| Banks County Opinions... |
MAY 14, 2003 |
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Column By: Angie Gary  Never too early to make career plansWith graduation time ahead, young people throughout Banks County are making career plans. While some people wait until the last minute to make career plans, others have known what they want to be “when they grow up” since they were very young. I spoke to area fourth graders at Career Day Monday morning. The students were attentive and had some important questions about my job. “What do you like least about the job?” “What is the salary?” “What kind of skills do you need?” It was great to see students so young thinking about these important questions. While I knew I wanted to be a reporter when I was in elementary school, I certainly never thought about those things. One of the best questions was “what do you like least about the job?” I was honest and said the hours are at the top of that list. This was something I didn’t really think about until I had graduated from college with a journalism degree in hand, but it’s something you need to consider. This job brings long days with many nights and weekends devoted to work. I’ve missed many social events over the years and spent countless 16-plus hour days. I had never thought about this but it’s a serious consideration for those searching careers. The question on the skills needed is something that young people also need to research. I had assumed that English and writing were the only skills I would need. I didn’t like math in my early school years and took the minimum requirement in college. I didn’t think I would need math skills. How wrong I was on that one. How can you write an election story or a budget story without at least basic math skills. Science and history are important too because you might be writing a story on a new scientific discovery or interviewing a veteran of World War II. It would be helpful to have at least some background information before you attempt these stories. It was enlightening speaking to the students. I was able to reflect on my own career choice while providing information on journalism as a career. I’m glad the teachers are thinking ahead and encouraging elementary-age students to begin thinking about careers. Your career choice might change over the years, but it never hurts to start thinking about what direction you want to take as early as possible. I know there has been a lot of stuff involved in my job that I didn’t consider. Angela Gary is editor of The Banks County News and associate editor of The Jackson Herald. She can be reached at AngieEditor@aol.com.
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Column By: Adam Fouche
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