Help, I Study Journalism and I Don’t Even Know How to Unfold a Tripod

When I started my Journalism degree this school year, I had just finished my MBO4 program in International Hospitality Studies. So I already had a few years of studying behind me. But this still felt like a completely new beginning.

New house (and I even moved in with my boyfriend), new degree, new city, no twin sister sitting next to me in class anymore and I honestly had no idea what to expect. Because yeah, I had missed the open days due to my internship in Ireland. I mostly thought: Hopefully it’s kind of like those crime reporters and Alberto Stegeman-style undercover missions in a creepy parking garage. SPOILER ALERT: Nope.

The program kicks you right into your journalistic behind from day one. Within the first weeks, I was already writing news articles and interviewing people with important jobs or roles. You think you’ll just sit cool, calm, and collected in a lecture hall while sipping your overpriced coffee? Nope. You’re sent out immediately with a microphone, shaky hands, and way too many questions.

Oh, and that radio broadcast that comes almost right at the beginning, where the teacher assumes we’re all born presenters. Super nerve-wracking but also incredibly valuable. And honestly? It kind of felt main character.

If you hate writing, turn around quickly. Journalism = writing, writing, and more writing. Interviews, columns, news stories you’ll do it all. Writing news articles especially is tricky at first: What actually is the news? How do you write a headline that doesn’t make you yawn right away? Luckily, you do get (lots of) feedback from the teachers (yes, sometimes that hurts your ego, but hey, that’s how you learn).

And then there are the practical weeks: Not exactly Enjoyment with a capital E. You have to organize everything yourself from dividing up editorial teams, putting together a production schedule, to assigning a director. Oh, and don’t forget your portfolio has to be finished by the end of the week. Didn’t plan well? Then you’ll find yourself crying in front of your laptop at 4 a.m.

Interviewing was one of the most fun things I learned. I got to talk to people from the Frisian Eleven Cities Cycling Tour committee, virologists, and other interesting (sometimes not-so-friendly) figures. You learn how to have a good conversation, and especially how to dig deeper when someone answers with: “uhh yeah, just because.”

Oh, and after about fifteen minutes of fumbling, you’ll figure out how a tripod works. After that, it’s never a problem again.

Here’s a little reality check for future journalism students:

1. You have to go out there yourself. Teachers give you direction, but they won’t come up with your story—you are the journalist.
2. Your new hobby = critical thinking. Toward the news, politics, influencers, but also toward your sources.
3. Give yourself time. No first-year student writes the perfect scoop in their second week. Allow yourself the space to make mistakes (and learn from them).

So all in all, the first year of Journalism is chaotic, tough, and sometimes pretty frustrating, but also super interesting and varied. If you’re curious, love telling stories, and don’t mind running around in the pouring rain looking for the perfect quote, then this is the perfect program for you!

Do you have questions about your first interview, or do you want more inside info about the program? Feel free to send me a DM on Instagram!

Love,

Lotte

Published on: 23-06-2025 20:29 Edited on: 18-09-2025 13:16