By Editorial Board | Echo
A degree in journalism is not a requirement to work for The Echo.
Politics, philosophy and economics majors, english majors, international studies majors, professional writing majors and more have contributed to the team this year.
There are a myriad of opportunities available for those interested in The Echo. Some positions share the same duties. Designers, section editors, copy chief and photography editor need to attend our Monday budget meeting and Thursday production. It is also the responsibility of Co-Editors in Chief, section editors and staff writers to send out interviewee thank you cards and accuracy forms to story sources.
Co-Editors in Chief, copy chief, photography, online, design and section editors, staff writers, designers, staff photographers, copy editors, distribution and subscriptions managers and ad team members all contribute to creating a paper each week: an uncommon feat among smaller universities.
Section editors need to be connected with what is happening around campus.
Before production, they work together determining content, assigning that content, checking in with writers to confirm everything is going well and finally, editing the content. Editors usually write one story per week. On Thursdays, section editors finalize any contributed section content, work with their designer to determine page layout, select photos for stories and draft all content for online.
Staff writers are responsible for writing one story per week, which are assigned by section editor(s). Then, they determine sources for their assigned story, coordinate and conduct interviews with story sources and finally write their story. Staff writers are responsible for revising their story and contacting their assigned section editor(s) if any problems arise. It is not mandatory for them to attend production, but it is often encouraged.
Ad team members contact local businesses and other universities to sell ads to The Echo. They are responsible for alerting Co-Editors in Chief of all ad sales and communicating with clients to answer client's questions. After publication, they confirm with clients that the ad ran as agreed. Finally, they record all ad sales.
Writing for a newspaper had its own set of unique challenges. Sometimes a story falls through last minute; staff writers and editors have to think on their toes. An entire audio interview may go missing and the interview may have to be conducted again. Balancing work at The Echo with homework takes careful planning. But it is so rewarding.
At the end of the day, The Echo provides its team members with networking and portfolio building that will help them in their lives after Taylor. It is also a chance to record university history as it is happening, giving students a chance to add their name to the rich history of the university.
The opinions expressed in Our View columns reflect the views of The Echo Editorial Board, and not necessarily those of Taylor University.
