An enterprise
story is an in-depth feature story on a topic that is unusual, interesting or
surprising.
For
example, you could identify a controversial issue that would be of interest to
your college or community. Do background research on the issue to find out what
the facts are. Interview several people with different opinions and try to
accurately represent their opinions and experiences, using direct quotes. Also
try to use at least one written source. Go beyond “he said, she said” to
present multiple perspectives with insight, but be careful not to put your own
opinions in the story.
Start
with the university website. Lots of story ideas can be found on the SJSU home
page. Students like to read about other students. What are students doing that’s
interesting. Unusual jobs, hobbies or lifestyles could be the basis for an
in-depth feature story.
Here are
some feature story suggestions:
Campus
security: Talk to students who have had their car stolen while it was parked at
campus (several students have had their
cars stolen more than once).
Making
it: Talk to students who have succeeded in their career only a year or two
after graduating. Interesting topic.
First in
the family: Talk to students who are the first in their family to go to
college. Is their additional pressure on them to succeed.
Technology:
How are students using technology in their daily lives? Do they use technology
in the classroom?
Campus
library: Library after dark – talk to students and staff about what goes on in
the library in the wee hours of the night. How do students feel about sharing
the library with the city’s homeless? Are there areas of the library students
go to avoid the homeless or is it not an issue
Another
option: Write a story about SJSU students who are usually not covered much in
the news -- someone whose race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation,
culture, or disability might be stereotyped or misunderstood by others. Use
that person as an example to illustrate a larger issue.
