Journalism, broadcast or public relations majors are all familiar with the importance of writing. Every class in those programs involves writing in some manner, and many of them focus exclusively on writing.

Any professional in the media fields repeatedly stresses how important it is to write. Just this week, media professionals from across the region came to Oswego State for the 14th annual Lewis B. O’Donnell Media Summit, and a common theme in their presentations to classes was their focus on the importance of writing.

Something less commonly known to media students is the importance of distinguishing themselves. The School of Communication, Media and the Arts has well over 1,000 students, yet the media organizations that serve as practice grounds for the school have far fewer students active within them than even half of the school’s student body.

Disregarding the stresses that puts on the organizations themselves, which are significant, when a student studying any aspect of media neglects to involve themselves in a media club of some sort, they  themselves are disadvantaged.

The media job-scape is changing significantly and shrinking. Competition is getting much fiercer, and the distinction between students involved in media organizations and those not is becoming far more important to recruiters. If someone interested in a job does not have a portfolio of work to present alongside their application, they are unlikely to get that job. Work done for classes, while it may be of quality, really does not show a work ethic or sense of drive. It shows that the applicant was willing to do what was asked of them, but not more.

The Oswegonian, WTOP and WNYO are fantastic resources for SCMA students to get involved, build their resumes, develop skills and friendships and learn more about a real newsroom. If a student interested in media, whether it be sports, entertainment or hard news, declines to use the tools and advantages this school offers, they are wasting their time and their money on a degree. Without an established portfolio of work that extends beyond classwork, you are going to end up at Target.