When Brielle Fedorko JMS’25 came to Rutgers University-New Brunswick, she decided to study Political Science and continue her involvement in student government at the collegiate level to prepare her for a law career. 

However, during her freshman year, she learned that there are many pathways to becoming a lawyer, including majoring in Journalism and Media Studies. After realizing the demand for more comprehensive political journalism, she decided to double major in Political Science and JMS, and join The Daily Targum staff in addition to serving as the Public Relations Chair of the Rutgers University Student Assembly. 

SC&I speaks with Fedorko about the adaptability of the JMS major, how SC&I is preparing her for her ideal career, and how she plans on making a difference in the political landscape. 

SC&I: What are your career aims?

BF: Law school is where I hope to continue my education after undergrad. I have always been fascinated by law and how it evolves over time to shape societal needs and demands. Law is everywhere in our lives, whether we realize it or not. I want to continue to learn how law can be used to our own benefit and how it can facilitate a better life for everyone, doing this one court case at a time. As for my passion for journalism, I hope my life as a lawyer will grant me enough expertise in law and government to write about it for other people. Law and politics should not be a topic people shy away from. Instead, people should feel encouraged to be a part of the discussion which can ultimately promote change. 

"I really enjoy simplifying complicated concepts in a way that anyone can understand through my writing. I realized a huge issue with the law and politics is that people do not understand it, which is why I feel that JMS and Political Science are a great duo."

SC&I: Why did you decide to double major in Political Science and JMS?

BF: Originally, I only planned on majoring in Political Science. I have always had a goal of attending law school, and that has not changed but journalism was always an interesting hobby of mine. I really enjoy simplifying complicated concepts in a way that anyone can understand through my writing. I realized a huge issue with the law and politics is that people do not understand it, which is why I feel that JMS and Political Science are a great duo. When I launch my career in law, I can use what I have learned in journalism to explain law’s confusing aspects more proficiently to future clients. Majoring in JMS and Political Science can also guide me toward another path like political journalism. The media, whether it be through newspapers, television, or social media, is such an intricate part of politics. Without journalists, news about our government could not be as easily translated.

SC&I: What have you learned in your JMS courses that apply to politics?

BF: My journalism courses have emphasized the importance of transparency and clarity in writing. It is better to get the point across in a clear manner because your job is to inform and educate. My courses have also taught me about audience diversity and the significance of writing objectively. Journalism is storytelling, and you are responsible for recognizing what needs to be shared. 

"Journalism is truly a way for people to learn and become aware of things that can often go unnoticed." 

SC&I What courses have an impact on you?

BF: Writing for Media with Teaching Instructor Rafael Logroño was my first real journalism class. I was only a freshman without any journalism experience. It was eye-opening because I realized that journalism is nothing like how I was used to writing. Though, this style of writing became easier as we practiced under Logroño’s guidance. There was one assignment we had that required us to find a piece of data that we found interesting and write about it. I was curious about why there were very few women in legal occupations compared to men. I interviewed multiple female lawyers and researchers studying female employment, and I was able to learn a little more about a topic that was relevant to me and about the future of my own career path. It showed me that journalism is truly a way for people to learn and become aware of things that can often go unnoticed. 

SC&I: What value does being a contributor to The Daily Targum have? 

BF: Writing for The Daily Targum has been a lot of fun! It allows me to practice the skills I learned in my courses outside of the classroom. I definitely see an improvement in my interviewing skills while also gathering and puzzling together information from different sources. It is helpful to receive feedback from the editors, who are also students. We all work together to improve the piece and publish the best version. It allows me to collaborate with more experienced JMS students and be part of an environment where everyone has a common goal. 

SC&I: What advice would you give to students?

BF: Challenge yourself. Difficult classes will only push you to be better. You will learn more because you will put in the extra effort to do well, and it will benefit you more in the long run. It is important for students to remember that they are preparing for their future and this is an opportunity to grow, discover strengths, and refine weaknesses. 

To read Brielle Fedorko’s work in The Daily Targum, click here. 

Discover more about the Journalism and Media Studies major at the Rutgers School of Communication and Information on the website.