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What advice would you give to an economics & politics graduate who wants to get into journalism? ?
I have a bachelor's degree in political science and international relations, and am studying for a master's in economics. I haven't studied journalism other than 2 courses in my bachelor's though I've done some volunteer work in media. I'm a good writer and communicator and I think I have a good skill set and range of experiences that would make me a good journalist, but I'm afraid that because I don't have formal training in it, I won't be able to do it.
I don't have a particular preference for online, print, radio or television journalism at this point, though I'd probably feel more comfortable with (written) online and print at first.
I live in Berlin, Germany and would like to stay here for the medium-term, but would be willing to move elsewhere for journalistic work.
Thank you!
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Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Carlota !
I am happy to share some thoughts with you as I am also someone who had a degree in one thing but was able to obtain employment in a different area of work. I want to begin by saying that since you have taken two Journalism courses, you indeed have studied journalism. Not to compare it, but I took Journalism in secondary school and I realize that you must have had the important basics with two college courses. Journalism has some technicalities that one must learn, but basically your majoring in Political Science and International Relations and your current pursuit of a Masters Degree in Economics will all be applied to Journalism. I think you can do this.
You may want to join some journalist organizations now, one being Global Investigative Journalism Network in Berlin. I have left the link for you below. You could also look into The International Center for Journalism in Berlin (link is below). Also, see about The Berlin Press Club and consider working on membership there. Another website called Clear Voice has a list of journalist organizations that you can explore at the link I left for you below.
The BBC has a support group for journalists and provides resources and Zoom chats for their members. You can explore this by doing a search online. It is called Journalism Support Group and you may be able to find more about it at your college or by doing a search online.
I hope that this is helpful to you and wish you all the best in an exciting career !
GLOBAL INVESITGATIVE JOURNALISM NETWORK IN BERLIN https://gijn.org/tag/berlin/
THE INTERNATIONAL CENTER FOR JOURNALISM IN BERLIN https://www.polsoz.fu-berlin.de/en/kommwiss/institut/journalistenkolleg/index.html
THE BERLIN PRESS CLUB https://pressclubs.org/member/berlin-press-club/
JOURNALISM GROUPS AND ORGANZIATIONS LISTED AT CLEAR VOICE https://www.clearvoice.com/resources/journalism-organizations-list/
I am happy to share some thoughts with you as I am also someone who had a degree in one thing but was able to obtain employment in a different area of work. I want to begin by saying that since you have taken two Journalism courses, you indeed have studied journalism. Not to compare it, but I took Journalism in secondary school and I realize that you must have had the important basics with two college courses. Journalism has some technicalities that one must learn, but basically your majoring in Political Science and International Relations and your current pursuit of a Masters Degree in Economics will all be applied to Journalism. I think you can do this.
You may want to join some journalist organizations now, one being Global Investigative Journalism Network in Berlin. I have left the link for you below. You could also look into The International Center for Journalism in Berlin (link is below). Also, see about The Berlin Press Club and consider working on membership there. Another website called Clear Voice has a list of journalist organizations that you can explore at the link I left for you below.
The BBC has a support group for journalists and provides resources and Zoom chats for their members. You can explore this by doing a search online. It is called Journalism Support Group and you may be able to find more about it at your college or by doing a search online.
I hope that this is helpful to you and wish you all the best in an exciting career !
Michelle recommends the following next steps:
James Constantine Frangos
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James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Carlota!
Advice for an Economics & Politics Graduate Transitioning into Journalism
Transitioning from a background in economics and politics to a career in journalism can be a rewarding but challenging endeavor. While you may not have formal training in journalism, your existing skill set and experiences can still be valuable assets in this field. Here are some steps and advice to help you make a successful transition:
1. Build on Your Writing Skills: As a good writer and communicator, you already possess essential skills for journalism. Continue honing your writing abilities by practicing regularly, seeking feedback, and studying the work of established journalists.
