Being a journalist includes many things. You can appear on news stations, contribute regularly to magazines or newspapers, or you can write tweets and blogs as a source of news on your products. If these things sound right to you, they may well be your future if you work hard.
Step
Part 1 of 4: Getting a High School and University Diploma
Step 1. Follow the SMA bulletin activity
If you have fluid writing skills with good grammar, be active in the high school newsletter; or in the writing program at your high school. The sooner your CV is filled, the better. Even if you only write about the lunch menu at your school, it will still be taken into account later.
Looking for a job when you were in high school? Look for a job in the local paper, even if it's just mail sorting. When you return home in the summer holidays, you can look for a job promotion in the field you want, and your work experience at school will make it easier for you to get it
Step 2. Study at a dual-major college if possible
Many journalists do not have a degree in journalism; if you're really a good writer, you've already passed the hard part. However, a journalism degree does make things easier, so consider getting one… as well as another, more obvious degree (your parents might call it “practical”). This way, when you write, you have an area of expertise that you can write about.
- All majors are really good choices, but learning about technology is probably the best option. If you understand HTML, CSS, Photoshop, Javascript, and something in between, you don't need to major in print media (which, frankly, is a dying art form). Computer science and related majors will be able to smooth your path towards digital media.
- Getting a prestigious job in journalism can be tough, but if you have two degrees, you'll have the help you need.
- Look for extra lessons if you can't get two degrees.
Step 3. Work on the campus newsletter, on campus radio, or with other news agencies
One thing that benefits from the world of lectures is the many opportunities it provides. If you don't fit into the campus newsletter, there are plenty of other options you can opt for. Look for something that aligns with your interests. You don't have to be perfect, you just have to start.
There may be some groups that you are not aware of that can provide an opportunity to write and cover. Many groups have newsletters and publications that aim to introduce the organization to others. You can apply to be an assistant in a group like this
Step 4. Take a year off if you want
In fact, while going to college and majoring in journalism may sound like the basics you need to become a journalist, reality sometimes says otherwise. A background in journalism doesn't necessarily mean that your writing is good, or that you have something interesting to say, nor does it mean that you have the connections you need. So, take a one year break. Why? You can go abroad, you can write stories, learn about different cultures, then “write about it."
- This will give you good material if you are looking for a part time job. Basically you will be a local journalist reporting on international news. This becomes even more important because competition in the Western world is fierce. If you go to a country with a different language and culture, it will be easier for you to find a job that can be added to your CV.
- Another plus? This will help you to learn a foreign language. When you start looking for real adult work, the ability to speak another language is a plus.
Step 5. Consider getting a master's or bachelor's degree in journalism
Once you've earned a bachelor of arts degree to gain your basic knowledge and take a year's break to gain experience, hone your skills, and convince yourself that this is indeed what you want to do. Think about going back to college for a master's degree. Most postgraduate courses will take anywhere from 9 months to 1 year, but this time varies for each program.
- Keep in mind that this is not 100% necessary. Many people do it the hard way and just work, build a portfolio, and try to expand their connections. If higher education doesn't suit you, don't stress. There are many other ways.
- Look for programs that are nationally recognized. For example, in the UK, you should look for programs that join the National Council for the Training of Journalists, also known as NCTJ.
- There are also several types of courses that join large institutions and will only take up to a few months. These places will provide a certificate at the end of the course, which shows that you have the basic knowledge to be able to work in the outside world.
Part 2 of 4: Starting Your Career
Step 1. Take an internship program
You have to be able to walk before you run, right? Spend a few months looking for the best internships; it would be better if you could find a paid one. The bigger and better the reputation of the company, the sooner you will land a well-paying job.
Many companies hire their interns. If you don't land a paying job at first, think of an internship as your entry point to the company
Step 2. Write part time
A good way to build a portfolio and add to your experience is to write part time. There are hundreds of websites that are always looking for good material. Why didn't the material come from you?
You have to submit your ideas to various editors; these ideas will not come by themselves. Find the name of the editor of the company you want to work for, then email them. Submit your work and give a full picture of what you want to write about. If your "bait" is good, they will eat the bait. This means that you can make money and the possibility that your name will appear in your articles in the company's newspaper/magazine
Step 3. Maintain your digital presence
Being a journalist isn't just about writing at this point. You need to have a website, create your own blog, make videos, and be active online. You are not just a writer, you are your own product. This will make you a “whiz” in the journalism community.
It may sound silly, but try to find followers on Twitter, Instagram, Tumblr, and all kinds of popular websites to show the world how popular you are. The wider the reach of your presence in the digital world, the more serious other people will look at you
Step 4. Try editing and other related work
To develop your skills, make sure you know a little bit of different things. This doesn't reduce your chances of getting the job you want, but it ensures that you will get and keep it. If there's an opportunity related to photo, video, editing, marketing or broadcasting, go for it! You will only make yourself more valuable to the company you work for now and any company you will work for in the future.
