You should save copies of all your published work. This means you need to have your work published first. Potential employers will ask journalism majors if they participated on their student newspaper staff. If you say no, they are going to wonder how committed you are to the field. Students should strive to serve at least two internships before they graduate.
Some students serve more than two.
The more proficient you are at journalistic techniques, the more likely you are to land the job you want. Work performed during internships should be included in a portfolio. If you complete an exceptional media-related academic paper, this can be included in your portfolio as well. You should seize any opportunity to be involved with a product such as the golf tournament program project, community reporting, the 12 South website, etc. . . . If you can show you have honed your skills in a variety of areas, you will have a stronger portfolio.