2. Gain Practical Experience: Since you have already done volunteer work in media, consider expanding on this experience. Look for internships or freelance opportunities with local newspapers, online publications, or radio stations to gain hands-on experience in journalism.
3. Take Journalism Courses or Workshops: While you may not have studied journalism extensively, consider enrolling in short courses or workshops to learn the basics of journalistic writing, ethics, and practices. This can help fill any gaps in your knowledge and provide you with a formal foundation in journalism.
4. Network with Professionals: Attend industry events, join journalism associations or clubs, and connect with professionals in the field. Building a network can open up opportunities for mentorship, advice, and potential job leads.
5. Create a Portfolio: Start building a portfolio of your writing samples, articles, or multimedia projects to showcase your skills to potential employers. A strong portfolio can demonstrate your capabilities as a journalist even without formal training.
6. Stay Informed: Keep yourself updated on current affairs, trends in journalism, and media technologies. Being well-informed will not only enhance your credibility as a journalist but also help you generate relevant story ideas.
7. Consider Further Education: If you are serious about pursuing a career in journalism, you may also explore the option of pursuing a postgraduate degree or certification in journalism to deepen your knowledge and skills in the field.
8. Be Open to Different Platforms: While you may feel more comfortable with written online and print journalism initially, be open to exploring opportunities in radio or television as well. Diversifying your skill set can make you more versatile as a journalist.
9. Seek Feedback and Learn from Rejections: Rejection is common in the competitive field of journalism. Use feedback from editors or mentors constructively to improve your work and keep refining your craft.
10. Consider Specializing: Given your background in economics and politics, consider specializing in areas where these fields intersect with journalism such as economic reporting, political analysis, or international affairs coverage.
Remember that breaking into journalism may take time and persistence, but with dedication and continuous learning, you can leverage your unique background to carve out a successful career in this dynamic field.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
Columbia Journalism Review: A reputable publication known for its insights into the world of journalism including industry trends, best practices for journalists, and tips for aspiring professionals.
Poynter Institute: A renowned organization dedicated to promoting excellence in journalism through training programs, research on media ethics, fact-checking resources, and professional development opportunities.
Journalism.co.uk: An authoritative source providing news and resources for journalists worldwide including job listings, training courses, industry events coverage, and expert advice on various aspects of modern journalism practice.
God Bless,
JC.
Advice for an Economics & Politics Graduate Transitioning into Journalism
Transitioning from a background in economics and politics to a career in journalism can be a rewarding but challenging endeavor. While you may not have formal training in journalism, your existing skill set and experiences can still be valuable assets in this field. Here are some steps and advice to help you make a successful transition:
1. Build on Your Writing Skills: As a good writer and communicator, you already possess essential skills for journalism. Continue honing your writing abilities by practicing regularly, seeking feedback, and studying the work of established journalists.
2. Gain Practical Experience: Since you have already done volunteer work in media, consider expanding on this experience. Look for internships or freelance opportunities with local newspapers, online publications, or radio stations to gain hands-on experience in journalism.
3. Take Journalism Courses or Workshops: While you may not have studied journalism extensively, consider enrolling in short courses or workshops to learn the basics of journalistic writing, ethics, and practices. This can help fill any gaps in your knowledge and provide you with a formal foundation in journalism.
4. Network with Professionals: Attend industry events, join journalism associations or clubs, and connect with professionals in the field. Building a network can open up opportunities for mentorship, advice, and potential job leads.
5. Create a Portfolio: Start building a portfolio of your writing samples, articles, or multimedia projects to showcase your skills to potential employers. A strong portfolio can demonstrate your capabilities as a journalist even without formal training.
6. Stay Informed: Keep yourself updated on current affairs, trends in journalism, and media technologies. Being well-informed will not only enhance your credibility as a journalist but also help you generate relevant story ideas.
7. Consider Further Education: If you are serious about pursuing a career in journalism, you may also explore the option of pursuing a postgraduate degree or certification in journalism to deepen your knowledge and skills in the field.
