How do I Become a Journalist?
Journalism is a rewarding career that many aspire to. If you’ve decided you want to become a journalist, the first step is to receive an education. Most journalists have, at the least, a bachelor’s degree in English, communications or journalism. An education is a necessary stepping stone to learn about journalism and to help you get your first job with a newspaper, magazine, or other form of media. Some schools will also assist you when searching for journalism jobs. While you are receiving your education, it is a good idea to get as much hands-on experience as you can. This means working on your school’s newspaper or radio station and taking at least one, if not more, internships during your years at school. Internships can be invaluable experiences and may even lead to getting hired when the internship is complete. As you are completing your education and hands-on experience, you should be able to determine if becoming a journalist is the career path you want to take. Journalists ha
I think maybe there’s a UK/USA split on this one … NO, you absolutely do not have to have a degree in journalism in the UK, in fact journalism and media degrees are seen as ‘Mickey Mouse’ degrees in the UK – i.e. worthless. They are not highly regarded at all. The best thing you can do is get some good A levels, particularly in languages, English, history, politics etc. (again, Media Studies A level is seen as really rubbish in the UK). Then if I were you I’d get a respectable degree, but NOT in journalism for the reasons given above! Finally, do an NCTJ course. That is the one course that all editors in the UK ask for. In the meantime, get lots of experience. Write to local newspapers, radio etc. and ask for work experience. Write for school magazines if you have any. I have an English degree and am now a journalist.
Anyone can become a journalist online – so good for you! It can be done. First, you must love to write, and you must love to write about news – any news ie… in your village or town, music news, fashion news,techie news, cosmetic news- you hunt it down, write about it in a very fresh ‘you’ style, get your facts right, don’t be personal or rude – then post a few online to build a fun, interesting portfolio of work. You will probably even earn a little! I joined lots of online news and article sites and now I’m a paid freelance writer. You will have a lot to learn as online writing is different, but it is fun and you will have something to show when you move on! Maybe do a uni course. Very best of luck to you..go for it !
I was an English major in college, but I wrote for the college newspaper and yearbook, then worked six years for a daily newspaper. I never considered myself a “journalist,” but I enjoyed the work. At 14? Read a lot – and not just magazines (check out the New York Times or the feature in the Wall Street Journal). Also watch/listen to the news on television/radio and learn to see/hear the differences and the impacts of broadcast vs. print. Also, write a lot, and I would suggest taking something like Speech, where you improve your communciation and research skills. And study the industry of journalism, too. Newspapers – and least in the headlines – are losing circulation and cutting staff. The Internet has a lot of news “blogs” that people are actually earning a living at. Keep your mind open and look at a variety of things. And see if that school newspaper needs any help. Good luck.
