Journalism Workshops Prepare Students for Career Success
Assistant Professor of Practice Luis Carrión discusses video production during a student workshop on Oct. 2, 2026.
The University of Arizona School of Journalism is giving students opportunities this fall to build professional and technical skills through a series of hands-on workshops focused on career preparation, interviewing and reporting.
On Sept. 29, Patty Machelor, an assistant professor of practice and internship coordinator in the School of Journalism, hosted a “Pizza and Portfolios” workshop in conjunction with the university’s Center for Career Readiness.
School of Journalism students learn resume formatting practices at the "Pizza and Portfolios" event on Sept. 29, 2026.
During the event, students were given a presentation on resume writing and formatting facilitated by a career educator from the Center for Career Readiness.
At the end of the workshop, Machelor and Assistant Professor of Practice Rick Wiley, discussed interview preparation topics including how to present yourself to future employers and the correct mindset to have going into an interview.
“When you’re young and new, there are good tips to go in there prepared with questions and your own curiosity about your possible job,” Machelor said.
Machelor's vision for the future is to host Pizza and Portfolios twice a semester ahead of internal and university-wide career and internship fairs.
Later that week, Assistant Professor of Practice Luis Carrión held a workshop in the School of Journalism’s broadcast studio for students to learn about the new production equipment available to them for reporting assignments.
Carrión guided students through hands-on demonstrations on field reporting with Sony FX3 cameras, RODE wireless microphones and mobile devices.
A crowdfunding campaign, conducted in concert with the University of Arizona Foundation, helped raise key funds that supported the purchasing of new audio and video equipment for student use.
Students learn the basics of setting up a tripod and camera for conducting video interviews.
“A workshop like this is intended to give students a more in-depth exposure to the equipment so that they can ultimately feel comfortable with the equipment and so that it doesn't become a barrier for their creativity and the work that they are doing as journalists,” Carrión said.
Machelor and Carrión plan to continue holding workshops in the coming semesters for students.
“I think it's important to have concentrated and focused opportunities for students to learn,” Carrión said.
The next Pizza and Portfolios event is scheduled for Oct. 8 in the School of Journalism. Students interested in attending can reach out to Patty Machelor for more information.
Information on upcoming studio workshops will be shared later in the fall semester.