Jordan Jones graduated from Southern in 2004 with a B.S. in journalism.
Once he began to work for the Southern News, he found a passion for writing and story-telling, and soon became the online editor for the newspaper. Jones is now the administrative advising coordinator for Interdisciplinary Studies at Southern Connecticut State University.
What made you pursue a journalism degree at Southern?
I declared the journalism major because I appreciated how it challenged me and how the material you were learning in the class could be applied immediately and you had tangible results of your learning/experience. Additionally, it was very hands-on learning, collaborative and supportive environment.
What skills did you learn that you have applied to in your professional career?
I gained many skills from the journalism program, including strong written communication skills, interviewing, using emerging digital tools. Beyond the critical thinking skills and how to observe with all of my senses, the open and honest discussions happening in the classroom fostered a deeper sense of my personal understanding and compassion in considering others perspectives and lived experiences that may be beyond my own.
How did you transition into academic advising?
An opportunity came up to work here at Southern in their finance department. One of the things that the hiring manager was excited about was that I was a good communicator. He said ‘We don’t have people who know how to communicate well about the things that we’re trying to do in finance.’ I grew in the position for about 10 years and then had a realization I don’t like these numbers, but what I loved about my job was working with students. I supervised a handful of student workers in my office and worked with students that were coming into my office. And I realized that was the best part of my job. So let me find a job that would allow me to just focus on students.
So I went got a master’s degree in education that was focused on higher ed, and then I moved into an academic advising position about 10 years ago. And then from there I came to the Interdisciplinary Studies program to be the advising coordinator.
What is one thing you’d tell a student looking to study journalism?
This major is unlike any other. The campus, the city, and the state become your classroom when finding stories and inerviewing people.
I would also say that the skills you learn from journalism can be applied to jobs outside of the field. Everyone loves a good communicator.
There’s a lot to do in the classroom but you need to get into the field to really put it into practice; there’s valuable experience to gain there.
Interview by Trumayne Guy, SCSU JRN ‘24. Answers have been condensed and edited in 2023.