Jonathan Schlereth,
Founder & Editor-In-Chief of Biz E-Times

NB: To borrow a pick-up line, what’s your major?

JS: I just graduated in May with a double major. I received bachelor’s degrees in business administration and English, with an emphasis in creative writing.

NB: Interesting combination. Did one precede the other?

JS: I signed up for both coming in as a freshman. I was originally more interested in business. However, that’s beginning to shift. In the long-term, I’d like to go into publishing. In the short-term—now—I’m looking for something in communications, public relations or marketing.

NB: As a new graduate in the current economy, how are you finding the job market?

JS: It’s been difficult. A lot of companies aren’t hiring, which obviously makes it tough to get a job. People say, ‘If you're really good, they’ll find a spot for you.’ But how good do you have to be?

NB: Speaking of good, earlier this year, you received the Wall Street Journal Student Achievement Award for your work on Biz E-Times, the business school’s first online student newsletter. Did that affect your student career at all?

JS: Not really, although I do get the Wall Street Journal for free now. In all seriousness, it was good to be recognized for doing something that you love to do, especially by a publication as renown as the Wall Street Journal.

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NB: Did editing Biz E-Times teach you more about writing or business?

JS: Business. It’s been a great learning experience, teaching myself how to run a business from the beginning to the end—working on the mission, the vision, the advertising, the marketing, the production, everything. I don’t think I could have gotten this experience at any other university. For someone to say, here’s an idea, run with it, let’s see what you can do is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I’m proud of myself for accepting the challenge and being able to rise to it.

NB: Where did you learn the most about writing?

JS: In my first creative writing course at Webster. I wrote a story, turned it in, and it was torn to shreds, which it should have been for the right reasons. I really learned from that experience just how important every single word is. I also learned a lot about receiving criticism. Once you’ve been critiqued that brutally, there's no place to go but up.

NB: Any stand-out moments as Biz E-Times editor?

JS: One of my favorite interviews was with Dick Fleming of the St. Louis Regional Commerce and Growth Association. He really has that passion for the growth and revitalization of St. Louis and when someone has that passion, it’s infectious. I also really enjoyed interviewing Doug Hill, COO of Edward Jones. He told me, ‘Don’t worry about the money, do what you like to do.’ Great advice. Luckily, I have the business degree to fall back on since you don’t hear of many best-selling poets.

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