5 answers
Kate
Student
3
Questions
Asked
695 views
How? Hello, I am Kate, a certified journalist with a higher education degree. I graduated with distinction. I have experience working in TV, but unfortunately, it was in Russia. There, I achieved success and worked for the main channel in the country. Due to recent global events, I left that country and moved to Europe. I am currently looking for a job or internship in TV or print journalism in the United States. I consider America the pinnacle of journalism, as history tells us. My English is not yet at the C1 level, but I am willing to improve it. Additionally, I know that RTVI is a Russian TV channel with American news based in New York. Please, give me advice on which company I should apply to for an internship or job as a TV journalist in America. What are the chances of being hired if I do not have experience in the American market, but I am very eager to build my career there?
How?
Please, give me advice on which company I should apply to for an internship or job as a TV journalist in America. What are the chances of being hired if I do not have experience in the American market, but I am very eager to build my career there?
Login to comment
5 answers
Samira Hasnain
Content Writer | Aspiring Clinical Psychologist
16
Answers
Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan
Updated
Samira’s Answer
Hi! Firstly, your passion for your craft and career deserves appreciation. You're doing really well!
While you're improving your English language skills, try getting some online certifications from platforms like Coursera, Udemy, etc. These online platforms offer numerous writing courses from prestigious American institutes like Yale, Harvard, University of Pennsylvania, with shareable certifications that will help build your resume. You can also make a strong profile on LinkedIn, Indeed, and other job-hunting platforms (there are several guides on YouTube, Google, etc. on how to make an impressive LinkedIn profile) and start applying as a Journalism Intern/Writing Intern/Volunteer at different magazines. These internships come with a certificate, letter of recommendation (LOR), and industry connections!
✨ Start your own blog (on Medium, LinkedIn, or any other website) where you write regularly.
✨ Learn personal branding.
✨ Get familiarized with American pop-culture, news, lifestyle, fashion etc. or any other niche that interests you, with respect to the American audience.
✨ Most importantly, patience and consistently. You got this!
While you're improving your English language skills, try getting some online certifications from platforms like Coursera, Udemy, etc. These online platforms offer numerous writing courses from prestigious American institutes like Yale, Harvard, University of Pennsylvania, with shareable certifications that will help build your resume. You can also make a strong profile on LinkedIn, Indeed, and other job-hunting platforms (there are several guides on YouTube, Google, etc. on how to make an impressive LinkedIn profile) and start applying as a Journalism Intern/Writing Intern/Volunteer at different magazines. These internships come with a certificate, letter of recommendation (LOR), and industry connections!
Samira recommends the following next steps:
Thanks for your encouragement!
Kate
Chinyere Okafor
Educationist and Counseling Psychologist
523
Answers
Port Harcourt, Rivers, Nigeria
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hello Kate,
It's fantastic that you have a strong journalism background and the ambition to build your career in the US. Here's some advice to increase your chances:
Building Your American Portfolio:
Focus on transferable skills: Highlight your existing journalism experience in your resume and cover letter. Emphasize transferable skills like research, interviewing, storytelling, news judgment, and content creation.
Start a blog or freelance: Consider starting a blog or website in English to showcase your writing and research skills. You can also look for freelance writing opportunities in American publications, even if online, to build a portfolio specific to the US market.
Consider internships: While a TV journalism internship might be tough initially, explore internships in print or online journalism to gain experience with the American news landscape.
Targeting Jobs and Companies:
National vs. Local: Starting in local news might be easier to break into. Research local news stations in your area and look for internship or entry-level reporter positions.
RTVI: RTVI (https://rtvi.us/) could be a good starting point. They might value your bilingual skills and Russian background. Network with their journalists on LinkedIn to find out more about their internship opportunities.
Focus on niche markets: Look for companies catering to Russian-American communities, where your bilingualism is an asset.
Broaden your search: Don't limit yourself to TV. While TV is your ultimate goal, consider print, radio, or online journalism to gain experience.
Improving Your English:
Language courses: Enroll in English language courses or online programs to reach C1 proficiency.
Immerse yourself: Surround yourself with English as much as possible. Watch American news broadcasts, listen to podcasts, and read American newspapers and magazines.
Chances of Getting Hired:
It might be challenging initially, but with your strong background and willingness to adapt, you have a good shot. Persistence and networking are key.
