The story’s not unique: you’ve been told by your teacher or professor that you’re a “good writer.” You want to hone your writing skills beyond the academic realm but don’t know where to start.
The Manitoban exists for that purpose.
When I was enrolled at the University of Manitoba as an English major, I was interested in journalism and fiction writing – and therefore the Manitoban. But out of shyness, and because I didn’t know much about getting involved, I didn’t bother. It wasn’t until heading into the last year of my degree that I felt confident enough, after seeing a job posting, to take the plunge and apply to join the team.
I’ve heard similar stories from other staff members about being interested in writing for the Manitoban but not feeling confident enough to reach out.
I’m here to tell you that you don’t need to wait until you’re further along in your degree to contribute. I recommend getting involved with the paper in your early years of university so you can develop and use your skills as much as possible.
One of the Manitoban’s main purposes is to help students gain journalism experience. If you’re reading this and your story sounds like mine, come and see us! Visit our office at 105 University Centre, email editor@themanitoban.com to express your interest, or email a section editor to tell them your article idea. The Manitoban team can help you figure out a topic to write about, assist with structure and content, and work on revisions.
Even if you’re not a student, the Manitoban welcomes anyone’s submissions.
Whether you want to cover a Bison football game, complain about campus politics, or review your favourite local band’s latest album, there is something for you to write about.
There are many benefits to contributing to the Manitoban – whether through writing, or producing graphics or photos. Gain the important title of “volunteer staff” – someone who has had three volunteer contributions published in three separate issues of the Manitoban. Having published work to your name looks great on a résumé, and helps you gain writing skills and journalism experience.
If you’re interested in editing and proofreading, the Manitoban also welcomes volunteer copy editors. Email me at copy@themanitoban.com to get involved!
In May, the Manitoban typically hires all editor positions, other than the Editor-in-Chief—Managing, Copy, Senior News, News, Arts & Culture, Sports, Science, Comment, Design, Graphics, and Photo. The associate positions—Assistant Copy, Graphics, Design; and News, Arts & Culture, Sports, and Science reporters—are usually filled in the fall. If these are positions you’re interested in or want to learn more about, send us an email, visit, or give us a call (204-474-6535). Even though these applications are months away, inquire now, or start volunteering to get your foot in the door.
Maybe you want to get involved in another way – you have an issue or story you think the Manitoban should be covering, or are not satisfied with an aspect of the paper. Contact us!
The benefits of a student paper cannot be stressed enough. Throughout my time at the Manitoban I have learned the ins and outs of publishing and student journalism, to think critically, how to interview people, and Canadian Press style. I have become a better writer and editor, expanded my vocabulary, written on a variety of topics for different sections, and, most importantly, am part of a great team made up of wonderful and ambitious people. My experience working and writing for the Manitoban has also led me to gain publishing credits for other magazines and helped me attain an internship and job in the publishing industry.
In the Manitoban office, I’ve witnessed investigative documents being shredded and interviewees’ obfuscation, watched excitedly as a campus story developed on a late night, and spent countless hours working, conversing, and laughing with fellow staff members.
The Manitoban just turned 100 years old this month, and many staff members and contributors over the years have gone on to excel in journalism and in life. National Post columnist Andrew Coyne and Canadian philosopher Marshall McLuhan are just a few of the many successful Canadians who got their start by contributing to the Manitoban; even Mayor Brian Bowman wrote for the Manitoban, back in the day. Come and join the ranks.
