The National Press Club Journalism Institute is spotlighting the next generation of journalists, students who graduated from college or Master’s programs this spring into a challenging job market. We hope they’ll meet future bosses and colleagues here, who will reach out and support them in building journalism’s future together.
Name: Shabnam Danesh
School: American University
Location: Washington, D.C.
Student Media: The Wash
Journalism heroes: Julie K. Brown and Chris Cuomo
What have you learned from your involvement with student media on your campus?
Danesh: I covered the Foggy Bottom neighborhood for Community News Reporting class. I learned how to develop sources, research, interview, and write enterprise stories that were published on The Wash, AU’s online graduate student publication
What have you learned from your internship experience(s)?
Danesh: Sadly, many newsrooms cancelled their summer internships so instead I am taking a class on Voice and Presentation Skills. I have learned about abdominal diaphragmatic breathing, vocal training, vocal delivery skills, vocal analysis and other skills to succeed as a broadcast journalist.
What’s been your best moment in journalism?
Danesh: It seems like forever ago now, but covering the impeachment was an exhilarating time. I was assigned to cover the Gordon Sondland hearing for a class, Reporting of Public Affairs. I got there very early, I think around 6 am, but was still stuck in line for hours! But all the waiting paid off and eventually I made it into the hearing room. I felt like I was witnessing history being written with my eyes. So worth it.
What do you want to accomplish in your journalism career?
Danesh: I want to be a crime and justice reporter. I want my reporting to make an impact like Julie K. Brown’s reporting on Jeffrey Epstein. It shows how powerful journalism can be.
If you could meet any journalist and ask for her/his advice, who would it be and why?
Danesh: Chris Cuomo. I really like his interviewing style and how he isn’t afraid to ask tough questions.
What do you want potential employers to know about you?
Danesh: Journalism is my second master’s degree and represents a foray to a new career and life. I have a multi-faced work history in legal administration, criminal justice research, and account management. I always wanted to be a journalist and am excited to pursue my dreams. I am a hard worker, energetic and ready to hit the ground running. Just need someone to give me a chance.
When you aren’t practicing journalism, how do you spend your time?
Danesh: I love exploring D.C. and all it has to offer. I just moved here last May and absolutely love it here. Pre-COVID, you could usually find me at the National Press Club, Pure Barre or AU. Or just hanging at home with my cats ^_^ ^_^
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Tags: Class of 2020
Outstanding! I look forward to all you bring!