ALT-3 Breaking into the Print Journalism Field
So you want to be a reporter? Well, if you have a passion for talking to people and for writing, you're halfway there. While in college, get a job on the school newspaper. Tell the editor you want to be the campus beat reporter, then do an accurate job on the stories you're assigned.
You ought to be organized and have a solid command of the English language. Furthermore, be wary of deadlines. Editors do not like to be kept guessing when your piece will be turned in. The paper must meet the press run deadline, so you must hold up your end of the bargain.
During summer recess, you might want to intern for a weekly newspaper in town. Some companies will put you on a part-time payroll and even pay for fuel you use on an assignment. Internships look great on a resume. Always remember to get testimonials from your co-workers on your performance and do keep a portfolio of articles with your byline.
The first tenet of journalism is assume nothing. Check your information for accuracy. When you're interviewing someone for a story, confirm spelling of names and a person's title. If someone is giving you excellent information on an issue, ask the individual if he or she can be quoted for the story.
Make sure your sentence structure and word usage are letter perfect. If you're not sure of a particular spelling, make that extra call and confirm it. When the newspaper hits the stands, get a copy or two and clip the article you authored. Your first byline is a most rewarding experience.
Generally speaking, when you first break into print journalism, you're likely to be a general assignment reporter. In other words, every day is a new challenge. One day you're covering a political rally, the next a devastating fire, yet another a board of education meeting.
Make sure you get to know the local town people, including mayor, council or committee members, chief of police, key members of the chamber of commerce. Keep a handy reference in the event you need a comment from a source. After handling general assignment reporting for a while, you might have an opportunity to become a beat reporter. This is where you cover a set routine each day. For example, you might be a courthouse reporter or what the industry terms a "police blotter reporter." This is where you become known as the "go to" guy or gal by your sources.
Remember, when you're a print journalist, you communicate a message to hundreds, if not thousands of readers. Be proud of the purpose you serve and never take it for granted.
