The enterprise feature story

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.