Grateful for biz reporting skills

The Online News Association talked with Naila Boodhoo, who covers business stories for WBEZ in Chicago, about her career.

Here is an excerpt:

What happens during your average day?

If there isn’t breaking news, I’m working on a feature story, so could be prepping for interviews, out in the field, back in the office logging tape or preparing to be on one our live shows.

Why did you choose to get involved with online media?

I’m not sure it was ever a conscious choice. Online is where communications/information flows went and our job is to be in the middle of that.

Business reporting is one of the few sectors that is currently growing. What’s your advice for young journalists entering the field and for mid-career journalists looking to change gears?

I’ve always been grateful to have business reporting skills. Having any additional skills always make you a more valuable worker and that’s particularly so for specialized beats. I would say that most of my business reporting career has been based on on-the-job training; you can always learn about a beat, even if it’s the economy, by covering it. I think there are great resources out there to learn more about covering business journalism, whether that’s the Reynolds Center which does great in-person and online training (including handy resource guides by topic), or through The Society of American Business Editors and Writers (SABEW). Obviously, anything at the intersection of personal finance and real estate — especially in terms of foreclosures, short sales and credit, or employment, especially how people are adding skills or retraining in order to get work — is really important right now.

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