Opinion Page

Journalism in Today’s Professional Landscape

In order to understand how the fundamentals of journalism can be utilized in professions today, I have interviewed Christopher DeFrancesco, a former journalism major who is now a Communications Professional at UConn Health. Journalism at its core teaches critical thinking and clear communication. Continue reading to find out what specific skills learned in the 1990s remain the most valuable three decades later. With a blend of original interview responses and deep research, I hope to demonstrate that journalistic capabilities remain vital in a variety of careers, not only in the UConn Health Communications Department but also in countless other professional fields. 

1-on-1 Interview: Christopher DeFrancesco

Christopher DeFrancesco, a Communications Specialist at UConn Health in Farmington, Connecticut, is a great example of how journalism skills translate into a modern career. 

DeFrancesco is no stranger to the media. Since his role began in 2007, he has produced content across platforms such as radio, television, print, and more. He says the abilities he uses most in his daily work include storytelling, relationship-building, and accuracy. “I need to find reliable sources of information and tell stories in an accurate and compelling way. Needing this skill will stand the test of time if we hold ourselves to that standard,” DeFrancesco says, emphasizing that the fundamentals of journalism will last as long as professionals choose thoughtful reporting over quicker routes made possible by today’s technology.

A Degree that Goes Beyond the Newsroom

Journalism skills are valuable for related fields, like communications. But how can they be applied as traditional careers become obsolete? According to Karen Burke of Big Valley Marketing, a journalism degree is especially useful today because it teaches graduates how to perform thorough research and meaningfully inform an audience based on what they found (Karen Burke, Is a Journalism Degree Still Worth It in 2025). The skill of organically collecting information and transforming it in a way that will teach and entertain is something that no amount of technology will replace. Another great point is brought up by New Mexico State University; they say that since almost all industries produce online content, journalism graduates can apply their media literacy expertise across many exciting careers, like marketing and digital media (NMSU, Communication Studies vs. Journalism). While a journalism degree may not sound intriguing at first, it equips students with timeless skills that can continuously adapt to our ever-changing technological world.