4 answers
Gabriella
Student
Plymouth, Michigan
1
Question
Asked
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What does it take to be a successful journalist?
How do I get experience? As I enter the field, are there certain things employers will look for? What will make me successful, my education in journalism or my experience with it? Should I create a portfolio of my work, and if I do, can I include writing unrelated to journalism?
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4 answers
Mia Huss
Journalist
13
Answers
Sacramento, California
Updated
Mia’s Answer
I've noticed in my work as a journalist I'm expected to take photographs, promote my own articles and content via social media, interview, follow up AND write stories all at once in a timely manner! I would say diversify your portfolio and write about any and everything you can! My education has prepared me, yes, but I also took up freelancing for my local newspaper AND joined my college's newspaper. This was a great way to try new things, receive guidance from other journalists and learn as I go. I would try to find an internship, even if it's unpaid (which sucks I know), it's a great way to gain experience and find that niche you enjoy to write about! I created a free website and some business cards, too. So as I go along and meet new people, go to conferences and freelance, I can give them my card and direct them to my website. Not only does a well-written and diverse website help you grow and gain attention by employers, it showcases your portfolio in a way that shows your graphic design, photography and writing skills! Same goes for your resume! Make a really nice resume that look visually appealing but also well written, that way employers know you're a good pick for them! Also...trust your gut! You're probably good at what you do and doubt yourself! I do that all the time. Remember to always be open to opportunities and learning as you go along!
This is really helpful Mia. I started writing last year on LinkedIn Newsletter and gained a small following, enough to prompt me to go ahead and build my own website. If you want to check it out, it's www.AngleandPerspective.com but the only journalist I've talked to so far is a weatherologist and not really related to my niche.
Erika
Thank you, this is amazing! I really needed it.
Gabriella
I was just making a note about business cards the other day and I did get a contact for our local newspaper, but haven't contacted them yet. But it's good to see some of your advice is what I've already done or plan to do and some I haven't thought of. I would love to do an internship but right now I have to have some extra income and with the take it takes to keep up my own writing, I'm not sure how to fit anything else in, but I think once I get some type of steady income on the side I can have more focus. Yes, I doubt myself sometimes and try to celebrate the accomplishments I've made! Thank you again for taking the time. I'd like to hear more about your work as a freelance, how you go about that, how it works, etc. if you will. Not sure if we can take the conversation off this site?
Erika
I will answer any questions you have!! I'd love to give more advice/talk about journalism and writing! You can contact me via email but it seems it won't allow me to post my email in comments for privacy purposes.
Mia Huss
Hi Mia & Erika, community guidelines does not allow Initiation of personal contact off platform due to safety and provacy concerns. We encourage further discussion but it should be kept on the CareerVillage platform.
Sharyn Grose, Admin
Apologies Sharyn!! Thank you for letting me know!!
Mia Huss
Crystal Ryan
2
Answers
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Updated
Crystal’s Answer
What does it take to be a successful journalist? Well, first, define what the word "successful" means to you. Everyone has a different definition of what success can look like for that person. My idea of success may look completely different from yours, so establish what that means for you. Then break that down into bite-size pieces. For example, becoming a successful journalist at your local news stations has a different path compared to be a successful journalist in the entertainment industry.
Once that has been narrowed down, take each bite-size step toward completion of every goal and mark it successful. Why? Because you don't despise the day of small beginnings. Each accomplishment counts, not matter the size. This will train your brain to see yourself as a doer and then you feel successful.
Being a successful journalist takes many avenues, education should be on every one of them. Companies love seeing people take the time to earn the knowledge that's required for the professional field, speak their language. Know what you need to know. Learn what you need to learn, then do what you learned.
Once that has been narrowed down, take each bite-size step toward completion of every goal and mark it successful. Why? Because you don't despise the day of small beginnings. Each accomplishment counts, not matter the size. This will train your brain to see yourself as a doer and then you feel successful.
Being a successful journalist takes many avenues, education should be on every one of them. Companies love seeing people take the time to earn the knowledge that's required for the professional field, speak their language. Know what you need to know. Learn what you need to learn, then do what you learned.
