6 answers
Sonya
Student
Lenox, Massachusetts
1
Question
Asked
690 views
What should I do to maximize my chances of getting a job in journalism?
I'm super interested in becoming a journalist but everyone I talk to says its a really hard field to get hired in especially by major news organizations like the New York Times or the Wall Street Journal. So I was just wondering if there were any programs I could join or things I could do to further my chances into getting hired as a journalist?
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6 answers
Hakeem Ola Saka
Freelancer
74
Answers
Maryland Heights, Missouri
Updated
Hakeem Ola’s Answer
It’s true that journalism is competitive, but with the right steps, you can improve your chances of breaking into the industry. Here are several strategies to help you maximize your chances of getting hired as a journalist, even by top organizations like The New York Times or The Wall Street Journal: The video link is here:https://www.instagram.com/stories/hakky120/3454139237043928845?utm_source=ig_story_item_share&igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==
1. Build a Strong Portfolio
Start Writing Now: Write for local newspapers, school publications, online platforms, or even a personal blog. You need to showcase your ability to write compelling stories on a variety of topics.
Focus on Diverse Content: Show that you can write news, features, investigative stories, opinion pieces, and even multimedia journalism (videos, podcasts, photo essays). The video link is here:https://www.instagram.com/stories/hakky120/3454139237043928845?utm_source=ig_story_item_share&igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==
2. Internships and Fellowships
Apply for Journalism Internships: Major news organizations often have competitive internship programs (e.g., NY Times, Washington Post). Even smaller local newspapers or niche magazines offer invaluable hands-on experience.
Look for Fellowships: Some organizations offer fellowships to new journalists, such as the Pulitzer Center or the Google News Initiative. These fellowships can help you get the mentoring and network you need. The video link is here:https://www.instagram.com/stories/hakky120/3454139237043928845?utm_source=ig_story_item_share&igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==
3. Specialize in a Niche
Develop Expertise: Having specialized knowledge in areas like politics, finance, technology, or international relations can make you more attractive to specific departments in major news outlets.
Cover Underreported Stories: Focus on topics that aren’t heavily covered by mainstream media to set yourself apart and build a unique portfolio.
4. Get a Journalism Degree or Take Relevant Courses
Pursue Journalism or Communications Degrees: Many prestigious journalism schools (Columbia, Northwestern, UC Berkeley) offer strong networks and internship opportunities.
Consider Certificate Programs: Programs like Poynter’s or Coursera’s journalism courses, or even data journalism workshops, can enhance your skills. Learn Essential Tools: Familiarize yourself with journalistic tools like WordPress, Adobe Creative Suite, Google Analytics, and social media platforms, which are often used in newsrooms. The video link is here:https://www.instagram.com/stories/hakky120/3454139237043928845?utm_source=ig_story_item_share&igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==
5. Freelance and Pitch Stories
Start Freelancing: Many journalists begin as freelancers, pitching stories to various publications. Build relationships with editors and pitch ideas that align with the publication’s style and audience.
Submit to Smaller Outlets: Start with smaller outlets or niche publications, then gradually aim for larger, well-known publications. Even national newspapers often accept freelance submissions.
6. Network in the Journalism Community
Attend Journalism Conferences: Networking events like the Investigative Reporters & Editors (IRE) conference or Online News Association (ONA) can help you meet professionals and gain insider knowledge.
Join Journalism Associations: Being part of professional associations like the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) can provide networking opportunities, job boards, and resources. Connect with Journalists on Social Media: Follow journalists and editors on Twitter and LinkedIn. Engage with their content and join conversations about current events and industry trends. The video link is here:https://www.instagram.com/stories/hakky120/3454139237043928845?utm_source=ig_story_item_share&igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==
7. Build a Social Media Presence
Establish a Personal Brand: Use social media platforms like Twitter to share your work, opinions on current events, and engage with news organizations.
