Want to become a part of Penn State’s premiere student media outlet, Onward State?

Well, you have at least some interest, or you wouldn’t be reading this, so that’s a good start. Don’t worry, applying won’t take long. Right now, we’re looking for a little bit of everything from our potential additions. Of course, our primary interest is in adding more of our bread and butter — students interested in writing content that helps generate conversation in the Penn State community, whether that be through reporting the news or writing posts about things you’ll teach your Penn State daughter. Currently, we have more of a need for the former of those options, so journalism majors are welcomed. In particular, we’d like to add students with an interest in breaking news writing who would drop everything if something huge happens. Our student-to-student training is some of the most valuable a Communications major can receive at Penn State. Of course, students from all majors and walks of Penn State life are encouraged to apply. The more diverse the staff, the better coverage we can provide. Our staff is a rather laidback crew filled with snark, and you’ll find it’s quite easy to fit in.

We are also seriously searching for more photographers and videographers to expand our multimedia coverage. If you want to have your photography and videography showcased to the largest social media following owned by a student media outlet, this is your chance. You’ll get both student and professional training and help begin what we plan to make an integral part of Onward State in the future. We’re also searching for graphic designers or visual journalists who are interested in presenting stories in a new and original way, so feel free to apply and see what you can bring to the table if that’s up your alley.

Onward State offers you a great platform to launch a career. Our alumni have landed jobs at major outlets all over the country, so your voice can begin to matter for a long time if you join staff. But please don’t apply if your primary reason is to fill a hole in your resumé. We’ve grown to where we are now by fostering a genuine interest in serving the Penn State community on our staff, and students with that mindset are generally our most successful.

A more detailed list of requirements will be provided to you in your interview following your application, but know that writers will need to compose at least one post a week (this is the bare minimum, mind you), photographers and videographers will be expected to consistently contribute to many OS staples, and everyone on staff will need to generate several story ideas weekly. We also expect that you will be quite proud to work for one of the best student media organizations there is, of course. Our weekly meetings will be held on Sunday evenings, and attendance is mandatory.

Follow this link to access our application, which is due by August 29 (that’s the Friday of the first week of school). Questions can be sent to [email protected] in the meantime. Hope to see your name on the masthead!