Degree(s): MA '10

Whereabouts: United States, Washington D.C.

What do you do?
I’m the assistant managing editor at Washington City Paper.

How did you get your job?
I spent the last semester of my graduate program in D.C. interning for Slate. One of the writers there, Jack Shafer, had been the mentor of an editor who was starting up a new local news site, TBD.com. Jack put in a word, and Erik Wemple ended up hiring me. When that blew up, I went briefly to the Washington Examiner to work as a gossip columnist. I was always trying to get to City Paper, though, so I tried to develop relationships with the staff. When it came time for them to fill the AME position, I got it.

What is the best professional lesson you learned at the J-School?
Pick up the phone.

What advice do you have for current students?
Read everything that your classmates write. It’s the supportive thing to do, and it’s also instructive. These people are your future professional network!

What is your favorite J-School memory?
Hanging out in Columbia, a town of delicious and inexpensive food. I also once threw a Disney-themed party, and people came in costume. That was pretty great.