Former Voinovich Scholar Accepts Position at The Wall Street Journal

Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Service Scholar and 2021 Ohio University Journalism graduate Hardika Singh recently accepted a job as a markets reporter for The Wall Street Journal, a position she credits to her time working with the Voinovich School.

“Everything from my experience as a Voinovich Scholar is important to me,” Singh said. “I have not forgotten a single moment. This job changed my life.”

Singh worked as a student writer in the Voinovich Undergraduate Research Scholar program covering the entrepreneurship and economic development area of the Voinovich School as a member of the communications team. Not only did she improve her writing during her time in the program, but she also gained valuable leadership skills, networking abilities and industry experience.

“My time at the Voinovich School taught me how to be a better writer and researcher in a lot of different ways,” Singh said. “My writing became much simpler and more concise – traits needed for business journalism.”

Singh’s experience as a Voinovich Scholar was also marked by her close working relationship with Laura Alloway. As the former Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Service communications director/specialist, Alloway was Singh’s supervisor for two years. Singh said that she flourished under strong mentorship, leadership and support during that time.

“The journalism industry is known for not having great mentors and gatekeeping, but I never experienced that as a Voinovich Scholar working with Laura,” Singh said. “She was there for me from the first day to the last.”

Alloway had an immense impact on Singh’s career trajectory, providing advice and encouraging her to explore the world of business journalism, Singh said. At age 17, Singh moved to the United States by herself to pursue an undergraduate degree in journalism at Ohio University. During her time on campus, she worked for many student publications, trying to figure out her specific area of interest. She explored news, politics, culture and blogs, trying almost every beat. Yet, one specific area piqued her interest more than others – business journalism.

On Singh’s first day as a Voinovich Scholar, Alloway suggested she work on the entrepreneurship and economic development beat. Singh’s precise and thorough writing style matched that of business journalism, plus it was an area she desired to explore.

“I think her career trajectory really became solidified during her time in the program,” Alloway said. “Before Hardika became a Scholar, she didn’t necessarily know what area of journalism she aimed to enter. Working as a Scholar introduced her to business journalism and helped solidify exactly what she wanted to do.”

Singh said that her experience writing on the entrepreneurship and economic development beat for the Voinovich School prepared her for the current position at The Wall Street Journal. Both roles require her to write different types of articles including quick-hit, long-form and feature pieces. The Scholars program also gave her experience in business writing, making background and informational phone calls, following up with sources and managing many assignments at once.

Singh said she urges any current Scholar to make the most of their time at the Voinovich School and take the experience seriously. The program can prepare students for future positions, solidify interests, open doors and accelerate any career, she said.

“Treat the program like a full-time position and try to make the most of all the opportunities given to you,” Singh said. “It will help build your confidence and prepare you for your dream career.”