How to Start a Career in Journalism
Journalism can be an exciting and interesting career option. Journalists have the potential to make a difference in the world. There are several fields of journalism, including broadcast, print and online journalism. Journalists are curious people who search for breaking news and share it with the public. Typical journalists are curious, smart, friendly, and calm under pressure. To become successful, there are a few essential steps aspiring journalists should follow.
Skills
One of the major components of journalism is writing stories and articles. You can always improve your skills and become a better writer. This takes practice, so journalists should be writing as often as possible. Reading is another way to improve writing skills. Reading allows you to see how others write and gain inspiration from them. The audience is an important consideration and looking at articles from a different perspective can be beneficial.
There are also technical skills that journalism is based on. Journalists are trusted to provide correct information, so they need to always check their facts for accuracy. Journalists are expected to be grammatically correct and write in a specific style. It’s important to learnAPAstyle writing and always have a style-book, dictionary and grammar book handy for reference.
Education
A good journalist doesn’t have to attend an expensive school or a university that specializes in journalism. Many schools offer degrees in journalism, but some don’t. Before choosing a college, a student should check out what the school offers. There are other majors besides journalism that include journalism classes. For example, majoring in communication or English could provide a student with tools to succeed as a journalist.
Sometimes colleges will also have minors or concentrations that include journalism classes. All schools are different, but many journalism jobs don’t require you to have a specific major as long as you have the essential skills and experience. Students should look for classes that directly relate to journalism, such as news writing, current events, journalism workshops or interviewing skills. In addition, basic English classes are essential and will help students become excellent writers.
Writing for a school newspaper is a great way to learn the ropes of journalism. It is journalism on a smaller scale. Students will be able to go out and interview people, develop writing skills and work with others who have similar interests. For students interested in other types of journalism, they can check to see if the school has its own TV or radio station. Many colleges do and these stations are usually popular with students and local residents. They may also be able to help with the school website or promotional materials. Students can gain exposure and recognition for their work.
Journalism professors can also be helpful. Professors can provide guidance, recommendations, and contacts for future jobs. Professors know other people in the business and may be able to introduce students to possible employers or companies. Having the approval of a professional can also help students get a job or internship. A good reputation is important for young professionals who are just starting out.
Experience
Hands-on experience is the best way to break into the journalism business. The goal is to have published work that is read and respected. Students should look for opportunities by applying for internships or fieldwork. This gives the student the chance to submit work that will be used and seen by the public. Internships may be in a variety of journalism fields. Student journalists can check out radio stations, newspapers, online news companies, magazines and other sources. Internships can also provide more recommendations and help writers network with other employers in the business. This increases their chances of getting a job in the near future.
There are other ways to gain experience independently. Starting a blog, for example, is a good way to become recognized. It also adds to the experience of writing and gathering information. Writing for communities is another way to gain skills and experience. Websites, such as Helium or Suite 101, can help writers gain writing experience, learn more about the writing and publishing process, and even get paid for their work.
Finally, after some experience, it is time to apply for jobs in the journalism field. Assessing writing and journalism skills is important. Employers want to know what an employee can do for them and a good cover letter and resume can help. Job seekers should highlight strengths, experience and recommendations. By showing what they can do, employers can see how applicants can improve their business. This will influence whether or not they hire them. When they do get hired, good writers can go on to pursue their dream of becoming a journalist.
