Two URJC students secure the APM's 'First Job' contract

This year marked the 26th edition of the APM's First Employment Program (PPE), in which six recent graduates in Journalism or Audiovisual Communication from Madrid were selected to obtain a one-year contract in a media outlet based in the capital.

After passing a selection process in which 41 candidates participated, two of the finalists are former students of the Rey Juan Carlos University, María Sánchez Rivas and Laura Moreno Lara.

Sánchez Rivas studied a double degree in History and Journalism, and she faces this opportunity “with great enthusiasm and a strong desire to continue learning. This is a dream come true for me; it means fully immersing myself in a media outlet where I can complement my training.” She recalls her time at university as “very useful. University provides you with theoretical knowledge, which is a fundamental part of your project to become a journalist. After graduating, that theoretical foundation is complemented by the practical experience of entering the workforce.”

She encourages future journalism students to “read the newspapers extensively, listen to the radio, and watch the news on television. As journalists, we have to stay informed.” Regarding career paths after graduating, María firmly believes that “you have to be proactive, not be shy, not leave any doubts unanswered, and be ambitious, since studying at university is just as important as working hard and seeking to gain as much experience as possible.” María is the newest member of the team at SER's Madrid headquarters. 

Laura Moreno has a degree in Journalism and Audiovisual Communication. After receiving the news that she was one of the lucky ones, she says she feels “very proud of myself. I didn't think I would be chosen from among so many people, and it makes me think I have something special for journalism.” Moreno's career path is geared toward “television, but both my internships and my work experience have been in print media. My goal is to continue growing and developing as a journalist.”

Regarding her experience studying at URJC, she recalls how “everything I learned during my degree and internships, both curricular and extracurricular, has helped me get to where I am now.” Her message for current journalism students is to “really enjoy the whole university experience; it’s wonderful.” Laura will be joining the El Mundo team.

Both María and Laura are examples of young people striving for their dreams, and thanks to their university education, their hard work, and opportunities like the First Job Program, they are closer to achieving them. They join the other 296 young journalists who secured their first jobs at major media outlets through previous editions of this project.