8. Be Open to Different Platforms: While you may feel more comfortable with written online and print journalism initially, be open to exploring opportunities in radio or television as well. Diversifying your skill set can make you more versatile as a journalist.
9. Seek Feedback and Learn from Rejections: Rejection is common in the competitive field of journalism. Use feedback from editors or mentors constructively to improve your work and keep refining your craft.
10. Consider Specializing: Given your background in economics and politics, consider specializing in areas where these fields intersect with journalism such as economic reporting, political analysis, or international affairs coverage.
Remember that breaking into journalism may take time and persistence, but with dedication and continuous learning, you can leverage your unique background to carve out a successful career in this dynamic field.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
Columbia Journalism Review: A reputable publication known for its insights into the world of journalism including industry trends, best practices for journalists, and tips for aspiring professionals.
Poynter Institute: A renowned organization dedicated to promoting excellence in journalism through training programs, research on media ethics, fact-checking resources, and professional development opportunities.
Journalism.co.uk: An authoritative source providing news and resources for journalists worldwide including job listings, training courses, industry events coverage, and expert advice on various aspects of modern journalism practice.
God Bless,
JC.
Updated
Sean’s Answer
Guten Tag,
Try becoming a intern for a local paper or a website. I am a retired Policeman, but I started as intern with a Sheriff's Dept ( Los Angeles) and moved up from there, you will have to work very hard and prove yourself.....Much Luck, Sean
Try becoming a intern for a local paper or a website. I am a retired Policeman, but I started as intern with a Sheriff's Dept ( Los Angeles) and moved up from there, you will have to work very hard and prove yourself.....Much Luck, Sean
Updated
Joe’s Answer
Hi Carlota!
A solid step to get into journalism while you're still studying would be to start your own blog about anything that you are passionate about. There's lots of different platforms where you can get to writing for free and start to reach an audience. Some notable ones are Medium, Substack, and Blogspot.
If your university has a school newspaper or another campus publication, I strongly recommend getting involved and writing something for them! Reach out to any person of contact on there and mention that you are interested.
Remember that the writing style is often characterized by short, simple sentences and paragraphs, and objective stories based on facts. If your university has courses or modules in journalism or "creative non-fiction," as well as any kind of composition or rhetoric, I'd recommend taking those classes. I would also recommend building a portfolio of writing samples over time, from a blog, a class, or any other publication you make.
Hope this was helpful! Happy writing!
A solid step to get into journalism while you're still studying would be to start your own blog about anything that you are passionate about. There's lots of different platforms where you can get to writing for free and start to reach an audience. Some notable ones are Medium, Substack, and Blogspot.
If your university has a school newspaper or another campus publication, I strongly recommend getting involved and writing something for them! Reach out to any person of contact on there and mention that you are interested.
Remember that the writing style is often characterized by short, simple sentences and paragraphs, and objective stories based on facts. If your university has courses or modules in journalism or "creative non-fiction," as well as any kind of composition or rhetoric, I'd recommend taking those classes. I would also recommend building a portfolio of writing samples over time, from a blog, a class, or any other publication you make.
Hope this was helpful! Happy writing!
Updated
Shirley’s Answer
Thank you for your question,
You have an excellent background - in economics and politics.
You get into journalism by becoming a freelance reporter. Offer your writing services to local papers and magazines. Start a blog and post your stories there. Contact editors at major newspapers and show them your clips. Write about economics issues on a local, statewide, and national level. The political season is hot right now. Write some think pieces on the current political climate in the United States.
You can start a blog, newsletter or post on Medium, Newsbreak, Substack, and Wattpad.
Good luck!
Shirley
You have an excellent background - in economics and politics.
You get into journalism by becoming a freelance reporter. Offer your writing services to local papers and magazines. Start a blog and post your stories there. Contact editors at major newspapers and show them your clips. Write about economics issues on a local, statewide, and national level. The political season is hot right now. Write some think pieces on the current political climate in the United States.
You can start a blog, newsletter or post on Medium, Newsbreak, Substack, and Wattpad.
Good luck!
Shirley