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Q. I recently graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor of arts (major in communications, minor in journalism). I wrote for my award-winning university newspaper for four years in all sections -- local news, campus news, sports and lifestyle.

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I have completed three journalism internships, one at a daily metro newspaper where I wrote one to three stories daily for publication. The other two were with USA Today, where I did research, created and maintained databases and performed in-depth interviews for a series of major investigative articles. I also had some articles published, both self-generated and assigned.

I have exemplary references from professors and bosses at my internships. I have read every possible article on how to dress, what to put in my resume, what to say and what not to say in interviews ...

I thought I had done everything I needed to do in order to get an entry-level position at a daily or weekly newspaper, but the fact that I am still unemployed has me baffled. I am not trying to work for a major paper, and I will work for peanuts if someone will just hire me! All I've ever wanted to be is a journalist. What am I doing wrong?
 
Frustrated Grad

A. This would frustrate anyone, especially given your willingness to start small and move anywhere.

I took a look at your resume and I think the answer may be there.

Joe Grimm

Your predicament may have to do with the fact that you were an international student and need a visa to work in the United States.

Time and again, I hear from good journalists who have trouble clearing this hurdle. The added expense of hiring an international journalist, along with the fact that the federal government might ultimately reject the application, scares off a lot of employers.

U.S. universities that admit international students who intend to stay here should really spend some time explaining the steps that are necessary. Students have to work, starting with internship number one, on lining up an employer that will be willing to sponsor them, despite the extra expense and red tape.

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Coming Wednesday: His girlfriend, woefully unhappy in her master's program, will likely wind up in Washington, D.C., after her program ends. He wonders whether to move near her now or sit tight. There is a third option.

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