My First Byline: Andrew Hirschfeld
Freelance journalist
What is your current job?
I'm a freelance journalist primarily covering the economy. These days, I most frequently report for Al Jazeera English, though I also contribute occasionally to other outlets, including Fast Company, Bloomberg, Marketplace, and more. In addition, I run the WFHishNYC newsletter and serve once a year as editor-in-chief of the annual ski magazine City and Slopes.
What was your first byline?
My first byline came after several years working on the production side of news. I wanted to make a change and become a reporter. That first byline was at OZY (in hindsight...yikes), where I wrote about abuses in the troubled teen industry.
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What was your first real job in journalism?
While I had done some backfill production work beforehand, my first real job in journalism was as a broadcast associate at CBS This Morning in 2016. I transcribed interviews and fact-checked scripts.
How did you get it?
I saw a job posting on CBS’s website. Rather than waiting for a recruiter conversation that might lead nowhere, I reached out directly to who I believed was the hiring manager. I sent him an email, and within a week I had an interview and then two weeks later, I had the job.
What advice do you have for people looking to break into journalism?
Networking! The most rewarding opportunities I’ve had have come from connections I’ve made at industry conferences, media happy hours, and even on social media. With so few jobs and so many talented people, being in a position where a hiring manager can put a face to the name can make a huge difference.