The Villanovan

Dear potential applicant,

 

    Thank you for your interest in The Villanovan, the official student newspaper of Villanova University, now in its 93rd year of publication. We know that with the various school activities and academic endeavors you are pursuing, it is tough to dedicate your time to yet another organization. But, we thank you for taking the time to show your desire to become a part of our award-winning staff. It is our goal to ensure that all staff members are able to contribute to the wellbeing and growth of the organization while being rewarded with a learning experience unlike any that can be found in the classroom.

    Please note that in order to fulfill the requirements for the application process, we ask that you attach one (1) writing sample no longer than 1,000 words in length. The writing sample should be one that you feel accurately reflects your writing abilities. While previously published articles ( i.e. high school newspaper, freelance writing, etc.) is preferred, we realize that not everyone may have had the opportunity to be published. Therefore, we encourage you to make sure that the samples you submit to reflect your writing as it would pertain to journalism. The sample is intended to provide us with some insight into your abilities. Please attach your sample to your application, the link to which can be found here.

    Be sure to review the Application FAQs below for more information before you apply.

    Once again, the applications can be found here.

 

Sincerely,

Stephen Buszka

Editor in Chief, The Villanovan

 

Application FAQs

When is the deadline for applications?

Applications are due Monday, February 4 by 5 p.m. Be sure to fill out the application in its entirety.

 

How can I turn in my application?

Applications can be dropped off at The Villanovan's office located at 201 Dougherty Hall or they may be submitted via e-mail to apply@villanovan.com. If you chose to e-mail your application, be sure to attach both the application form and your writing sample.

 

When will I find out your decision?

Decisions will likely be made by February 11 and e-mailed to applicants. This date is subject to change.

 

What are you looking for in a potential writer?

We want someone who is committed to our staff and willing to put in the necessary work to author a good article or column. We understand that not everyone is a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, but we will do our best to afford everyone the training necessary to be, at the least, a competent journalist.

 

Oh no! I have never written an article before!

If it's not a problem for you, then it isn't a problem for us. Many of our staff members had no journalism experience before joining our staff and have gone on to be some of our most effective staff members.

 

What kind of commitment are you looking for?

As a newspaper, we rely on dependable writers to seek out the news and write the articles that make up our award-winning publication. We ask for consistent and dependable participation as well as attendance at weekly or semi-weekly staff meetings where reviews of previous articles and planning for future articles takes place. Dependability is key.

 

You are getting a writer, what do I get out of being a part of The Villanovan's staff?

It is our hope that all of our staff members have a rewarding experience working for The Villanovan. As a writer for us, we will look to improve your writing ability and teach you the logistics of authoring proper articles. All employers would like to see potential employees with superb communication skills to the company; a background in journalism and articles published to 6,500 people is a great way to prove your communication skills. Furthermore, it is our hope that writers enjoy working for The Villanovan so much that they seek out roles as copy editors, section editors and eventually Editorial Board positions. Taking on responsibilities like these is a great way to prove to potential employers that you have a history of excellence and leadership.

 

I missed the deadline, how can I still contribute?

We are always looking for new staff members. While we encourage everyone to apply before our deadline, we do have a rolling application process. However, applicants may not be guaranteed spots on staff for their preferred area of work.

 

Thanks for accepting me, but why I am in that section?

Some sections have more writers than others. While we will do everything possible to ensure that you are writing for your preferred section, the circumstances may call for you to work in your third, fourth or fifth choice or as a copy editor. Should you still wish to write for the section we assign you to, continuously good work on your part makes a strong case for you to be placed in your preferred section when there is an opening.