Showcase Multimedia Skills: With the rise of digital media, being proficient in video editing, podcasting, and photography will set you apart.
8. Stay Informed and Read Widely
Read Major Publications Regularly: Keep up with current events by reading major publications like The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal. Understand their style, reporting techniques, and what kinds of stories they cover.
Study Different Formats: Analyze how different formats, such as long-form investigative journalism and breaking news stories, are structured.
9. Be Persistent and Flexible
Be Open to Different Roles: You may not land your dream job right away. Be open to starting in smaller markets, digital journalism, or even content creation for brands to gain experience. The video link is here:https://www.instagram.com/stories/hakky120/3454139237043928845?utm_source=ig_story_item_share&igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==
Keep Applying: Apply for a wide range of jobs, from local outlets to digital-first platforms. Persistence and adaptability are key in journalism.
1. Build a Strong Portfolio
Start Writing Now: Write for local newspapers, school publications, online platforms, or even a personal blog. You need to showcase your ability to write compelling stories on a variety of topics.
Focus on Diverse Content: Show that you can write news, features, investigative stories, opinion pieces, and even multimedia journalism (videos, podcasts, photo essays). The video link is here:https://www.instagram.com/stories/hakky120/3454139237043928845?utm_source=ig_story_item_share&igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==
2. Internships and Fellowships
Apply for Journalism Internships: Major news organizations often have competitive internship programs (e.g., NY Times, Washington Post). Even smaller local newspapers or niche magazines offer invaluable hands-on experience.
Look for Fellowships: Some organizations offer fellowships to new journalists, such as the Pulitzer Center or the Google News Initiative. These fellowships can help you get the mentoring and network you need. The video link is here:https://www.instagram.com/stories/hakky120/3454139237043928845?utm_source=ig_story_item_share&igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==
3. Specialize in a Niche
Develop Expertise: Having specialized knowledge in areas like politics, finance, technology, or international relations can make you more attractive to specific departments in major news outlets.
Cover Underreported Stories: Focus on topics that aren’t heavily covered by mainstream media to set yourself apart and build a unique portfolio.
4. Get a Journalism Degree or Take Relevant Courses
Pursue Journalism or Communications Degrees: Many prestigious journalism schools (Columbia, Northwestern, UC Berkeley) offer strong networks and internship opportunities.
Consider Certificate Programs: Programs like Poynter’s or Coursera’s journalism courses, or even data journalism workshops, can enhance your skills. Learn Essential Tools: Familiarize yourself with journalistic tools like WordPress, Adobe Creative Suite, Google Analytics, and social media platforms, which are often used in newsrooms. The video link is here:https://www.instagram.com/stories/hakky120/3454139237043928845?utm_source=ig_story_item_share&igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==
5. Freelance and Pitch Stories
Start Freelancing: Many journalists begin as freelancers, pitching stories to various publications. Build relationships with editors and pitch ideas that align with the publication’s style and audience.
Submit to Smaller Outlets: Start with smaller outlets or niche publications, then gradually aim for larger, well-known publications. Even national newspapers often accept freelance submissions.
6. Network in the Journalism Community
Attend Journalism Conferences: Networking events like the Investigative Reporters & Editors (IRE) conference or Online News Association (ONA) can help you meet professionals and gain insider knowledge.
Join Journalism Associations: Being part of professional associations like the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) can provide networking opportunities, job boards, and resources. Connect with Journalists on Social Media: Follow journalists and editors on Twitter and LinkedIn. Engage with their content and join conversations about current events and industry trends. The video link is here:https://www.instagram.com/stories/hakky120/3454139237043928845?utm_source=ig_story_item_share&igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==
7. Build a Social Media Presence
Establish a Personal Brand: Use social media platforms like Twitter to share your work, opinions on current events, and engage with news organizations.
Showcase Multimedia Skills: With the rise of digital media, being proficient in video editing, podcasting, and photography will set you apart.
