ISM- INTERVIEW ASSIGNMENT QUESTIONS

Student Name:
Printed Name of Person
Interviewed:
Role of Individual:

Haleigh Tieken

Period: 7

Mary Alys Cherry

Place of Business:

___Mentor ___Other Professional #1

Bay Area Media Group

Business Address:

Seabrook, TX, 77586

Phone Number:

Cell: 281-793-8689
Home: 281-793-8689
11-12-15

Date of Interview:

___Other Professional #2

Type of Interview: ___ In Person ___ Telephone* ___Email*

*Documentation Required (Attach E-mail to Interview Verification Page)

1. For someone working in your field, please describe the fantasies versus realities of the job.
(fantasy vs. reality)
Not always glamorous, people can be ugly to reporters at times- depends on the story. A football player
or movie star might be cocky- shes never ran into that.

2. What is your current educational level? What continuing education and training are required?
(educational level and requirements)
Bachelor of Arts in Journalism at University of North Carolina, did some studying in Europe at Oxford
University and University of Paris- working in newspaper you learn something new. Considered getting a
masters, but figured she learns a lot at her job & too busy.

3. Please describe the typical day to day activities of someone working in your field.
(day-to-day activities)

Might start out doing obituaries, depends on field youre in. Started out as a society editor- go to lunch- and write
about what the congressman are saying. If in business ask CEO questions- day varies according to activities. You
could cover a murder or a fire.

Revised Fall 2013

4. How secure are you in your current position? What do you think is the future of your field?
(job security)
Future of field is bright- she feels secure, but shes going up in years- health may make her have to stop
working. She worked in public relations- more secure, worked in advertising as well. Newspaper industry isnt as
secure laying off more people.

5. What is a typical (average or lowest to highest) salary of someone working in your field?
(salary)
Cant answer as well- it varies. She worked for 30 years with a very small salary- started out with $5 an
hour back in 1981. Made about $30,000 at the time as an editor- worked at The Post. Columnists can make a lot
of money. Houston Chronicle makes about $100,000 a year. Reporters and Editors make about $40-$50,000 a
year.

6. What potential for growth is there in your field?

(growth potential)
A lot of growth due to technology- some fields of journalism more than other.
***Questions 7-10 will be created by the ISM student.
7. What are some of the challenges you face in your job?
People who didnt corporate when interviewing them & deadlines with bosses.

8. Most interesting thing that has happened in your job?

Interviewed Elizabeth Taylor- she came to Houston, interviewed King of Norway, Princess Anne from England &
Prince Andrew- Prince Charles too. Met President Reagan & President Kennedy.

9. What was the most difficult part of getting your degree?

Had to take about 8 or 10 courses in Journalism- public relations course- instructor gave heavy homework loadshad to write press releases- multitasking.

10. What are some of the advantages of this career field?

Revised Fall 2013

You learn a lot about life- stay current with events, its a fun job.

Interview Summary
What information from this interview will you select for your page typed,
bulleted list of research informationto be used in your presentation?

Revised Fall 2013