Student Experience

What to Expect

Students in the Journalism program at Algonquin College start accumulating hands-on experience and a portfolio of their work almost immediately, as each individual works for the bi-monthly, award-winning Algonquin Times college community newspaper, and Glue Magazine, a publication aimed at Ottawa students.

Student Success & Testimonials

Hear what Alina has to say about the Journalism program.

The Journalism program taught me that strong writing skills are the foundation of almost any and every job. Lots of people take writing (and communications as a whole) for granted, but it can open so many doors for you if it’s a strength of yours and, conversely, can close a lot of doors if it’s a weakness. I’d also say get out of your comfort zone. College is a great time to broaden your skill set (and become a more well-rounded person overall), rather than stick to what you know, because a) it makes you a more attractive applicant in the job market and b) it’s tough to broaden your skill set outside college, given the financial and time constraints of life after school.

– Andrew DiRienzo, 2013 Grad currently working as an Intermediate English editor with Health Canada

One of the most helpful things I learned in the program was to be fearless, ask questions, and get your hands dirty. The program taught the fundamentals of being a working journalist but also taught life skills like managing deadlines and challenging yourself on a daily basis. I say yes to almost every viable offer. College taught me that I’m a resourceful person who can usually pull through. So when someone asks me to try something new or meet a tight deadline, I’ve adopted a “say yes” strategy and just make it happen. I believe I learned this from pitching stories and taking on new assignments while working on the Algonquin Times and Glue Magazine.

– Jennifer Baguss, 2013 Grad currently working as a Freelance Writer and Editor

We were responsible for running the paper and having the opportunity to have that hands-on experience was invaluable. We were responsible for everything including picking the stories, writing the stories, doing the interviews, doing the layout and taking the photos. I’m not responsible for all those aspects anymore but having those experiences do help me a lot today. We also got a lot of practice pitching stories and once you’re in the field, that’s what can stand out the most. There’s a lot of talented writers out there but the people who bring the best ideas to the table might have a greater chance at success.

– Josh Wegman , 2014 Grad currently working as NHL news editor at The Score

There was a culture in the classroom that presented this canvas and you could do whatever you wanted with it. You could simply do the base level and just skirt by, or you had the opportunity to just seize every story and every opportunity to maximize your top potential. The program really taught me to take advantage of every opportunity that comes across my desk. The encouragement from my professors to not give anything up is what I think helps me be a better reporter today.

– Michael Robinson, 2015 Grad currently working as a reporter for the Telegraph Journal

Work-Integrated Learning

Students research, write, take photographs, design and paginate the publications, shoot web video and stills, and produce online news reports using a variety of tools. Supplementing this experiential learning are lectures, labs, workshops, guest speakers and field trips delivering a diversity of information and skills necessary for the journalist of the 21st century. The program is capped off with internships within the industry.