By Jason Johnston

I am interning at the “Springfield Business Journal” as the editorial intern. The experience has improved my writing, and it has taught me how to frame my thoughts.

My main job is to write about new businesses, new owners, new locations, added locations in the section titled “Open for Business.”

I also wrote about Citizens Memorial Healthcare and Midwest Metro in the paper’s Dynamic Dozen series, which honored the 12 highest grossing local companies based on their three-year revenue growth from 2008 to 2010.

The “Springfield Business Journal” also spotlights companies in the local area called “Business Spotlight.” I covered the Ozark Power Center Inc, which sells tractors, lawnmowers and construction equipment.

I even wrote a blog entry about my experience at the 2011 Missouri Sports Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, which gave me a chance to meet Priest Holmes – my favorite football player of all time.

Balancing school work and the internship has been difficult because I am writing five to eight articles a week and driving 38 miles – one way – from my house to school and the paper each day during the week. I will complete my 135 required hours next week  and intend to graduate from Missouri State in May with a print journalism bachelor’s degree.

My ultimate goal is to be a business journalist because people come in contact with business every day when brushing their teeth with toothpaste that was made and packaged by a company or driving a car made by automobile plant workers.

Business is the fabric of America, and I want to inform the public of how companies operate. I can write business stories effectively by always following the money and asking the right questions from credible sources.

Jason is a senior print journalism major at Missouri State University and plans to be a business journalist.