Kim Arskii
Social Media Analyst
145
Answers
St. Augustine, Florida
Updated
Kim’s Answer
To be a successful journalist, strong writing skills are fundamental. You need to write clearly, concisely, and engagingly. Curiosity and research skills are also crucial, as a good journalist digs for information, verifies facts, and conducts thorough research. Effective communication, both written and verbal, is essential, including interviewing people and presenting information accurately. Additionally, adaptability is important since the media landscape is constantly changing, and being open to learning new technologies and methods is key. Upholding journalistic ethics and maintaining integrity is vital for credibility.
Gaining experience is essential. Look for internships at newspapers, magazines, TV stations, or online media outlets; this hands-on experience is invaluable. Start freelancing for local publications or online platforms to build your portfolio and gain practical experience. Get involved with your college newspaper, radio station, or any other student media. Networking is also important—attend journalism conferences, join professional associations, and connect with journalists on social media.
Employers look for a strong portfolio showcasing your best work, including a variety of pieces that demonstrate your versatility. Relevant experience, such as internships, freelancing, and any published work, is crucial. While a degree in journalism or a related field is often preferred, practical experience can sometimes outweigh formal education. Proficiency with digital tools, social media, and multimedia content creation is increasingly important.
Both education and experience are important. Education provides foundational knowledge and skills, while practical experience demonstrates your ability to apply what you've learned in real-world scenarios. Creating a portfolio is a must. Include your best journalistic work, but also feel free to add other writing that showcases your skills, such as essays, creative writing, or blog posts. Just make sure it highlights your versatility and strengths as a writer.
Gaining experience is essential. Look for internships at newspapers, magazines, TV stations, or online media outlets; this hands-on experience is invaluable. Start freelancing for local publications or online platforms to build your portfolio and gain practical experience. Get involved with your college newspaper, radio station, or any other student media. Networking is also important—attend journalism conferences, join professional associations, and connect with journalists on social media.
Employers look for a strong portfolio showcasing your best work, including a variety of pieces that demonstrate your versatility. Relevant experience, such as internships, freelancing, and any published work, is crucial. While a degree in journalism or a related field is often preferred, practical experience can sometimes outweigh formal education. Proficiency with digital tools, social media, and multimedia content creation is increasingly important.
Both education and experience are important. Education provides foundational knowledge and skills, while practical experience demonstrates your ability to apply what you've learned in real-world scenarios. Creating a portfolio is a must. Include your best journalistic work, but also feel free to add other writing that showcases your skills, such as essays, creative writing, or blog posts. Just make sure it highlights your versatility and strengths as a writer.
Thank you!
Gabriella
Shirley Jones Luke
Educator, Blogger
9
Answers
Boston, Massachusetts
Updated
Shirley’s Answer
Thank you for your question.
Hello! I can get you started.
Begin with the journalists that you admire - look at news program: local news, national news, and journalists in local and national newspapers.
Here are some examples: ABC News, NBC News, and CBS News—newspapers: The New York Times, Washington Post, LA Times.
Major news outlets - CNN, NPR
News Programs: Good Morning America and the Today Show.
Look at those sources and research the broadcasters and journalists.
Next, look at what schools have vital journalism programs in your state. Does your high school have a paper? If so, join it.
Decide what kind of journalist you want to become. You can be a beat reporter; you can specialize in an area like arts, entertainment, or sports. You can focus on politics or international news.
Once you have your focus - start practicing your craft. Write stories and post them to a blog. MEDIUM would be a good place to begin.
Good luck!
Shirley
Hello! I can get you started.
Begin with the journalists that you admire - look at news program: local news, national news, and journalists in local and national newspapers.
Here are some examples: ABC News, NBC News, and CBS News—newspapers: The New York Times, Washington Post, LA Times.
Major news outlets - CNN, NPR
News Programs: Good Morning America and the Today Show.
Look at those sources and research the broadcasters and journalists.
Next, look at what schools have vital journalism programs in your state. Does your high school have a paper? If so, join it.
Decide what kind of journalist you want to become. You can be a beat reporter; you can specialize in an area like arts, entertainment, or sports. You can focus on politics or international news.
Once you have your focus - start practicing your craft. Write stories and post them to a blog. MEDIUM would be a good place to begin.
Good luck!
Shirley