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How do I become a journalist?
I like to write, and read. #journalism #writing
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5 answers
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Brittany’s Answer
You can start writing and researching now, while you are a student. Look for opportunities to write articles for your school newspaper, community newspaper and on-line blogs. Check with non-profits for opportunities to write for their newsletters. Look for opportunities that match your interests - such as current affairs, sports, movies, etc. Good luck!
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Brandon’s Answer
The most important thing is to write for different organizations or people to build a portfolio for your writing. There are many places that require you to have a degree of some sort for the most part, but there are some people that do not have a degree and are able to make a living out of journalism. Though that being said, having a degree does help you land a job in more cases rather than not. I am only saying that a degree is not all you need. Experience and samples are what will help your career skyrocket.
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David’s Answer
Wonderful question. As you can see I graduated with a degree in journalism. During my time as a student traditional journalism was ending. There is now a standing question of what is journalism. What use to be solely reported by trained journalist can be reported now by anyone with a camera phone. However you still give yourself a leg up when you attend a university with a strong journalist reputation, (Northwestern, New York University, Florida University, North Carolina University, Howard University, Michigan State University, Indiana University and a master's program at Columbia University). Develop the habit of taking great notes, reviewing the AP Style book and strengthening your writing, grammar and vocabulary. A journalism major with a English language or literature minor will help you develop the skills/tools to be successful. Best of luck.
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Victoria’s Answer
Hi Joellyn,
I am glad you are interested in becoming a journalist. I studied journalism for undergrad in college and earned a bachelors degree. That is one pathway, however there are other pathways to becoming a journalist. One way to learn which path is best for you is to ask what type of journalist you want to become (e.g. print journalist vs. broadcast journalist), then research what education and experience is needed for that job.
I am glad you are interested in becoming a journalist. I studied journalism for undergrad in college and earned a bachelors degree. That is one pathway, however there are other pathways to becoming a journalist. One way to learn which path is best for you is to ask what type of journalist you want to become (e.g. print journalist vs. broadcast journalist), then research what education and experience is needed for that job.
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Michelle’s Answer
I agree with Brandon, having a robust portfolio to showcase your talent and writing style is the best way to become a journalist. Also, keep reading anything and everything and take notes on styles and topics that spark your interest. When you come across an interesting story, try re-writing and researching as if it were a new assignment. Explore your town and write about what's happening or is interesting. And lastly, just write! Don't be afraid to just put a pen to paper and see what happens. Any of these practices can help you develop your writing skills as you learn.
I earned my bachelor's degree in journalism and went into the field of copywriting (marketing writing), and more broadly into marketing from there. Journalism is such a broad field, you can do almost anything that involves writing/research if you choose to pursue it as a career. Good luck!
I earned my bachelor's degree in journalism and went into the field of copywriting (marketing writing), and more broadly into marketing from there. Journalism is such a broad field, you can do almost anything that involves writing/research if you choose to pursue it as a career. Good luck!