Ask the Recruiter

Your column is riveting. Thanks so much for helping journalists in need.

I am a new college grad, interning at a local daily newspaper with a smaller circulation. The paper is good, and I recognize I am lucky to be where I am.

ASK JOE A QUESTION

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There is a possibility I could land a job at this paper. This is good because I would be gaining experience, and I'd have a secure job. The dilemma is, I am tired of this city. It is my college town, it is small, and it does not have any opportunities personally or professionally. The night life for 20-somethings is non-existent. I do not want to spend my 20s getting dusty in this city, but I don't want to blow the opportunity for experience.

What should I do? Do I have a chance of obtaining a job in a similar market with six months of internship experience and two years of college newspaper experience?

Is this enough for me to chase an entry-level job? Should I suck up my personal displeasure in favor of career clout?

Thanks,

Feeling trapped in the South

Aw! Thanks for your nice remarks. If this column is "riveting," as you say, it is only because of the good questions asked by you and others.

If you have time to test your marketability by applying to some places where you'd rather work, I'd stay up late to get them out.

Joe Grimm

If an offer comes before you have tested the waters, I'd be inclined to accept. There is no way you should be stuck at that town throughout your 20s if you're good. And the paper could be just the springboard you need to get to a place -- and paper -- you like. Turning down a sure thing in today's market is risky -- especially if it is from a paper you like.

I would hate to see you jeopardize your career because you're tired of the city you're in.

From internships to jobs: "Breaking In: The JobsPage.com Guide to Newspaper Internships."

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Coming Wednesday: The job application asks for six work samples. He has four or five very strong ones and wonders whether he should stop there.

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