Georgetown University’s Newspaper of Record since 1920

The Hoya

Georgetown University’s Newspaper of Record since 1920

The Hoya

Georgetown University’s Newspaper of Record since 1920

The Hoya

Frequently Asked Questions

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Questions About The Hoya

Where is your office located? 

Our home on campus is Leavey 421. To get to the office, take the elevators located near the Leavey Center’s east entrance, next to the Georgetown University Alumni and Student Federal Credit Union, to the fourth floor. Turn left when you exit the elevator, and you’ll find The Hoya’s office a few doors down on the right. 

How is The Hoya different from other clubs?

The Hoya serves an essential role in informing the Georgetown community. We strive to keep all students up to date on what happens at Georgetown each week and to tell the stories of all Hoyas. 

When you work for The Hoya, you can see a tangible output from your work each week: the articles and newsletters we produce. If you’re a writer, you can keep track of your bylines as writing samples. If you’re in Design, you can point to the graphics and illustrations you make as evidence of your weekly work. No matter your role, your work at The Hoya each week is fruitful.

We are also unique in our close-knit community. Many staffers point to The Hoya as the source of some of their closest friendships. We hope to be a nurturing community, both professionally and personally, by teaching staffers useful skills for their resumes as well as providing mentorship for anyone who wants it.

What is The Hoya’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion?

We recognize that The Hoya has not always been an inclusive space and that we have often failed to adequately represent marginalized communities in our pages. 

We are committed to doing better, both in our coverage and in our newsroom. We are going to tell the stories The Hoya has neglected to tell in the past and increase the diversity of our sources. We also want our newsroom to be a space in which staffers of all backgrounds feel welcome. In this endeavor, we are actively seeking any criticism or suggestions from the Georgetown community so we can build a newspaper that is more representative of everyone at Georgetown.

Questions About Applying

How can I apply for a position at The Hoya?

Applications for each section or department are at the end of each description on the Join The Hoya page.

I have no writing, media or business experience. Can I still apply?

Absolutely! No prior experience is necessary for any entry-level position. However, we welcome you to mention any experience or technical skills related to the positions that interest you.

How can I learn more about getting involved?

Make sure to like our Facebook and follow our Instagram and Twitter pages to receive updates. You can also reach out to the editor or director of the section or division you are interested in. You can find their emails on our Staff page.

What should I expect my time commitment to The Hoya to be?

Most entry-level staffers work two to four hours a week either in the office or writing articles, and the time commitment is flexible. Staffers who hold or wish to hold leadership positions often work more, with the time commitment increasing as leadership level increases. Some senior editors work up to 20 hours a week. The Hoya is usually the primary extracurricular commitment for staffers in leadership positions, but many staffers are still involved in other clubs or jobs.

What is the difference between columnist applications and regular applications? If I’ve missed the columnist application deadline, can I still join The Hoya?

Columnists are contributing writers to The Hoya that must apply and write one piece every two weeks that applies to a theme and/or topic proposed in their application. They do not write other content for the section outside of their column. Writers are entry-level staffers and make up the majority of The Hoya’s membership. Writers pick up stories that they or others pitch at the discretion of the editors of each section. Columnist applications and regular staff applications have different due dates, so please read applications closely.

Do I need to send in a resume with my application?

No. Resumes are not required or considered in the application process.

How should I dress for my interview?

Wear what makes you feel comfortable! We want to get to know you. Business casual attire is not necessary. All the senior editors will be dressed casually.

What are you looking for in an applicant?

There is no one type of person we are looking for. We want members with a diverse array of experiences, majors, interests and backgrounds.

We are looking for people to demonstrate genuine enthusiasm for the section to which they are applying. You do not need any experience in journalism, nor do you need to be an avid reader of The Hoya. If you love what the section does or are interested in trying it out, tell us!

As a newspaper, we also expect all applicants to value honesty and integrity. The Hoya is a large organization, so we also look for a commitment to collaboration, openness and respect for other members of the newsroom.

Which sections have additional application requirements?

Sections with low capacity limits will have interviews in addition to the written application. This semester, those sections are Opinion, Features, Copy, Design, Social Media, Sports and Financial Operations.

If you are applying to Opinion, you will need to complete an editing test following your interview, and if you are applying to Copy, you will complete a worksheet. The purpose of the test and worksheet is to get a sense of your editing thought process. You are not expected to be an expert.

If you are applying to Photo, you will have the option to send a small portfolio of images to display your photography ability and experience. You are neither required nor expected to own professional photography gear or to have any professional photography experience. 

If you are applying to Design, you will have the option to submit an example of your graphic design work or illustrations responding to a prompt, but you do not need to. Not submitting a portfolio will not hurt your chances of being accepted to Design. The purpose of the optional submission is to allow you to showcase your past graphic design experience, and art in any medium or format will be considered.

If you are applying to Blog, you will be asked to submit a meme or gif that best represents you. The purpose of this submission is for us to get to know your sense of humor and to help you understand the spirit of the Blog.

Can I apply to multiple sections or departments? 

We encourage applicants to apply to up to two sections if they choose. 

I don’t want to miss the deadline! Can I be notified before the application closes?

Sure! You can like our Facebook and follow our Instagram and Twitter pages to receive updates.

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