1 What Degree Do You Need to Become a Sports Reporter?
2 What Does a Graphic Artist Do in Journalism?
4 What Courses Should You Take in College to Be a Journalist?
The word "journalist" implies a single job, but there are many kinds of journalists working in different fields, from newspaper and radio reporters to broadcast news anchors. The initial preparation for a career in journalism is nearly the same for all fields, but as you progress you'll start to specialize in the type of media you intend to work in, and possibly a specific area, such as sports or science reporting.
A bachelor's degree is necessary in this competitive profession. Journalism or communications should be your major, but it's a also good idea to minor in a specialized subject, such as political science or economics. A broad liberal arts background is required for a journalism degree, and many journalism programs require a concentration, such as electronic news or public affairs reporting, but a minor degree can give you an edge over other job seekers. For example, a journalism degree with a concentration in environmental reporting, along with a minor in a physical science, can prepare you well for science reporting.
You need some experience to get a job as a journalist, but you don't necessarily need a job to get experience. Many employers won't even look at your resume unless you have an internship listed. Your school career center can help you find internships and you can list them on your resume. Even if you intend to be a broadcast journalist, it's a good idea to have a portfolio of writing clips to demonstrate you understand how to report on the news. Join your college newspaper staff and look for summer employment with small, local newspapers, television or radio stations. Try freelance writing for online publications or local media outlets.
Top-notch communication skills are mandatory for journalists. If you plan on entering broadcast journalism, polish your verbal communication skills. Regardless of the type of media you're interested in, your written communication skills need to demonstrate excellent grammar and spelling, and that you can write about a subject clearly and concisely. Journalists spend a lot of time researching subjects using a wide range of sources, so knowledge of electronic databases and archiving systems is helpful. Comfort with technology, such as computer software, cameras and recorders, can make the job easier.
The ability to think quickly and adapt to new situations is important in the fast-paced world of journalism. Being comfortable with people and able to conduct interviews, either on-screen or for a print article, is a necessity. Your interview subjects won't always be cooperative, so patience and tenacity are helpful. Logic and the ability to judge a potential story using critical thinking skills will help you avoid the mistake of publishing or airing an erroneous story that could land you and your employer in hot water. You'll have editors to help you avoid errors, regardless of the type of media you're working in, so be able to take and constructively use criticism.
Christensen, Maria. "What Are the Requirements Necessary to Become a Journalist?" Work - Chron.com, http://work.chron.com/requirements-necessary-become-journalist-12514.html. 29 June 2018.
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