8. Stay Informed and Read Widely
Read Major Publications Regularly: Keep up with current events by reading major publications like The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal. Understand their style, reporting techniques, and what kinds of stories they cover.
Study Different Formats: Analyze how different formats, such as long-form investigative journalism and breaking news stories, are structured.
9. Be Persistent and Flexible
Be Open to Different Roles: You may not land your dream job right away. Be open to starting in smaller markets, digital journalism, or even content creation for brands to gain experience. The video link is here:https://www.instagram.com/stories/hakky120/3454139237043928845?utm_source=ig_story_item_share&igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==
Keep Applying: Apply for a wide range of jobs, from local outlets to digital-first platforms. Persistence and adaptability are key in journalism.
Kirsten Magas
Blogging
4
Answers
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Updated
Kirsten’s Answer
A lot of these answers are super lengthy, but they all have great advice. However, I wanted to give you a few action steps that you can do now as a high schooler, which I will elaborate on below:
1. Get good grades overall.
2. Get involved with and write for your school's newspaper.
3. Network with your peers.
4. Make a portfolio of your writing.
Get good grades - I'm not sure if you're aiming to get into Columbia's School of Journalism, but if you are, you should take as many classes as you can that you know you will get As in. You should get as close to a 4.0 as possible. If you know you will get a C in an honors Precalculus class, but you could get an A in a regular statistics class, then take the stat class. This is something I didn't do in high school and very much regret. I pushed myself to be where my friends were. Don't do that. Your goals are different from your friends' goals.
Get involved with your school's newspaper - If you are planning to have a career in journalism, you absolutely need to be involved with your school's newspaper now. Yesterday, even. If you're doing this already, you're halfway there. Experience is the most valuable thing on your resume. That being said, you should also apply to internships to gain more experience; they will likely be unpaid, but there are plenty of options. Don't just take any internship because the type of experience you gain will limit your real-world prospects. In other words, if you take marketing internships, you will be the best candidate for entry-level marketing jobs. However, if you take an editorial internship with a magazine, you will be the best candidate for entry-level journalism jobs. One of my friends who was an English/journalism major back in her college years took a marketing job for the money even though it wasn't exactly what she wanted to do. She has been stuck in the field ever since.
Network - Journalists rely on their connections to the community for tips on what is going on. For example, if there is a new business opening up in the community, the journalist will only know if they have connections to the person opening that business. Once the journalist is in the know, they can report on that news.
Make a portfolio - Before you apply for your internships, you might want to have a portfolio; this can be a website that links visitors to different places that you've written. If you haven't written for any blogs before, you can make a blog of your own. I recommend Wix because it is easy to use. This blog can be about anything! It's really just a place for you to showcase your skill and the style of writing you aim to specialize in. You can feel free to look at my portfolio for inspiration: https://www.kirstenmagas.com/. Most of the jobs I'm applying to ask for a website link, and this is what I send them. It has links and context to all of the stories I've written for different publications.
1. Get good grades overall.
2. Get involved with and write for your school's newspaper.
3. Network with your peers.
4. Make a portfolio of your writing.
Get good grades - I'm not sure if you're aiming to get into Columbia's School of Journalism, but if you are, you should take as many classes as you can that you know you will get As in. You should get as close to a 4.0 as possible. If you know you will get a C in an honors Precalculus class, but you could get an A in a regular statistics class, then take the stat class. This is something I didn't do in high school and very much regret. I pushed myself to be where my friends were. Don't do that. Your goals are different from your friends' goals.
Get involved with your school's newspaper - If you are planning to have a career in journalism, you absolutely need to be involved with your school's newspaper now. Yesterday, even. If you're doing this already, you're halfway there. Experience is the most valuable thing on your resume. That being said, you should also apply to internships to gain more experience; they will likely be unpaid, but there are plenty of options. Don't just take any internship because the type of experience you gain will limit your real-world prospects. In other words, if you take marketing internships, you will be the best candidate for entry-level marketing jobs. However, if you take an editorial internship with a magazine, you will be the best candidate for entry-level journalism jobs. One of my friends who was an English/journalism major back in her college years took a marketing job for the money even though it wasn't exactly what she wanted to do. She has been stuck in the field ever since.
