.

I think we all need to drop into Capt. Obvious mode from time to time – by stating ideas that are clearly self-evident … except to some of our students.

Students do not often consider the toil required to get to the level where they can get to the highest level – nor that they should enjoy the work itself. Success usually comes to those who are diligent and patient.

Conversely, teachers do not always remember that students are really just beginning on their paths, regardless if they are freshmen or seniors. Here are a few thoughts on the subject that I posted on my Twitter account. Please, feel free to add your own suggestions and tips below – no matter how obvious because they will probably be new to someone.

1/The other day, a student told me he wanted to work for The Athletic out of college. Students frequently tell me they want to work for ESPN. But they first need to consider the work to reach that level. …

— Sports Field Guide (@joegisondi) March 23, 2018

2/As media pros and educators know, one needs to write 100,000s of words to more more prudently, concisely, precisely, intelligently communicate information and tell stories. Each paragraph serves as a lecture, each story a course and each season on the beat a minor. …

— Sports Field Guide (@joegisondi) March 23, 2018

3/Students need to understand that this applies whether the writing is for print, TV, radio, digital – and, yes – class reporting assignments. One can no more become a lead guitarist by causally strumming. Writing is also a craft where sometimes tedious work is required. …

— Sports Field Guide (@joegisondi) March 23, 2018

4/Ultimately, we need to push ourselves and not merely submit minimum-effort stories and assignments. The best writers push themselves the hardest at all times because they have a desire to always improve. They love the process as much as the results. …

— Sports Field Guide (@joegisondi) March 23, 2018

5/As educators, we need to remind ourselves of two things: 1. That students in are always still just beginning, freshmen & seniors. Therefore, we should not be overly harsh when assessing them. We should always offer suggestions and tips, not just point out errors. …

— Sports Field Guide (@joegisondi) March 23, 2018

6/And No. 2. We should constantly remind students the intense efforts needed to reach their lofty goals – the innumerable hours spent capturing/editing video, tracking down the best sources, repeatedly editing stories, reading & assessing others' work, creating spreadsheets. …

— Sports Field Guide (@joegisondi) March 23, 2018

7/Ultimately, students need to taker ownership of their careers by doing the work and not by completing assignments to appease professors. It is frustrating when students offer minimal effort. It's a joy, though, when you see them start to go well beyond the basics. @collegemedia

— Sports Field Guide (@joegisondi) March 23, 2018

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SPORTS FIELD GUIDE

Author of FIELD GUIDE TO COVERING SPORTS

Not so obvious to journalism students? To earn the best sports media jobs, one needs to work hard for a long time.

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