Hey Scholars,
Can we help out a Chipster in our group, who is being handed assignments from several different editors at once and is feeling overwhelmed?
The Scholar writes: “My direct editor gives me stories to work on, which is fine, but then assignments come from the weekend editor, which require some prep time, and then I’m given things to do for certain community sections. Now, I’m going to be doing some beat work. I’m pleased to be given that opportunity, but I have this overwhelmed feeling that I can’t ever get ahead. Granted, that’s part of the reason I like the rush of journalism and newspapers, but do you have any suggestions on how to handle this?”
What’s your best advice in this situation?
Coach Col
Emma Carew
07.08.09
Prioritize, prioritize. And don’t let the little things (or occasionally the big things) get lost in the shuffle.
My professional partner here at the Post is really good about helping me weed through the pros and cons of devoting time to each story. I always try being really well organized about how to tackle the different assignments at once.
I’m just wrapping up stories that I pitched my first week here, but have been just holding on and got pushed aside while I took daily assignments. (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/07/07/AR2009070702627.html)
I’m a big fan of keeping two notebooks at your desk: a legal sized pad to use as a phone log and to-do list, and a regular or Steno sized for notes, and assignments from my editors. When we talk about my stories - I make sure to write down the things she says need to be answered or addressed by the story to ensure I’m not wasting time later, going back and answering things she asked for up front.
I also stay about 15-20 minutes after my work is done each night and sort of clean up my desk (this hasn’t actually physically happened in a while), and make a list for the next day — interviews I have scheduled, people I’m expecting will call, and so on. I also use a weekly and monthly calendar, so I can constantly see what’s coming.
Hope this helps! Miss you guys. My 4oJ was great — I got to do a Friday daily AND shoot my own photos, then still enjoyed my weekend. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/07/03/AR2009070302473.html
xo, Emma
Emma Carew
07.09.09
PS -
I got the gig at the Chron. I’m staying in DC!
Carolyn Chin
07.11.09
I have to agree with Emma. Every morning when I wake up or every night before I go to bed, I make sure that I have a prioritized to-do list of what’s urgent, what’s important and what can wait. It really helps me keep focused and stay on track through the day. It also helps me to know when I have more time to work on one thing.
Also, it might help to talk to your editors who are assigning you stories and tell them if it really is too much on your plate. In my opinion, I work best at a high level of stress, but I also know when I need to just chill out and take a step back. All of my editors luckily have been really understanding and helpful when it gets to that point, if it gets to that point.
Charles Davis
07.13.09
Communicate.
If you have too much work, say so. I’m sure extra work can be delegated accordingly.
Prioritize.
Get the daily news done first. If it’s a feature, profile or enterprise, work on it when you have the time.
And keep a calendar. That way, you know how much time you have and it may take some added stress off.
I regurgitated what they said but hope it helps.
P.S. I don’t like too much work. I like to take my time (smiles at Emma).
Andrea Vasquez
07.13.09
Poor thing, that can be stressful! I think everything our fellow Chipsters have already said pretty much hits the nail on the head.
During my first meeting with my managing editor, she told me to let them know if I need more work OR if I have too much. You may want to do as much as possible, be a good intern and show your editors what a rock star you are, but that will backfire if you drown in all those assignments and turn in something subpar or get it in past deadline. The paper functioned before you got there and will function after your 10 weeks there, so they’ll be able to adjust if you take a couple fewer stories.
And prioritization and time management is the next biggest thing. I hate the phrase “time management” - partly because I feel like it’s one of those buzz words parents and teachers use, and partly because I tend to have a hard time with it (that’s just personal). Still, I’m big on lists and those to-do lists work wonders! I have sticky notes on my computer listing the stories I have in progress, the interviews I have set up and anything else I’ve got on my plate.
Good luck! I think treating yourself to an ice cream or something might help, too
andrea
07.15.09
Yeah guys! Ya’ll are so responsible. I think that you guys have good advice.
Personally, I think sticking up for yourself is one of the harder things that you have to face as an intern. But always worth it, especially if you don’t have one editor as your advocate. While you’re in the newsroom to work your butt off and be a part of the team, its also important that you have time to develop for yourself and meet your own goals. Otherwise, you run the risk if completing this thing all unfulfilled like.
Speaking of unfulfilled, and I can’t emphasize this enough, you should always get sprinkles on your ice cream.
Aaron Montoya
07.16.09
I feel extremely unorganized after reading these. I’m OK with that.
I agree with Charles here. You’d think that since we communicate for a living as journalists our workplaces would be the epitome of excellent communication, but in my experiences I’ve found it’s quite the opposite.
Even at The Denver Post, this place I imagined as extremely organized and regimented, things get thrown around at the last minute, forgotten, double-assigned — you name it.
The paper functions quite well, but like any news operation I’ve ever been a part of, I’m not sure how.
Anyway, communicating and being direct with what you need and what you want are essential to ensuring your success.
If you have too much on your plate, you gotta let someone who can help you know. If you’re not getting enough work, ask for more or make your own. If your editor’s missing a photo in your take that you think tells the story best, gotta say something.
That’s all I got — keep kicking ass everyone!