Breaking Into Journalism

A Guide to Starting a Writing Career

Dec 12, 2007 Nicki Jhabvala

Determining the best education path for a journalism career can be daunting. Learn the best ways a writer can market themselves, acquire a strong portfolio and more.

Is a journalism degree required? Ehh, it’s still debated.

What about grades? Depends on who you talk to.

Experience? Definitely! It’s a must-have.

For many aspiring journalists, the correct course of study in college can be confusing and challenging. The choice between English and economics, philosophy or political science can be down right scary.

Although more and more universities and colleges are offering journalism courses and degree programs, it is still rare that employers require such a tailored education to enter the industry. However, most media outlets seem to universally require one thing: clips. Experience. Proof that, as a potential employee, a writer has already shown some of the necessary skills for the job.

And for future USA Today reporters and People Magazine editors, getting such experience takes guts and a lot of extra effort.

Solicit Yourself

The toughest part about developing a portfolio of published articles, or clips, may not be time-management and balancing school work with extra writing. No, often times, the toughest part is getting that first gig. Whether it’s an internship, freelancing job or even full-time position, most, if not all, writing jobs require a set of previously published articles to be sent along with one’s resume and application.

So how does an applicant get that first job without experience?

Start small. Most colleges have a student newspaper where writers are guided through the processes of developing and covering a story. By working for the student newspaper, a writer is quickly shoved into the field and forced to develop the necessary skills for writing, interviewing, and editing. And work for a student newspaper is certainly a great way to get a start on a portfolio.

Network

Using work from a training environment, such as class work or a student newspaper, a writer will have a complete application to be sent out to small regional newspapers and other publications for freelance work, or work that is done on a contract-basis. Editors are often looking for writers who can cover certain stories when called upon so the companies do not have to exhaust their budget by a hiring a staff writer for the position. Contacting editors can work in one’s favor many ways. For one, it conveys the journalist’s interest and willingness to continue to hone his or her skills. It also adds clips to a portfolio and, even if nothing tangible comes of the contact, it at least provides the editor with the writer’s name and information for future reference.

Diversify

More clips not only bulk up a journalist’s set of work, but also bulks up a resume, reference list, and long-term network of professionals. Branching out in the field also lends another advantage by proving adaptability. Handling many issues and circumstances are vital skills to possess in journalism. No two jobs are alike. No two companies are alike. No two editors are alike. To obtain a diverse set of published works and a level of comfort in a variety of settings, a writer can gain from covering different beats or topics, pitching his or her own story ideas to editors, and trying editing if one primarily writes, or vice versa. Writing for multiple media – electronic and print – can also help. Broadening one’s journalistic proficiencies will not only help with a writer’s current task or job, but also in obtaining others down the road.

The copyright of the article Breaking Into Journalism in Career Advice is owned by Nicki Jhabvala. Permission to republish Breaking Into Journalism in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.