Faculty Highlights: Career Insights and Advice for SJMC Students
Student-reported articles explores how Texas State faculty built careers in media and what they want students to know before entering the field.
The School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Texas State University is home to faculty whose careers span advertising, journalism, law and media leadership. Before entering the classroom, many of these professors built careers in the industries students hope to join.
SJMC wants to highlight faculty members whose professional experience shapes how they teach, mentor and prepare students for careers in mass communication. Each story offers insight into the classroom while sharing practical advice for students beginning their own paths.
Jenny Buschhorn shares career experience and advice with students
Jenny Buschhorn, advertising professor of practice at Texas State, brings years of agency experience into the classroom to prepare students for real-world careers. Through hands-on learning and mentorship, she helps students build confidence, think strategically and take ownership of their work.
Dino Chiecchi shares career experience and advice for students
Dino Chiecchi, associate professor of practice at Texas State University, brings more than 30 years of journalism experience into the classroom, emphasizing strong interviewing skills, real-world reporting and persistence in preparing students for media careers.
Gilbert Martinez brings journalism and experience into the classroom:
With a background in both journalism and media law, Gilbert Martinez teaches media law and ethics while encouraging students to think critically about free speech and the role of media in society. His courses focus on discussion, storytelling and real-world application.
Read more: Gilbert Martinez profile coming soon.
Amber Hinsley turns newsroom experience into hands-on learning for students:
Amber Hinsley brings years of reporting experience into her courses, helping students develop storytelling, reporting and critical thinking skills. Her teaching emphasizes hands-on learning and the role of journalism in serving the public.
Read more: Amber Hinsley profile coming soon.
Together, these faculty members reflect the depth of experience within SJMC and the ways professional backgrounds shape student learning. Their stories highlight a shared message: success in mass communication begins with curiosity, initiative and real-world experience.
Students are encouraged to explore opportunities beyond the classroom, including student media, organizations and hands-on learning experiences that build skills and connections.
As this series shows, there is no single path into the industry, but there are many ways to begin.
Editor’s note
This series was reported and written by an SJMC student intern, Royal Maddison, and Digital Media Specialist, Elizabeth Hayek, as part of the School of Journalism and Mass Communication newsroom initiative.