Alumni Report from Crusader: Graduate Mike O'Brien Class of 2023
In the rapidly evolving world of journalism, one writer's journey serves as a testament to perseverance and adaptability. After graduating in 2023, the writer embarked on a challenging yet rewarding path, navigating the industry's turbulent waters.
The U.S. journalism industry in 2025 is marked by significant challenges, including widespread job cuts, economic uncertainty, and a shift in how news is consumed. Studies and reports indicate that job losses in 2024 in the U.S. and U.K. totaled around 4,000, following even more severe cuts in 2023 with at least 8,000 jobs lost[1]. Traditional linear media, such as broadcast and cable news, are facing competition from new media channels like podcasts, YouTube, and user-generated content on social platforms.
Despite these challenges, the writer remained undeterred. They honed their skills by writing for their high school's magazine and Holy Cross' career development blog, gaining valuable experience in the process. Their dedication paid off when they received an offer to work full-time for the Advance towards the end of March.
However, the writer faced a period of self-doubt, considering a switch to a different career path. Dan Shaughnessy, a renowned journalist, once told the writer that journalism is a vast ocean where those who don't swim hard enough get washed ashore. This sentiment resonated with the writer, motivating them to not take anything for granted and to dedicate everything to their career.
The writer's job search period, which lasted almost a year, felt like an eternity but was relatively short in the grand scheme of a career. They experienced a long period of job rejections after graduation, but their availability and willingness to ask questions led to good things, as demonstrated by their freelance opportunities at the Advance, starting in December 2024.
The writer eventually landed a job writing for a blog that covers their favorite soccer team, Liverpool F.C. This opportunity came after covering various sports events for the Advance, including high school wrestling and fencing, despite having little prior knowledge about them.
As the industry continues to evolve, the writer emphasizes the importance of work-rate in this competitive field. They suggest that one should be willing to cover events at unusual times, such as 9 A.M. on a Sunday. The writer serves as a shining example of resilience and determination in the face of adversity, encouraging others interested in journalism to not let the field's competitiveness break them down, but to keep writing.
As we commemorate the 100th Anniversary of Mount Saint James, the paper is compiling Spire alumni reports, and the writer's story is a testament to the institution's commitment to nurturing talent and fostering success. The writer's journey through the ever-changing landscape of journalism serves as a beacon of hope for aspiring journalists, demonstrating that with hard work and perseverance, one can weather the storm and emerge victorious.
References: [1] https://www.niemanlab.org/2025/02/the-state-of-the-news-business-2025-a-report-on-the-challenges-and-opportunities-facing-journalism/ [2] https://www.thedispatch.com/ [3] https://muckrack.com/state-of-journalism/ [4] https://www.niemanlab.org/2025/04/the-state-of-the-news-business-2025-a-report-on-the-challenges-and-opportunities-facing-journalism/
- Despite the challenges facing the U.S. journalism industry in 2025, such as job losses and a shift in media consumption, one writer's dedication and adaptability serve as a testament to perseverance.
- After graduating in 2023, the writer honed their skills through writing for their high school's magazine, Holy Cross' career development blog, and eventually receiving a full-time offer at the Advance.
- The writer's journey was not without difficulties, including self-doubt and a year-long job search period. However, their availability and willingness to learn led to freelance opportunities and eventually a job writing about their favorite soccer team, Liverpool F.C.
- In an industry that requires resilience and determination, the writer emphasizes the importance of having a strong work ethic and being willing to cover events at unusual times.
- As the writer's story is compiled in commemoration of Mount Saint James' 100th Anniversary, their journey serves as a beacon of hope for aspiring journalists, demonstrating that with hard work and perseverance, one can weather the storm and emerge victorious.
- The writer's success is a testament to the institution's commitment to nurturing talent and fostering success, adding to the rich history of alumni in the field of education, self-development, personal growth, and career development.
- As organizations continue to adapt to the ever-changing landscape of journalism, the writer's story serves as a reminder of the importance of community, featuring prominently in news, sports, research, and features that aim to inform, entertain, and inspire.
