How to Become a Journalist
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News reporting has never been more prevalent than now. The development of technology has made the world a smaller place, and we expect to receive local national and international news with equal ease and often in real time.
As a journalist, with both a nose for a good story and the communication powers to bring it alive, you might work for a newspaper, a magazine, or broadcast on TV or radio.
Nowadays you might even work for an Internet news site. You could specialize in business, in one part of the world, in politics, or one of many other news areas. Journalism can offer a dazzling variety of possible careers to match your talents and interests.
What Skills do Journalists Need?
A journalist needs to be able to sniff out a good story, and ideally get it before anyone else does; news agencies place a high value on scoops and exclusivity. The story then has to be presented in clear attention-getting prose (written or broadcast) including photographs, video footage, interviews, and any other supporting features. A journalist need to be good at getting people to talk and must be able to work quickly and under pressure.
What Training is Required to Become a Journalist?
A college education in journalism or mass communication can help you to find your first journalist job. Employers may be happy to accept other degrees and are likely to place weight on relevant experience, such as running a college newspaper or an internship in journalism.
What is my Job Outlook as a Journalist?
Traditional opportunities for journalists may grow slowly owing to mergers and cost-savings in newspaper and media industries. New opportunities are however appearing in online journalism. Opportunities may be most plentiful in the smaller out-of-town newspapers and broadcasters. As these employers are likely to provide you with your first job, that should be good news as you launch your career.