Senior Elana Ortiz JMS ‘23 discovered sports journalism while she was in high school. At Rutgers, she majored in Journalism and Media Studies, and now, as a senior, she has post-graduation plans to pursue a master’s degree in Sports Management and then a career managing operations or media relations for professional sports teams.
Describing the JMS major, Ortiz said, “Rutgers offers a well-rounded program that doesn't just focus on written journalism, and it is something every student should take advantage of.”
In our Q&A, Ortiz describes her experiences as a JMS student and her professional goals.
SC&I: What factored into your decisions to major in Journalism and Media Studies and to pursue a career involved with professional sports?
EO: I had always known that I wanted to work in sports ever since I was young. My family is really involved with sports, and I was always surrounded by various teams and sports throughout my childhood. When I got to high school, I took a journalism class and instantly fell in love with the idea of sports journalism. I was really lucky to be taught by someone who worked in professional sports journalism, and he introduced me to all of the possibilities within that realm. Being here at Rutgers has nurtured that love and has taught me so much about not only the world of sports journalism but also about myself.
SC&I: What are your career aims, either current or aspirational?
EO: I plan on getting my master's in Sports Management after I graduate in the spring. After that, I want to take what I have learned in journalism and administration and work for a professional team in either operations or media relations.
SC&I: What is some advice you’ve received that has served you well and/or advice you'd like to share with current or prospective students?
EO: The best advice I have ever been given is: don't be afraid of rejection. Working in sports is filled with all sorts of rejection and you have to get comfortable with the idea of people telling you no. Once you are able not to take rejection personally and instead take it as a learning moment, you will see your confidence rise. Don’t let the opinion of one person deter you from chasing after something that you have been dreaming about for years.
SC&I: In what ways do/have you used the ‘Media’ aspect of JMS to help you stand out?
EO: I use the media aspect of JMS all of the time. I currently run a TikTok account for one of Rutgers' athletic teams, and the work I have done in the past for MLB Network was within their media department.
Discover more about the Journalism and Media Studies major at the Rutgers School of Communication and Information on the website.
