Q: I'm at the point in my career where I now have 5 years of reporting experience at a daily with a circulation of about 160,000. I've accomplished just about all the goals I had in mind for my immediate 5-year plan when I was first hired at my current job. Now I'm thinking about my next 5-year plan and wondering if I'm out of line in thinking about moving to a larger paper.
I'm not in a huge rush, but I believe I have compelling clips showing a wide-range of topics, talent and experience. Having said that, there aren't a huge number of larger organizations to move up to. How high can I aim at this point in my career without being unreasonable?
I've attached my résumé, which includes the Web address of a site with some of my selected clips to give you a better idea of where I'm at career-wise.
Jim
A: You seem to be in a good place. You have built a solid work history and win in-house writing awards.
There are about 70 dailies larger than the one you are now working with, so that should spell some opportunity.
Three thoughts:
- Bigger is not always better. Some journalists find better jobs at smaller newspapers. This should expand your horizons.
- You're already at a decent paper. If you like where you are, keep growing at that paper.
- If you decide that you'll move to a larger paper, aim higher now. You seem to be using in-house awards as a yardstick for your progress. Start using state, regional and national contests in the same way. They'll make you reach higher and prepare you for an eventual move.
