Hiring/J-degree: Austin American-Statesman

Part of a series in which professionals answer the question that students often ask me: Do you need a journalism degree to get hired in the field?

Many thanks to Gary Susswein, Metro Editor of the Austin American-Statesman, for his answers.

When you hire a reporter or a copy editor, how important is it for an applicant to have a journalism degree?

Minimally important. Experience, clips and smarts are much bigger priorities.

Why do you look for a journalism degree, or what do you look for instead of that?

I rarely actively look for a journalism degree. Internships and prior jobs are far more important when looking at resumes.

Is the picture different for entry-level applicants vs. experienced applicants?

I'd say it matters slightly more for entry level applicants. If clips and experience are limited, the degree in journalism might give me more confidence that the applicant knows what he/she is doing. But, again, it's not a major priority.