Network - Journalists rely on their connections to the community for tips on what is going on. For example, if there is a new business opening up in the community, the journalist will only know if they have connections to the person opening that business. Once the journalist is in the know, they can report on that news.
Make a portfolio - Before you apply for your internships, you might want to have a portfolio; this can be a website that links visitors to different places that you've written. If you haven't written for any blogs before, you can make a blog of your own. I recommend Wix because it is easy to use. This blog can be about anything! It's really just a place for you to showcase your skill and the style of writing you aim to specialize in. You can feel free to look at my portfolio for inspiration: https://www.kirstenmagas.com/. Most of the jobs I'm applying to ask for a website link, and this is what I send them. It has links and context to all of the stories I've written for different publications.
Mbah Wai-Tanyi Aguh
Agronomist
58
Answers
New Rochelle, New York
Updated
Mbah Wai-Tanyi’s Answer
Hi Sonya
To maximize your chances of getting a job in journalism, consider the following steps:
1. Gain experience:
- Intern at local news organizations, online publications, or student-run media outlets.
- Write for your school newspaper or online blogs.
- Produce content on platforms like Medium or WordPress.
2. Build a strong portfolio:
- Showcase your writing, reporting, and storytelling skills.
- Share your portfolio on platforms like Contently or Clippings.me.
3. Develop a niche expertise:
- Focus on a specific area, such as politics, sports, or environmental issues.
- Establish yourself as a knowledgeable voice in that area.
4. Network and join professional organizations:
- Attend industry events, conferences, and job fairs.
- Join groups like the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) or the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ).
5. Stay up-to-date with industry trends:
- Follow industry leaders, news organizations, and job boards on social media.
- Participate in online forums and discussions.
6. Consider graduate school or fellowships:
- Programs like the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism or the Knight-Bagehot Fellowship can enhance your skills and credentials.
7. Be persistent and flexible:
- Be prepared for rejections and keep building your skills and network.
- Consider starting as a freelancer or in smaller news organizations before moving to major outlets.
Programs to explore:
1. The New York Times Student Journalism Institute
2. The Wall Street Journal's Journalism Fellowship
3. The National Journalism Center's Internship Program
4. The Poynter Institute's Fellowship Program
5. The Investigative Reporting Workshop's Fellowship
Remember, becoming a journalist takes dedication, hard work, and perseverance. Focus on building your skills, network, and portfolio to increase your chances of success in this competitive field. Good luck, Sonya!
To maximize your chances of getting a job in journalism, consider the following steps:
1. Gain experience:
- Intern at local news organizations, online publications, or student-run media outlets.
- Write for your school newspaper or online blogs.
- Produce content on platforms like Medium or WordPress.
2. Build a strong portfolio:
- Showcase your writing, reporting, and storytelling skills.
- Share your portfolio on platforms like Contently or Clippings.me.
3. Develop a niche expertise:
- Focus on a specific area, such as politics, sports, or environmental issues.
- Establish yourself as a knowledgeable voice in that area.
4. Network and join professional organizations:
- Attend industry events, conferences, and job fairs.
- Join groups like the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) or the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ).
5. Stay up-to-date with industry trends:
- Follow industry leaders, news organizations, and job boards on social media.
- Participate in online forums and discussions.
6. Consider graduate school or fellowships:
- Programs like the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism or the Knight-Bagehot Fellowship can enhance your skills and credentials.
7. Be persistent and flexible:
- Be prepared for rejections and keep building your skills and network.
- Consider starting as a freelancer or in smaller news organizations before moving to major outlets.
