SMU students gathered in the Hughes-Trigg Chamber on Wednesday, Oct. 29, for a presentation and Alumni Lunch & Learn, introducing the university’s new Business Journalism specialization. This program was designed to help students acquire analytical and communication skills through a curriculum that integrates both media and business disciplines.
Hosted by Professor Jake Batsell, the O’Neil Chair in Business Journalism, the event provided students with an opportunity to learn more about the program and ask questions. Students also heard from alumni about how the specialization combines journalism with a business mindset and prepares them for real-world opportunities.
Batsell commented that the program helps students break down complex business and economic topics and explain them clearly to any audience.
“It helps students become more financially literate and understand how the business world works,” Batsell said. “It’s all about giving them the tools to succeed in their careers.”
Students should expect to gain experience with financial terminology, learn to decode business jargon and explore visual product innovations to enhance their reporting skills. The program gives students the opportunity to cover companies and markets, develop independent story ideas and participate in industry events.
This specialization could open doors to internships locally and nationwide, with opportunities at prestigious outlets such as Forbes and The Dallas Morning News. While these positions are known for being highly selective, the new program’s blend of business insight and journalism training helps prepare SMU students to excel and compete at the highest level.
Batsell highlighted that two recent graduates were hired by Forbes for a full-time role and a one-year fellowship. The increasing need for experts who blend communication abilities with commercial was highlighted by USAA’s lead communications director, Saniha Aziz, an alumna and panelist.
“More and more CEOs are looking for greater business acumen across their corporations,” Aziz said. “They want employees to understand how the business is doing financially, how its reputation is evolving and to be able to represent the company publicly.”
Shelbie Hamilton, editor at McKinney Community Impact and an SMU business journalism alumna, noted that the program provided skills that can be applied to virtually any career path.
“The skills are very translatable,” Hamilton said, “This program will set me up for success no matter what role I am in.”
As the field continues to grow, Business journalists often earn up to 30% more than average journalists, according to a salary survey by The Reynolds Center for Business Journalism. The center surveys business journalists annually from publications nationwide and is invitation-only.
One of the students in attendance, Xavier Mathis, a journalism and English major, said the seminar gave him a clearer view of how the specialization connects journalism to real-world opportunities.
“I found it really insightful, the combination of business and journalism, along with the networking opportunities, really enhances your chance to get an internship and other opportunities in the fields,” Mathis said.
