Joanna Fantozzi

1. What are some past jobs/positions you have held?

Before my current job, I was a reporter for Straus News, a newspaper group in Manhattan. I have also freelanced for publications like The New York Daily News, The Village Voice, The New York Times, and Narratively. I graduated with my Master’s Degree from the CUNY Graduate School of Journalism in 2012.

2. Were there any particular TCNJ courses/internships that helped jump-start your career?

I was not in the journalism concentration program at TCNJ, but I did take a literary journalism course with Harriet Hustiss. Before taking that class, I had no idea how to write journalistically, and was used to writing in MLA Style, not AP style. The literary journalism course definitely fostered my interest in long-form journalism, a skill that I continue to develop today. Since then, I have had several long-form stories published in different publications.

3. What are the most important skills you learned that you use today?

Without a doubt, the most important skill I learned from TCNJ English Department professors was the ability to edit my own writing and cultivate a unique writing style. When you’re a skilled writer, it’s all too easy to fall in love with the sound of your (written) voice, but it’s more important that your essays are concise, clear, and straight to the point.

4. Do you have any advice for current TCNJ students trying to break into the business?

If you’re currently in the journalism concentration or are thinking about going into journalism, I can’t stress this enough: do at least two internships. Doing internships not only gives you something to put on your resume following graduation, but more importantly, internships will also help you develop a network of journalists who can vouch for your work. Also, don’t be afraid to apply to big-name publications. Most prospective interns are in the same boat as you (college, with very little experience), so now’s the time to reach for the (employment) stars!