Is journalism a good major?
I'm a CareerVillage staff member and I'm posting this because we know that many young people are looking for the answer to this question. This is among the most popular questions searched by youth, and we're hoping you will take a moment to share your response to it. Thank you! #college #college-major #journalism #english #writing #communications
Things you can consider for this specific question...
What is journalism?
What can you do with a journalism major?
Are there a lot of opportunities in the field of journalism/is the field growing?
What did you do with your journalism major?
6 answers
Alayna’s Answer
Yes! Journalism offers opportunities to travel and meet people from communities you may not have the chance to meet other wise. You can also give a voice to those who are silenced. Journalists are intregal to our culture. They are how the people know what is going on in their communities, in the nation, and around the world.
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Lucila’s Answer
As many said here, the concept of journalism is constantly changing all over the world specially with all the new outlets and media available. I have a journalism major and I don't work in that field. But it did provided me with a lot of tools that serve me today: time management, editing skills, writing skills, being resourceful.
But also, the best thing about studying journalism, at least in my case, is it opened my mind to a lot of different subjects and topics. To do journalism, you need to have a background in a lot of things from all over the world: from economy to history, politics and entertainment, communications and new media, design and literature. It opened my mind to things I wasn't even considering before.
Clifton’s Answer
I worked at magazines, pr firms and corporate communications departments. My first ad agency was what changed my life. I actually had my first commercial produced as an intern (for Mr. Goodwrench) and I graduated knowing this was the business I wanted to be in. Most copywriters I know had been journalism or communication majors. I didn't know many who got degrees in marketing or advertising.
If you're a journalism major, I assume you like to write. There are so many industries that need good writers and communicators. Internships give you a chance to explore options. You get a better sense of the career you want before graduation. It's better to experience an internship you didn't like, rather than taking a job you regret, because it wasn't the right fit.
And after many years in advertising, I now work in UX design, creating apps and websites. It was an unexpected change in my career path, but I love the work. I still work with former journalism majors and people who were actual journalists at one time. So please explore. The opportunities are endless.
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Ashley’s Answer
Journalism is an amazing major and field to go into! I've had the chance to meet some pretty awesome people (including Wyclef Jean!!) and have covered some really important topics. I've done things I never thought I'd do and have learned to step outside of my comfort zone.
In terms of job prospects, do not listen to anyone who says that journalism is dying. While many people do not read print newspapers/magazines, there are an abundance on digital platforms that are in need of writers and journalists.
I am personally a music journalist, so I get to write about music news and write reviews of albums. I love being able to write about up-and-coming artists and discover new music to tell the world about. I'm still in the early stages of my career, but I love it. I'm currently interning at Society19, a content-based website.
Joey’s Answer
The journalism field has changed dramatically over the past 10-15 years, shifting from a more traditional print format to multichannel (online/blogs, social media, etc.). Some journalism schools have evolved with the model.
Ultimately if you are interested in journalism, the answer is yes. At the least, being a journalism major will help you acquire basic skills (strong writing and communication) which can apply to careers both inside and outside of the field.
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Susan’s Answer
While the face of journalism is changing, from traditional print to an online presence, the skills you learn as a journalism major/minor continue to be applicable across multiple industries. High-value journalistic skills include the ability to conduct research, distill essential themes and facts, present information in a clear, concise, and compelling format. In addition, the skills of working to deadline, applying objective reasoning, being resourceful, and just simply being able to apply correct grammar and spelling will help you stand out in the employment market. Add to those some savvy with social media and digital platforms and you'll put yourself in a very marketable position.