Programs to explore:
1. The New York Times Student Journalism Institute
2. The Wall Street Journal's Journalism Fellowship
3. The National Journalism Center's Internship Program
4. The Poynter Institute's Fellowship Program
5. The Investigative Reporting Workshop's Fellowship
Remember, becoming a journalist takes dedication, hard work, and perseverance. Focus on building your skills, network, and portfolio to increase your chances of success in this competitive field. Good luck, Sonya!
Will Xue, CFA
Manager at PwC
103
Answers
Updated
Will’s Answer
Hey Sonya,
Welcome to CareerVillage and great job posting your first question here!
Assuming you are in high school now. Here's a few things to consider to further your chances into becoming a journalist or even in big shops like WSJ (See WSJ job extract at the bottom). A solid portfolio of your work to show solid writing and editing skills and research and fact-checking abilities plus strong communication and networking soft skills are keys to become a successful journalist.
High School
- Join School Newspaper & Participate in Writing Contests: Gain hands-on experience and start building a portfolio.
- Take Journalism Workshops & Online Courses: Enhance your skills and learn the fundamentals of journalism.
- Start a Blog or Contribute to Online Publications: Develop your writing style and create a diverse body of work.
College
- Major in Journalism or a Related Field: Gain academic knowledge and practical skills through coursework.
- Secure Internships & Join College Media: Build professional experience and expand your network.
- Network & Attend Journalism Conferences: Connect with industry professionals and stay updated on industry trends.
Professional Development
- Freelance & Maintain a Strong Portfolio: Continue building a diverse and impressive body of work.
- Develop Digital & Multimedia Journalism Skills: Stay competitive by mastering modern journalism tools and platforms.
- Seek Mentorship & Join Professional Organizations: Get guidance from established journalists and access valuable resources.
Good luck!
###################################################################################
Extract from current WSJ News Reporter job posting (Australia) below:
Link: https://wsj.jobs/nsw-aus/newswires-reporter/24DAFC0BB6A24EBF9BBD40F50C4C8473/job/?vs=23&utm_source=RR%20XML%20Feed-DE&utm_medium=Other&utm_campaign=RR%20XML%20Feed
The successful candidate will:
Reveal how money managers are allocating their portfolios and shaping asset classes across the Asia-Pacific region, from equities to fixed income and commodities.
Bring to life the winners and losers of the industry through colorful profiles.
Extract news on Australian financial companies from stock filings, highlight big industry trends, explain significant changes in regulation, and write real-time news that engages professional investors.
You have:
Several years of experience in a fast-paced news environment and a background in corporate and markets coverage.
A track record of producing scoops of fact and insight.
Strong communication skills and an understanding of how to collaborate in a team environment.
The position will be based in Sydney and will report to David Winning, Chief Editor, APAC, Newswires and Australia/NZ Bureau Chief.
We invite interested candidates to submit a cover letter, detailed resume and 3-5 samples of their work.
Welcome to CareerVillage and great job posting your first question here!
Assuming you are in high school now. Here's a few things to consider to further your chances into becoming a journalist or even in big shops like WSJ (See WSJ job extract at the bottom). A solid portfolio of your work to show solid writing and editing skills and research and fact-checking abilities plus strong communication and networking soft skills are keys to become a successful journalist.
High School
- Join School Newspaper & Participate in Writing Contests: Gain hands-on experience and start building a portfolio.
- Take Journalism Workshops & Online Courses: Enhance your skills and learn the fundamentals of journalism.
- Start a Blog or Contribute to Online Publications: Develop your writing style and create a diverse body of work.
College
- Major in Journalism or a Related Field: Gain academic knowledge and practical skills through coursework.
- Secure Internships & Join College Media: Build professional experience and expand your network.
- Network & Attend Journalism Conferences: Connect with industry professionals and stay updated on industry trends.
Professional Development
- Freelance & Maintain a Strong Portfolio: Continue building a diverse and impressive body of work.
