Society of Professional Journalists

In times of sensationalism and breaking news, it is very essential to get the new breed of journalists educated. A free, ethical and high standard flow of information is the cornerstone of a liberal and developing society.

A new organization, Society of Professional Journalists, has started a chapter at NDSU since last spring.

However, of course, it had to be -- these are the news people. They are everywhere. But the days of lurking and looking are over.

Journalists today need more guidance now than ever. With the increase in the tabloid culture and “selling of news,” it is good to know that NDSU is doing its part in creating fine journalists.

Thanks to SPJ, journalism students at NDSU that are involved have the opportunity to gain wider exposure to journalism as a profession and beyond.

SPJ focuses a lot of their attention to social networking, which they believe is now a key to the news industry.

“The group sets high standards, promotes ethical professional actions, works to nurture aspiring journalists and does what it can to create a climate where journalism is done freely,” Patrick Schmiedt, the student advisor for SPJ and assistant professor of communication, said. “SPJ works to protect the First Amendment rights of freedom of speech and freedom of the press.”

Although this group had existed in the past, it was dormant. However, now with new faces, this organization hopes to reboot the journalism field at NDSU.

“NDSU had an SPJ chapter years ago, however, the communication department -- and more specifically Patrick Schmeidt -- brought SPJ back to our campus.

Stephanie Stanislao, a junior studying journalism and NDSU chapter president of this organization, said. “Schmeidt now helps to advise the group that is made up of journalism and communications students.”

This organization helps the students to get a wider exposure to media professionals all over the country.

“SPJ is a wonderful networking opportunity, not only with other communication and journalism students, but also with journalism and communication professionals locally, regionally and nationally,” Stanislao added. “You can’t sit back and wait for people to reach out to you. You have to take initiative and show that you are driven and have an outstanding work ethic. Editors want hardworking individuals who they can count on.”

Students in the field of journalism are very excited to have a representative organization of their own. It is going to provide them a platform to launch their early start in the media world.

SPJ works to foster an ethical and broad-based environment for aspiring journalists.

“Our goal is to promote the First Amendment to journalists. We also are putting on various events to help journalists find a future career and make connections in the field,” Andrew Koch, a junior majoring in journalism and SPJ’s treasurer, said. “Many journalists do not know their First Amendment Rights. This is a critical issue.”

The NDSU chapter will work to give its student members a taste of “real journalism” well before they actually step out in the real world.

“[In journalism] you also have to know how to effectively write. Be concise, reliable, and able to meet deadlines. If you can’t write under pressure then journalism is probably not for you,” Koch added.