Arizona Daily Star, July 5, 2002

FIRST JOBS:

Sports desk work offers lots to learn

Alexis Huicochea, an Arizona State University student, made the transition from sports player to sports editor through a summer job at the Arizona Daily Star. Her advice to job-seeking students: Look for work that you can learn from.

By Jonathan J. Higuera
ARIZONA DAILY STAR

How did you hear about your current job?

My high school tennis coach is pretty good friends with James Bennett, the sports editor. He recommended me.

Why did it interest you?

I want to get into news, whether it be broadcast or newspapers. I thought this would be a good starting point.

Did you have to interview for the job?

Yes.

How did it go?

I was extremely nervous, since this was going to be my first job in journalism. I was just trying to make the best impression. James noticed how nervous I was.

What did he ask?

He asked if I knew much about sports. I was truthful and told him no, but I played tennis and softball and I was willing to learn about other sports. He asked how I felt about working at night. I told him I was willing to do that.

Describe what you do.

Basically, I look over stories. Look for typos, write photo cutlines, some headlines.

What do you like best about your current job?

I like that I'm learning the process of how the paper gets out. I'm learning more about sports.

What is your least favorite part of the job?

Getting adjusted to nights. I work 4 p.m. to midnight. When I get off work, I'm not ready to go to bed at all. That was different for my body.

How many hours a week do you work?

29 hours.

How much do you earn?

$8.50 an hour.

What do you do with the money you make from your job?

I try to put some away for next year to pay for expenses like parking, books, things for my dorm.

What's your most memorable experience while working?

Nothing really. I'm just learning and asking a lot of questions.

Is this job giving you ideas about what you want to do as a career?

Before, I really never gave much thought to newspapers. I was more interested in broadcasting. But I'm getting more interested in newspapers. It's just giving me experience.

Do you have any advice for other young people looking for their first professional job?

Try to find something that interests you. Try to find something you eventually want to do. Don't take a telemarketing job just because it pays $9 an hour. Try to take something that will help you advance. It will further you later.

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