Journalism Career Advice

Journalism is a long and proud tradition in the United States, dating back hundreds of years. Home to some of the world’s most prestigious newspapers and magazines, the U.S. is also an international leader in journalism’s ever-changing atmosphere. With the digital revolution, many of the world’s traditional newspapers and magazines are having to adapt to internet culture, and the effect it’s having on the way we find, read, and share news and other content. For traditional journalists, the change hasn’t always been easy, but for those looking to break into the field today and tomorrow, embracing technology and all of its advantages (and flaws) is already second nature. Here are some fundamental steps for aspiring journalists to take and some journalism career advice.

An important thing to keep in mind while you begin to explore your interest in journalism is to try to identify the sort of journalism you’re most interested in. For example, there is investigative journalism for those interested in seeking, uncovering, exposing, and helping to solve various issues in society. Sports journalism is an entire industry itself, with hundreds of programs specifically designed for those looking to get into broadcasting and writing about the world of athletics. News journalism is the most traditional form, while niche industries like technology journalism, travel journalism, fashion journalism, and a variety of others are also viable options. It’s not necessary to have your ideal branch of journalism figured out before you begin to pursue it, but it certainly makes it much easier to execute an effective offense when it comes to reaching out for advice and resources.

Once you’ve established that you have the writing talent and the desire to pursue a career in journalism, it’s important to begin building your portfolio. If you’re still in high school, find out how to get involved with your school’s newspaper, newsletter, and/or blog. If your school doesn’t have on or all of these things, see if you can start one yourself. If you’re in college already, the same advice applies, only you now also have the additional opportunity of internships and jobs at your disposal. My own journalism career began with my university newspaper, for whom I served on the writing staff on a freelance basis. Make sure to find out which students and faculty members are involved with the paper, as they are likely to also know of internship and employment opportunities in the field of journalism. And, of course, majoring in the right degree program is key to pursuing a journalism career. Colloquially known as “J Schools,” journalism programs can be found in nearly every university, whether a local community college or the big Ivy League schools. Do some research and find out which programs offer job-placement opportunities. Many outlets like to hire new writers right out of a formally structured journalism program, so don’t underestimate the power of getting involved on campus.

Another massively important piece of the journalism pie is the world of online media, which includes blogs, freelance writing, online magazines and newspapers, and more. It’s never too early to start researching how to contribute to online media, no matter how big or small the outlet is. In the earliest phases of my writing career, I reached out to friends who had launched their own blogs, and asked them if they needed contributors. This allowed to me to grow my portfolio, the importance of which cannot be overstated. While you may not always be paid for contributions, being able to document your ability to get published is something future employers will certainly notice, and the more links you have to examples of your work, the more impressive your portfolio becomes. Don’t hesitate to reach out to the big fish in digital media, either. Most websites have very clear instructions about how to submit content or apply for consideration, so if the opportunity is there, grab it.

As always, the internet is a powerful resource. Sites like the Muse and Forbes have published some detailed advice columns for aspiring journalists, and social media allows you to find your favorite journalists online, so connect with them as much as you can. And never, ever stop writing.