My First Byline: Lorena Mongelli
Quick strike enterprise reporter, Newsday
What is your current job?
I am currently a quick strike enterprise reporter at Newsday.
What was your first byline?
My first byline was at the Quad, the student paper at Queens College, City University of New York. I recall writing about protests calling for the resignation of Herman Badillo, then chairman of the Board of Trustees at CUNY.
What was your first real job in journalism?
My first journalism job was as an editorial assistant, AKA “copy kid,” at the New York Post, where, among my varied responsibilities, I was one of a cadre of wannabe reporters who scurried around the newsroom distributing hard proofs of the newspaper before it officially went to press. I took dictation from a legendary opinion writer who often slurred his words; I walked into a pharmacy red-faced to buy a secret editor Gas-X and once was summoned to the big boss’s office to take their broken heel to the cobbler. In between the grunt work, I got a chance to cover the biggest crime stories of the day as well as the city’s most defining moments.
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How did you get it?
Like so many journalists, I was always an avid reader, but it was really by fluke that I landed in the journalism program at Queens College after transferring from Hunter College. A professor encouraged me to pursue the field after seeing me come alive in class. I wrote for the college paper, I got a job at a now defunct polling company, I found writing internships and got my foot in the door at the Post, where I learned so much.
What advice do you have for people looking to break into journalism?
Even as newspapers are closing there are so many other opportunities for journalists out there- online news publications, social media, nonprofits, and newsletter platforms—don’t be afraid to take a risk. And while I often felt like I was flying by the seat of my pants, I would encourage young people to map out their career goals, both short and long term. Time passes too quickly. Build connections, keep contacts and be kind. You never know who will remember your name one day.
Find Lorena on LinkedIn.