How can I begin a career in journalism?
Journalism is a popular career path idea for students but the way into this line of work is not clear. #journalism #online-journalism #career-details
4 answers
Daniela Silva
Daniela’s Answer
Hi Anaka,
Careers in journalism require a strong command of the English language as well as highly developed writing skills. Additional courses that provide a good foundation for careers in journalism may include: computer science, business, history, sociology, political science, economics, and psychology.
Most employers prefer individuals that have a bachelor’s degree in journalism or mass communications. Practical experience gained at school newspapers or broadcasting stations as well as internships with news organizations are critical requirements to get hired in this field.
A graduate degree may be helpful for those looking to advance in the field. There are a number of master’s and Ph.D. programs available in journalism. A graduate degree can be used for those interested in attaining jobs in high-level news careers, education, researching, and advertising and public relations. A graduate degree may help those looking to advance in the field.
The American Society of Newspaper Editors(ASNE) offers some good suggestions for finding your first newspaper internship or job.
Journalism is an exciting and competitive field requiring perseverance and some aggressiveness by those hoping to become successful in the field. Here are some top sites for finding internships and jobs in the field of journalism. Employers seek qualified candidates with relevant experience when making their hiring decisions. Completing several internships in different publications will increase the chances of getting hired as a full-time employee.
More information in:
https://www.thebalance.com/how-to-get-started-in-journalism-1986936
Good luck!
Cheryl’s Answer
Assuming you have the writing skills required to be a journalist, you also need to volunteer to write for the school newspaper; local newspaper or even look on volunteermatch.com.
They can match you with companies looking volunteer editors or writers.
One organization that comes to mind is Pancreatic Cancer Organization.
Think about your ideal company to write for once you've graduated. Research that company and become familiar with everything they are affiliated with. While you may not able start your career with the "dream job" you may be able to land a job with an affiliate. The key is networking and getting your foot in the door.
Remember, first impressions only happen once so always keep a great sample piece on hand in case you're ever put on the spot. :)
Good luck!
#volunteer#network#getthejob!
Katie’s Answer
Hello Anaka!
I note you are based in the UK, so there may be some nuances to the answers above.
Studying journalism at undergraduate level is not necessary in the UK. In fact, if you read this article on the BBC about becoming a broadcast journalist (https://www.bbc.co.uk/academy/en/articles/art20131121145818479) you'll see many of their reporters didn't have a university education. But I'd still warmly suggest you do get a degree in a subject you're passionate about, as this will enable you to develop your writing skills and broaden your knowledge/expertise. This could be an arts subject like English or history but equally, if you're planning to specialise in reporting on a certain topic e.g. science / architecture / wildlife - you may wish to pursue a degree in this area so you have the right level of expertise.
Internships with major papers/broadcasters can be super competitive, so I'd suggest starting small and seeking experience at your local paper or a smaller publisher. As the respondents say above, definitely get involved with your university paper. For bigger opportunities, the Telegraph, FT and the BBC tend to offer internship opportunities and the Beeb also offers work experience opps: https://www.bbc.co.uk/careers/work-experience
Finally, I think the best advice anyone can give if you want to be a journalist or writer is to get writing! Maybe start a blog and report on your local town or on an area that interests you. Also, read everything you can get your hands on, and look closely at the different writing styles. There's the pun-laden tabloids, straightlaced BBC and ranty (but often fun) opinion pieces across the major papers. If you want a place to start I always really like Hadley Freeman's column in the guardian (free to view all her articles online) - she writes on fashion (not something that generally interests me) but in a way that is very different from your usual fashion mag.
I hope that's helpful - very best of luck! :)
Shawn A.’s Answer
In addition to the above comments regarding strong writing skills, I would suggest internships in media companies. For example, I worked 2 days a week at CNN in San Francisco. They offered me a full time job to cover a specific trial (had to decline as I was in school at the time). But, the experience and connections you have will help. If you put 100% into it, you might see a great opportunity arise that you can then run with full time thereafter. If nothing else, the experience alone provides a stepping stone for your next role that you seek, and shows you are committed to the profession.