Meet a Journalist

A journalist's profile, stories and career in the field of journalism. Know a journalist who should be profiled here? Send an e-mail to Janet E. Bardon

Updated March 2004
Originally Posted June 29, 2000
Paul Schneidereit
Editorial Writer/Opinion Columnist, The Chronicle-Herald
Halifax, NS
pauls@herald.ns.ca

Why did you choose journalism?

Well, it sort of chose me. I had always done well at writing but was intent on another career path when some friends got involved at the student newspaper at the CEGEP I was attending. Before long, I got involved too and found I loved being able to ask WHY things were happening in the school and then inform others in print. After CEGEP, I travelled for a couple of years, including six months in Europe. I suddenly realized while there that journalism was what I wanted to do, more than anything.

What was your second career choice?

Self-made millionaire. No, seriously, at one point I contemplated medicine, then law, but I never really thought about doing anything else.

Where did you complete post-secondary education?

Social sciences certificate, Vanier CEGEP, Montreal. Bachelor of Journalism, Carleton University, Ottawa.

Where did you attend journalism school?

Carleton. Great school, lots of hands-on once you got past first year.

What experience best prepared you for the job of journalist?

Working at the student newspaper at Vanier. Being young, we made some big mistakes and learned the power of the printed word works both ways when people are really mad at you. That certainly taught me about thinking about your readers. Also, the experience of having to develop stories, interview people in positions of authority, etc. was invaluable. Plus, we had - mostly - a great time doing it.

Tell us about a highlight of your career, a story you have covered or an interview you have conducted.

I don't know if there is one highlight. I've been fortunate to do so many different things, from covering breaking stories to coordinating an investigative series on murder to writing an opinion column for the editorial page. And I've spent many years on both the production desk, laying out pages, and the assignment desk. Some highlights that come to mind... covering the Gander air crash the morning it happened, interviewing surviving members of the original Bluenose for a series of features, calling the press room and saying "Stop the Press!" when Iraq surrendered in the Gulf War, producing an award-winning 10-part series on the reasons behind homicide, etc.

Who was/is your mentor?

Different people at different stages have been supportive, but I can't single out one person. The most important thing, I think, is to truly have a love of the craft and a desire to always improve. You can always tell the difference between the work of journalists who care about what they do from those who don't give a damn.

What do you recommend to young people considering a career in journalism?

Check out a real newsroom through an internship or, show some initiative, just call a newsroom up and explain you'd like to job shadow. Don't be discouraged if it takes a few attempts. You've got to know that you want it.  You can teach someone to improve their writing and interviewing skills, but it's tough to teach someone instincts and desire. So you've got to ask yourself - like any good journalist would - the tough question: why do I want to do this? If you are going down that road, don't be afraid to believe in yourself. Don't be afraid to keep digging until your curiosity is satisfied. The best journalists are often those who never trust "conventional" wisdom.

What do you consider the biggest challenge facing journalists today?

The lack of commitment to journalistic excellence from bottom line managers.  A Canadian reading and listening public that seems willing to accept mediocrity too easily. Given those realities, journalists have to believe in their craft more than ever.