Breadcrumb
Journalism, B.A. | Class of
Matt Drange
Senior Correspondent
Employer: Business Insider
Job description: I report on money and power in Silicon Valley. I'm always looking for important stories that powerful interests would rather keep secret, and I often use documents to help me tell them. My work has been recognized with dozens of journalism awards and in 2019 I was named the best young business journalist in the country by the Society for Advancing Business Editing and Writing.
About Matt
Why did you choose this program?
I chose Humboldt State's small but mighty Journalism program because I knew I'd have opportunities early and often to learn the skills needed to tell important stories. I got that and so much more in my four years on campus. HSU's close relationship with the community proved invaluable, and was a welcome change of pace for me coming from a major metro area in Southern California.
How did this program prepare you for your job?
HSU Journalism prepared me so much for my first job that I landed it (as a staff reporter at the Eureka Times-Standard) before I even graduated! I attended the Columbia Journalism School the following year, where I earned my Master's Degree. But the skills I've used most in the decade since are ones I honed at Humboldt State.
What did you enjoy most about the program?
Journalism faculty keep Bret Harte buzzing with energy and enthusiasm for earnest, authentic journalism. I never stopped learning from them, either, and still seek advice from both former professors and fellow alumni today.
What would you say to prospective students who are thinking about applying to this program?
You can learn valuable skills at many universities. What separates Humboldt State Journalism from others is that you'll be able to APPLY those skills in an impactful way as soon as you arrive on campus. In addition to the array of student-led publications, the Journalism department's deep ties to local news organizations provide ample opportunity to showcase the reporting skills you'll learn in the classroom.