SCAN highlights School of Communications alumni who recently landed jobs in their field. Sarah C. Truckey (BA, Media Communications, Film Studies minor, 2007) works as a freelance writer in St. Louis.



SCAN: How did you find out about the job you have?
Sarah C. Truckey: Thanks to Joe Schuster, my advisor throughout college, I was put in touch with an editor from St. Louis Magazine who wanted to run a couple of the pieces I had written for Joe in my senior year Independent Study. They liked my stuff so much they asked me to write a 1500 word piece on bars in St. Louis. I began writing it before I graduated and have written something for them at least once a month for the past two years.

SCAN: Any advice for those looking for a similar job?
SCT: Freelancing is about the easiest thing you could do … if you’re resourceful, confident, quirky, well-connected, over-driven and highly-motivated. If not any of those things, maybe look for something else. Sending inquiries and bits to various publications is my only advice. AND start your own blog so any potential buyers have a portfolio at their fingertips to check out. Set aside at least an hour a day to brainstorm ideas and workshop them with a friend or mentor.

SCAN: What Web sites would you recommend for those interested in your field?
SCT: Blogs, your favorite magazine sites, freelance classifieds.

SCAN: What Web sites would you recommend just for killing time?
SCT: Freelancers never kill time! Our minds are constantly at work!

SCAN: What classes did you find the most valuable in preparing you for this job?
SCT: My internship class, Media Writing, Independent Study. Each student should really cherish one-on-one time with an advisor or mentor. I learned the most over coffee or advising meetings with the university’s best.



SCAN: Best way to fuel creativity?
SCT: Wake up reallllllllly early and sit with your notepad or computer. Your mind is clearest in the morning. Also bring a notepad with you AT ALL TIMES in case an idea comes to you. My best ideas come when I’m riding my bike or sitting at a bar or falling asleep.

SCAN: In five words or less, how would you describe your working environment?
SCT: Solitary only by choice.

SCAN: The best way to start your day as a freelance writer is …
SCT: …with a cup of coffee, a good record or NPR, and a clear mind ready to write down whatever comes.

SCAN: Where do you see your career in 10 years?
SCT: Living in a city, doctorate in hand, teaching writing at a university.

SCAN: My first big purchase since landing in this job was …
SCT: … a summer in Spain.

SCAN: What do you plan to do on your next vacation day?
SCT: Write.

SCAN: I wish someone in college would have told me about …
SCT: Post-college depression, angst and indecisiveness.

SCAN: Things you miss most about Webster?
SCT: Constantly being surrounded by intellectuals.

Did you just land a job in your field? E-mail scan@webster.edu and tell us about it.

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• Amanda Sang ’06
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