- Develop Digital & Multimedia Journalism Skills: Stay competitive by mastering modern journalism tools and platforms.
- Seek Mentorship & Join Professional Organizations: Get guidance from established journalists and access valuable resources.
Good luck!
###################################################################################
Extract from current WSJ News Reporter job posting (Australia) below:
Link: https://wsj.jobs/nsw-aus/newswires-reporter/24DAFC0BB6A24EBF9BBD40F50C4C8473/job/?vs=23&utm_source=RR%20XML%20Feed-DE&utm_medium=Other&utm_campaign=RR%20XML%20Feed
The successful candidate will:
Reveal how money managers are allocating their portfolios and shaping asset classes across the Asia-Pacific region, from equities to fixed income and commodities.
Bring to life the winners and losers of the industry through colorful profiles.
Extract news on Australian financial companies from stock filings, highlight big industry trends, explain significant changes in regulation, and write real-time news that engages professional investors.
You have:
Several years of experience in a fast-paced news environment and a background in corporate and markets coverage.
A track record of producing scoops of fact and insight.
Strong communication skills and an understanding of how to collaborate in a team environment.
The position will be based in Sydney and will report to David Winning, Chief Editor, APAC, Newswires and Australia/NZ Bureau Chief.
We invite interested candidates to submit a cover letter, detailed resume and 3-5 samples of their work.
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1933
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Sonya !
Great question as you explore the exciting career of Journalism.
There is no set way to guarantee getting hired in any career. It's even more difficult for the opinion and creative fields of which I am involved in as far as acting. You will just have to go the process for the education and various ways of obtaining experience and a portfolio and examples of your writing, but Journalism is a really heavy networking and contact field also. Sometimes, it's who you know that counts. The people you've spoken with told you the truth.
There are some things that you can consider once you are set with writing, video and film skills as well as broadcasting. Once you have been fully trained and are able to be a journalist, you can apply for jobs as well as create your own media outlet to produce news, documentaries, write articles. A good journalist knows what to say and knows how to use the tools to say it. So years of training would be the first step. Instead of reacting to the outside and perceiving it as it's difficult to do, bring out the passion within you that will allow your skill out. Like everything else, it's a process and no one can say how your particular career will go.
You can start right now producing. Get a channel on You Tube and start creating projects like news reports, documentaries, interview shows or anything that you like doing. It's okay to be self-directing with this career. There's really not many outlets in Lenox, Massachusetts for journalists, though, so starting now with your own content creations can be a good start.
Look for places to submit User Generated Content. These can be commercials or commentary on things. You would find some of these opportunities on acting casting websites and if they use your work you can get paid for it. Many of the sites that have these project notices ask for you to pay for registration, however, I believe that one should never pay anyone to obtain work. Also, remember that you have to start somewhere so every beginning leads to an exciting journey. The more you learn about the different outlets, the better you can gauge where you'll want to work as you discover your style, mission and intent for your work. I wouldn't worry about the future. Just focus on creating and networking, and making contacts for now.
Visit the local Chamber of Commerce (their website doesn't open) and introduce yourself. Inquire about their events. There is very little for journalists in Lenox, so maybe you can cover one of their events via video and upload it to your You Tube channel if you decide to create one. If you apply for journalism work, you would send your You Tube Channel link to the prospective person hiring as an example of your work.
Focus on high school and college right now and being a Journalism major. Prepare for college right now, not for a job at ABC or the New York Times. In college you will be working on awesome projects that will also build your portfolio. When a friend of mine was studying at The American Film Institute back in the '80's, he made a documentary film that was very powerful and super awesome about family life for a Down Syndrome child. This was superb and being a student gave him more than that opportunity. He still has his own studio in Hollywood with several forms of film and photography that he does. So when you think about a career in media - it can be done. Just take it a step at a time without overthinking it.
I hope that this helps and I wish you all the best. I encourage you to start projects and learning now so that your academic path will be super enjoyable !