Additional Resources:
Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ): https://www.spj.org/
Online Journalism Blog: https://www.poynter.org/news/commentary/
Remember, Kate, your determination and existing skills are your biggest assets.
Best wishes!
It's fantastic that you have a strong journalism background and the ambition to build your career in the US. Here's some advice to increase your chances:
Building Your American Portfolio:
Focus on transferable skills: Highlight your existing journalism experience in your resume and cover letter. Emphasize transferable skills like research, interviewing, storytelling, news judgment, and content creation.
Start a blog or freelance: Consider starting a blog or website in English to showcase your writing and research skills. You can also look for freelance writing opportunities in American publications, even if online, to build a portfolio specific to the US market.
Consider internships: While a TV journalism internship might be tough initially, explore internships in print or online journalism to gain experience with the American news landscape.
Targeting Jobs and Companies:
National vs. Local: Starting in local news might be easier to break into. Research local news stations in your area and look for internship or entry-level reporter positions.
RTVI: RTVI (https://rtvi.us/) could be a good starting point. They might value your bilingual skills and Russian background. Network with their journalists on LinkedIn to find out more about their internship opportunities.
Focus on niche markets: Look for companies catering to Russian-American communities, where your bilingualism is an asset.
Broaden your search: Don't limit yourself to TV. While TV is your ultimate goal, consider print, radio, or online journalism to gain experience.
Improving Your English:
Language courses: Enroll in English language courses or online programs to reach C1 proficiency.
Immerse yourself: Surround yourself with English as much as possible. Watch American news broadcasts, listen to podcasts, and read American newspapers and magazines.
Chances of Getting Hired:
It might be challenging initially, but with your strong background and willingness to adapt, you have a good shot. Persistence and networking are key.
Additional Resources:
Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ): https://www.spj.org/
Online Journalism Blog: https://www.poynter.org/news/commentary/
Remember, Kate, your determination and existing skills are your biggest assets.
Best wishes!
Thank you, Chinyere!
Kate
Glad I could help!
Chinyere Okafor
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1842
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Kate !
You have a wonderful career and I would be happy to share some advice for you now that you are in the United States pursuing television and journalism. I do not believe that you have anything to worry about.
Your experience in Russia is very valuable and it doesn't matter where your experience is from (which country) since you have a professional work history in this field. What you do is universal and has a place in any part of the world. The one thing I would mention is to try to be open-minded considering the wide array of positions that you may be qualified for. Your English seems fine, too.
My advice is to forget about internships (unless you are a college student in your last two years) but aim for employment. Although I do not know your exact work history, something tells me that you may have an outstanding resume, one that would possibly impress both the Russian station but also the many American stations, too. Apply to all of them. Also, create a channel on a video hosting platform and create a variety of videos showing your skills. This would not be for the purposes of of being discovered, rather it would be a good showcase to send to prospective employers. There are also opportunities for something else - Voice Over Work. I frequently see notices on Indeed or Linked In for voice over talent that requires a Russian or many other accents. This is the time to cover all bases so that you can start that first paycheck !
I would also suggest that you do some television background/extra work so that you can be around the American television industry, get to know people and learn how a set is managed here in the U.S. I would also advise doing print work such as writing articles for magazines, newspapers, websites and any other writing opportunities you discover by searching online.
Regarding your resume, my advice would be to have a professional resume writer construct it for you. There are certain nuances for resume content that these resume writers would be able to include that will make you shine.
RTVI is an international news broadcast and if you know that they have a station based in New York City, I would suggest going in person to their Human Resources department. Information on the internet does not indicate an American local station and their website is in Russian language. So if you are sure about it and know where it's located, by all means, once you obtain your American revised resume of your Russian work experience, pay them a visit to see what openings they currently have.
It's difficult to say what your chances will be or which companies to apply to. That is why you should cover a lot of ground and consider all facets of journalism and television. Familiarize yourself with Journalism and Communication Research Guides. I have left a link to a list of them below. Also register at Linked In and Indeed to seek employment through career centered employment notices you can read on these websites. I left a link for you below to a journalism employment website but you can find more by searching online.
I would say to never underestimate yourself, apply to many positions and projects and always return here to Career Village if you have any other questions. I know it may feel strange to take that first step, but once you start applying you will be happily surprised and have a wonderful career. Many like yourself have done it and you can too ! Do not give up !
