What is your current job?
My current job title is senior marketing reporter at Digiday, where I cover the marketing and advertising industry.
What was your first byline?
One of my first bylines was in the arts and entertainment section of Georgia Southern University's The George-Anne Newspaper, when we printed a physical edition twice a week. It's known as The George-Anne Media Group nowadays. I wrote a story covering a student showcase headlined, "Student showcase allows music majors to show off." It was one of many times I'd report on a theatrical performance, music ensemble or fashion show. I keep those clips in a shoebox and revisit them every once in a while to remind myself of my early career.
What was your first real job in journalism?
My first big girl job in journalism came when I was one of two exclusive reporters at the St. Augustine Record newspaper covering St. Augustine's 450th anniversary. I did a lot of features on the city's historical roots, local businesses and the people. Some of my most beloved stories focused on St. Augustine's role in the Civil Rights Movement. I stayed about a year before returning to Georgia, where I grew up.
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How did you get it?
I got the job at The Record, following the beat and path most journalism school students take. I signed up for an internship and asked for a recommendation when it was finished. That's how I landed the job, which I was grateful for because I knew nothing about St. Augustine and had never stepped foot in Florida for any purpose other than Spring Break. I ended up at Digiday covering marketing because I, a millennial, would raise hell about a digital strategy and social media presence at every publication I was at, including The Record. I called the entire editorial staff into a meeting once to pitch The Record on Snapchat. They didn't take me up on Snap, but I did get to be more hands on with Facebook, allowing me to add some social media skills to my resume.
What advice do you have for people looking to break into journalism?
This is always an interesting question. I've always told journalism students to network their butts off. Attend every ONA, SPJ and NABJ conference. Follow your favorite reporters on social. I got a gig at a trade publication in New York while I was still living in Atlanta just by DM'ing an editor from that magazine on Twitter. But with newsrooms shrinking, it's getting harder and harder to stand out in a sea of hungry journalists. While I still endorse the idea of networking, I'd also advise people looking to break into journalism to not be afraid to build something of their own, whether that be a Substack newsletter or hosting a podcast. Once you have the tools and training, don't shy away from learning on the fly and investing in your own piece of digital real estate. Most importantly, however, this industry isn't easy, so always remember to be kind to yourself.
Find Kimeko on her website, LinkedIn and X
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