How do I become an international reporter?
I am considering going to law school to combine it with my BA in broadcast journalism, is that advisable? #communication #international
3 answers
Tom’s Answer
Hi Larmie. I would suggest rather than considering law school to further an international broadcast career, you may enhance your career opportunities in broadcast more if you were fluent in one or more foreign languages. In particular Chinese. That may sound formidable, but so is law school. If you were multi-lingual you might also find interesting opportunists outside of the field of journalism if you wished, but you would be a high-demand journalist if you spoke the language of the country from which you were reporting.
Good luck.
Thanks for your response Tom. I should’ve mentioned that I also speak some French. I aim to use my French, broadcast and law degrees as footing to launch a career.
Does that change your answer?
Larmie
No, advice is still the same. Depends what else is driving you. If you become an attorney the pay is usually much better and it may be hard then to switch to reporting where the pay is less (even for reporters with a law degree). But maybe the pay differential is of less concern for you, that would be admirable. :) But if you wanted credentials to be the most widely employable at a good salary I'd stick with journalism and Chinese. That will be highly in demand in the near future. Good luck my friend.
Tom Behan
Once again, thank you so much Tom! And so you know, money isn’t my motivation and the pay difference doesn’t bother me. I just want to be an international reporter. Appreciate you taking the time, Larmie.
Larmie
James Constantine Frangos
James Constantine’s Answer
Launching Your Career as an International Reporter
Embarking on a journey to become an international reporter can be quite thrilling, but it also demands strategic planning to stand out in this highly competitive arena. Here's a detailed roadmap to help you navigate your way to a successful career in international reporting:
1. Education and Skills Enhancement:
Bachelor’s Degree: Start by earning a bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, or a similar field. This will equip you with the essential knowledge and tools required for a reporting career.
Specialization: To gain an edge, consider specializing in international relations, political science, or a particular global region to deepen your understanding of worldwide issues.
Language Skills: Mastering one or more foreign languages will be an asset when reporting from various countries.
2. Acquiring Experience:
Internships: Aim for internships at media houses with an international focus. This will offer you practical experience and a chance to establish a network of industry contacts.
Freelancing: Explore freelancing opportunities with international news platforms to gain visibility and enrich your portfolio.
Travel: Visit different countries to gain a firsthand understanding of global affairs.
3. Building Networks:
Participate in Conferences and Events: Engage in journalism conferences, workshops, and networking events to interact with industry professionals.
Membership in Professional Bodies: Join international organizations like the International Federation of Journalists or the Overseas Press Club to widen your professional circle.
4. Advanced Education (Optional):
Graduate Studies: You may want to pursue a master’s degree in journalism or a related field to deepen your expertise and skills.
5. Law School and Journalism Synergy: A combination of law school and a BA in broadcast journalism can give you a unique edge. A legal background can offer a distinct viewpoint on global issues, particularly those related to international law, human rights, and diplomacy. Moreover, legal training can sharpen your analytical skills and attention to detail, vital for investigative reporting.
In summary, becoming an international reporter demands commitment, continuous self-improvement, and a love for narrating stories. By adhering to these steps and consistently refining your skills, you can augment your chances of flourishing in this exciting field.
Top 3 Credible Sources Used:
Columbia Journalism Review: This esteemed publication offers insights into the latest journalism trends and best practices, providing invaluable information on the ever-changing media and reporting landscape.
Poynter Institute: This prestigious institution is committed to journalism education and training, offering resources on ethical reporting, professional growth, and industry standards.
International Federation of Journalists (IFJ): The IFJ is a worldwide body that advocates for journalists. It provides resources on press freedom, safety protocols for journalists working internationally, and networking opportunities within the journalism community.
Stay Blessed!
James Constantine Frangos,
yoonji KIM
CareerVillage.org Teamyoonji’s Answer, CareerVillage.org Team
Hi Larmie,
My very good college friend is now working as a Politics reporter for HuffPost and now covers the Senate in DC. He started out as a Political Science major and his first job out of college was working at a law firm as a Legal Assistant. He thought he wanted to pursue a career in law so there's some overlap with Tom's suggestion. However, after a few months he realized that this was not his interest and decided to move to DC to get into politics. He ended up interning at Talking Points Memo and eventually getting a job there as a reporter was promoted to an editor position. He then moved over to HuffPost and has been there for 5 years.
I share this story so you can get some insights and inspiration to kickstart your own career in reporting. There are so many different ways to get into the field. You could study journalism in school and then intern at a newspaper, magazine, or news network and work your way up. You could get really deep expertise in a field like law, politics, economic or a region/country in the world like France or in a Francophone country and cover the different topics and issue areas. Stick with it and GOOD LUCK!
yoonji, CareerVillage.org Team recommends the following next steps:
Thanks a lot for the insight Yoonji! I especially appreciate your comment about the many different ways people can land in journalism. It’s comforting to know that there isn’t just one path. I will take action and follow your next steps by looking at profiles on LinkedIn and continuing to stay well informed of international news topics. Once again, thank you for taking the time. Larmie
Larmie
Of course, Larmie! Good luck and keep reaching out to people and places like CareerVillage.org for more info. There are always people willing to help!
yoonji KIM, Admin