How to Get a Journalism Job

What to do in College to Prepare for a Writing Career

Mar 31, 2009 Kayda Norman

So you want to land a job in journalism, but have no idea how to go about doing so? Here are some key steps to launching your dream career.

Journalism can be a hard industry to break into, and often requires more than just a degree. Journalists need to be detail-oriented, creative, and intuitive among other things.

Get a Degree in Journalism

Though a degree in journalism is not necessary to be a journalist, it is a plus. Take classes that educate you in all fields of journalism to help you become more versatile. These can include courses on newswriting, feature writing, editing, layout design, videography, photography, and HTML. Do not discount the importance of knowing how to use new media in addition to knowing how to write.

Consider a Dual Degree

Think about acquiring a dual degree, one in journalism, and another in the field you would like to write about. For instance, a science magazine will be more apt to hire an applicant who holds a degree in both biology and journalism.

If not a dual degree, consider minoring in another field. In addition, if you do not land the journalism job of you dreams, you will always have that additional degree to help you secure another job.

Write for Your College Newspaper

Write for not only your college newspaper, but your college magazine, yearbook, and any other writing publication. If possible, take an active role in the organization such as editor.

Secure as Many Internships as Possible

It's one thing to learn about journalism in a classroom, but a different experience entirely to be out in the world reporting. In many cases, internships can be much more rewarding than a college lecture and also helps you network in your field. Internships not only build your resume, but show you what the life of a reporter is really like.

Worst case scenario, you discover journalism isn't the field for you. Best case scenario, you land a job after college.

Keep in Touch with Journalism Professors and Internship Supervisors

Remember to thank your professors and internship advisors for all of their help. Keep them up to date about your life and career even after college and your internship. In this way, they will be able to provide a good recommendation for you as well as inform you of any job openings they might know about. The connections you make in your field can prove invaluable.

Keep Your Clips Organized and Up to Date

At least 80 percent of all journalism jobs require applicants to send in clips, so make sure to keep copies of them handy. Start collecting and organizing your clips right away, and consider making a writer's portfolio.

The journalism industry is tough to survive in, but not impossible. A degree, quality clips, and professional experience through internships and student publications may not necessarily guarantee a job, but will certainly benefit anyone looking for a career in journalism.

The copyright of the article How to Get a Journalism Job in Career Advice is owned by Kayda Norman. Permission to republish How to Get a Journalism Job in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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