TRADE PUBLICATIONS FOR JOURNALISM AND COMMUNICATION https://instr.iastate.libguides.com/c.php?g=49450&p=318638
JOURNALISM JOBS EMPLOYMENT WEBSITE https://www.journalismjobs.com/
LIST OF SITES TO FIND JOURNALISM JOBS https://www.contentgrip.com/sites-journalism-jobs/
You have a wonderful career and I would be happy to share some advice for you now that you are in the United States pursuing television and journalism. I do not believe that you have anything to worry about.
Your experience in Russia is very valuable and it doesn't matter where your experience is from (which country) since you have a professional work history in this field. What you do is universal and has a place in any part of the world. The one thing I would mention is to try to be open-minded considering the wide array of positions that you may be qualified for. Your English seems fine, too.
My advice is to forget about internships (unless you are a college student in your last two years) but aim for employment. Although I do not know your exact work history, something tells me that you may have an outstanding resume, one that would possibly impress both the Russian station but also the many American stations, too. Apply to all of them. Also, create a channel on a video hosting platform and create a variety of videos showing your skills. This would not be for the purposes of of being discovered, rather it would be a good showcase to send to prospective employers. There are also opportunities for something else - Voice Over Work. I frequently see notices on Indeed or Linked In for voice over talent that requires a Russian or many other accents. This is the time to cover all bases so that you can start that first paycheck !
I would also suggest that you do some television background/extra work so that you can be around the American television industry, get to know people and learn how a set is managed here in the U.S. I would also advise doing print work such as writing articles for magazines, newspapers, websites and any other writing opportunities you discover by searching online.
Regarding your resume, my advice would be to have a professional resume writer construct it for you. There are certain nuances for resume content that these resume writers would be able to include that will make you shine.
RTVI is an international news broadcast and if you know that they have a station based in New York City, I would suggest going in person to their Human Resources department. Information on the internet does not indicate an American local station and their website is in Russian language. So if you are sure about it and know where it's located, by all means, once you obtain your American revised resume of your Russian work experience, pay them a visit to see what openings they currently have.
It's difficult to say what your chances will be or which companies to apply to. That is why you should cover a lot of ground and consider all facets of journalism and television. Familiarize yourself with Journalism and Communication Research Guides. I have left a link to a list of them below. Also register at Linked In and Indeed to seek employment through career centered employment notices you can read on these websites. I left a link for you below to a journalism employment website but you can find more by searching online.
I would say to never underestimate yourself, apply to many positions and projects and always return here to Career Village if you have any other questions. I know it may feel strange to take that first step, but once you start applying you will be happily surprised and have a wonderful career. Many like yourself have done it and you can too ! Do not give up !
Michelle recommends the following next steps:
Thank you! Your advice is very valuable and useful for me!
Kate
You are very welcome, Kate !
Michelle M.
Talia Roepel
Author / Article Writer/ Professor
32
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Talia’s Answer
I will agree with many of the opinions stated here. First work on improving your English. Apps like DuoLingo are a great free resource.
Try looking for volunteer work on sites like volunteermatch.org with American companies. That will help you get experience in the American market.
Some organizations may be okay with offering internships or freelance opportunities for non-US citizens. Focus on remote work first so that you have more flexibility in what you can apply to. There are many websites that look for freelance writers, though their pay and hours aren't always dependable. They will be good for the experience, at least.
Best wishes!
Try looking for volunteer work on sites like volunteermatch.org with American companies. That will help you get experience in the American market.
Some organizations may be okay with offering internships or freelance opportunities for non-US citizens. Focus on remote work first so that you have more flexibility in what you can apply to. There are many websites that look for freelance writers, though their pay and hours aren't always dependable. They will be good for the experience, at least.
Best wishes!
Thanks for your encouragement!
Kate
Suzanne Sorkin
Retired family physician and medical educator
115
Answers
Traverse City, Michigan
Updated
Suzanne’s Answer
Hello Kate,
Have you thought about applying to work as a journalist for Voice of America, Russian language service? They have both TV and digital platforms. I realize this is not exactly what you said you are looking for but it could be an excellent entrée into professional work as a journalist here.
Best of luck to you!
Check out VOA's website for more info: https://www.insidevoa.com/p/6431.html
Have you thought about applying to work as a journalist for Voice of America, Russian language service? They have both TV and digital platforms. I realize this is not exactly what you said you are looking for but it could be an excellent entrée into professional work as a journalist here.
Best of luck to you!
Suzanne recommends the following next steps:
You rock! This advice is very helpful.
Kate