Great question as you explore the exciting career of Journalism.
There is no set way to guarantee getting hired in any career. It's even more difficult for the opinion and creative fields of which I am involved in as far as acting. You will just have to go the process for the education and various ways of obtaining experience and a portfolio and examples of your writing, but Journalism is a really heavy networking and contact field also. Sometimes, it's who you know that counts. The people you've spoken with told you the truth.
There are some things that you can consider once you are set with writing, video and film skills as well as broadcasting. Once you have been fully trained and are able to be a journalist, you can apply for jobs as well as create your own media outlet to produce news, documentaries, write articles. A good journalist knows what to say and knows how to use the tools to say it. So years of training would be the first step. Instead of reacting to the outside and perceiving it as it's difficult to do, bring out the passion within you that will allow your skill out. Like everything else, it's a process and no one can say how your particular career will go.
You can start right now producing. Get a channel on You Tube and start creating projects like news reports, documentaries, interview shows or anything that you like doing. It's okay to be self-directing with this career. There's really not many outlets in Lenox, Massachusetts for journalists, though, so starting now with your own content creations can be a good start.
Look for places to submit User Generated Content. These can be commercials or commentary on things. You would find some of these opportunities on acting casting websites and if they use your work you can get paid for it. Many of the sites that have these project notices ask for you to pay for registration, however, I believe that one should never pay anyone to obtain work. Also, remember that you have to start somewhere so every beginning leads to an exciting journey. The more you learn about the different outlets, the better you can gauge where you'll want to work as you discover your style, mission and intent for your work. I wouldn't worry about the future. Just focus on creating and networking, and making contacts for now.
Visit the local Chamber of Commerce (their website doesn't open) and introduce yourself. Inquire about their events. There is very little for journalists in Lenox, so maybe you can cover one of their events via video and upload it to your You Tube channel if you decide to create one. If you apply for journalism work, you would send your You Tube Channel link to the prospective person hiring as an example of your work.
Focus on high school and college right now and being a Journalism major. Prepare for college right now, not for a job at ABC or the New York Times. In college you will be working on awesome projects that will also build your portfolio. When a friend of mine was studying at The American Film Institute back in the '80's, he made a documentary film that was very powerful and super awesome about family life for a Down Syndrome child. This was superb and being a student gave him more than that opportunity. He still has his own studio in Hollywood with several forms of film and photography that he does. So when you think about a career in media - it can be done. Just take it a step at a time without overthinking it.
I hope that this helps and I wish you all the best. I encourage you to start projects and learning now so that your academic path will be super enjoyable !
Barry Abrams
Host/producer - "In The Gate" thoroughbred podcast at ESPN
32
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Barry’s Answer
Hi, Sonya!
Thanks so much for reaching out. I do not know where you are exactly on your journey, but certainly, samples of your work would go a long way to convincing employers to hire you. Do you intern anywhere? If so, perhaps you could write/report stories just for the purpose of creating samples, even if those stories do not actually run anywhere.
Networking events are also important places to meet potential employers. If you are African-American, for example, there is the annual National Association of Black Journalists convention. Try to join some industry trade group like NABJ, and then be active and visible within it. The more you do for others in such a group, the more it will come back around to you.
Those are a couple of suggestions. I hope they are helpful!
Best regards,
Barry Abrams
Thanks so much for reaching out. I do not know where you are exactly on your journey, but certainly, samples of your work would go a long way to convincing employers to hire you. Do you intern anywhere? If so, perhaps you could write/report stories just for the purpose of creating samples, even if those stories do not actually run anywhere.
Networking events are also important places to meet potential employers. If you are African-American, for example, there is the annual National Association of Black Journalists convention. Try to join some industry trade group like NABJ, and then be active and visible within it. The more you do for others in such a group, the more it will come back around to you.
Those are a couple of suggestions. I hope they are helpful!
Best regards,
Barry Abrams