Journalism is one of the most respected professions in the United States. But how do you go about becoming a journalist? This blog post will give you everything you need to know, from getting your degree to finding a job and even networking with other journalists. It’s time for you to start thinking about journalism as a career option.
The job outlook for journalists is good. According to Forbes Magazine, the top five jobs expected to have the most growth in 2016 include social media coordinator, multimedia specialist, sales manager, and advertising director. These positions all require a solid background in journalism which means there will always be opportunities available on both the creative and business side of things.
There are many different ways you can get your foot into the door, including internships and writing classes offered at local colleges like the University of Phoenix or MCC. You could also start by working as an unpaid blogger until you build up enough experience where it’s possible to land paid work without having any industry connections. It may seem overwhelming, but don’t let that stop you from breaking into this career.
If you’re entering college, you should seize every opportunity to get involved in student publications on campus. You’ll acquire practical experience even before you graduate. As for what kind of organization to join, pick something that will provide opportunities for writing and meeting people who can help your career down the road – plus, it must appeal to your sensibilities and be challenging enough for you. If sports is not your thing, don’t write for The Crimson White or The Daily Texan Sports Page; if contemporary fashion isn’t of any interest to you either, do not write for The Daily Cardinal Style or Vogue.
Don’t be afraid to think outside the box either as a starting journalist: if something catches your eye, talk to people who have more experience than you do and find out what they know about the group; often they’ll be able to fill in some details even if they don’t know everything (or anything at all about them). It’s always easy to get information when people are willing to share it.
The important thing to remember is that there are many different options, so don’t let one roadblock stop you from your dream job. It’s time for you to start thinking about journalism as a career option.