In some types of work, these things may be required of you. Many journalists who work in one department end up helping colleagues in another department. You may be asked to do a radio interview, do a TV show, or edit a show for a friend who doesn't understand. This is a great opportunity to develop your skills
Step 5. Find a job in a newspaper, magazine, radio, or TV station
Now is the time: you're officially a real, tried-and-true journalist. Even though you may represent only a city of 3,000 residents, you are still a journalist. Now you can sit back, drink coffee at 10pm, and get hysterical about meeting a deadline. This is your dream.
Good journalists have three sources of material: by doing research from written records, interviewing people they relate to, and observing events firsthand. When you get all these, you will have news that is interesting and full of vivid details
Step 6. Move to a bigger market
Most of the jobs are in big cities. So, to get your dream job easily, head to a city like Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, New York, London, Paris, or any other city full of art and entertainment. While it's a good idea to start small, know that there may come a point where you have to move on to actually do what you want.
Some people choose to start in a large market, and sometimes it works for them. If you have the money and the means, just give it a try; however, know that you start your career against some of the fiercest competitors in the world
Step 7. Work until you reach the top
The more experience you gain, the wider your reputation will be, and the bigger and more impressive your portfolio will be, the more doors will be open to you. Rome wasn't built in one day, neither is your career. But, over time, your career will develop.
Your career will flourish if you are constantly looking for opportunities. Always keep your eyes open for the next big coverage and big coverage of yourself going forward. Know that the door does not open by itself. Opportunities must be created
Part 3 of 4: Hone Your Skills
Step 1. Understand how to do a good interview
Once, Vivienne Leigh (star of “Gone with the Wind”) was asked in an interview, “What role did you play?” Of course the interview session ended immediately. To do a good interview, there is work that you must do first. Here are some of the basics:
- Do some research on the people you will be interviewing. Know what you want to ask, what their interests are, and how these interests fit into your own.
- Wear clothes according to the time and place. If you want to do the interview on Monday morning over coffee, you can dress casually. Dress in a way that the person you are interviewing will likely wear.
- Speak first. Don't take out your notes and papers right away. Be friendly and relaxed. With this, you will understand their personality, not just a written version of themselves.
Step 2. Gradually develop your writing skills
Not only does this mean your writing has to get better over time (though it deserves to be), but it also means that your writing has to adapt more and more. Imagine if the writer for Saturday Night Live wrote for the New York Times. Different places require different abilities. Your writing skills should vary.
This means if there is a vacancy in the broadcasting department at a local TV station, you can try it because you have writing skills. However, when there is a vacancy as an editor at a local magazine, you can do that too. Most people can't do either of these things
Step 3. Familiarize yourself with all aspects of the reporting activity
In the 21st century, journalists don't just write: they write on twitter, blog, make videos, and go on air. They continue to maintain their news presence around the clock, every day. Then, they always read what other journalists wrote. You must always be excited. Dedicate your “free time” completely to the world of journalism.
Step 4. Make connections with other people who are “one world”
Just like any other industry, it's often about "who" you know, not what you know. With every job you do (even if it's just sorting emails), take advantage of the relationships you have there. Get to know a lot of people. Be friends. Your career will depend on these things.
A big part of this industry is about being relatable and friendly. You have to be friendly to make connections, friendly when conducting interviews, able to relate on TV and in written sentences. In short, other people must be able to like you. So, this leads us to…
Part 4 of 4: Having a Personality
Step 1. Get used to working hours and a very busy schedule
Sometimes, it's not your boss who determines your hours as a journalist. It is the news that determines your working hours. When there is big news, you have to be prepared. Time is very important and can pass very quickly. If this aspect excites you, then you are a good fit for the job.
Your overtime schedule will also be irregular. You will work on holidays, weekends, in the middle of the night; and sometimes there will be free time when nothing is going on. That's how it is. This job is unique
Step 2. Control the spotlight (and criticism) with grace
When your name appears in the news and something related, there will be people who will be in an uproar about it. Whether this leads to good or bad publicity, you need to stay humble and stay positive. As time goes by, you will get used to it.
The internet is the best place in the world for negative comments. It's important to realize that everyone has a different opinion and not everyone will agree with you. Ignore what other people say. If your company likes your work, you'll be fine
Step 3. Find ways to deal with stress
In the latest report, journalism is the worst career choice. Why is it like that? This career is considered the worst choice because of the stressful work with not high pay. Chances are you won't get six figures on your payslip to compensate for your busy schedule and negative criticism. So you have to find ways to deal with stress. If this is indeed your dream, then the results will be worth the sacrifice you make.
Make sure you are always aware of your own stress level. If you find that your stress levels are rising, try yoga, meditation, or even take a night of wine and a book into your routine. If you feel stressed, your work life and family life will be damaged, so avoid it
Step 4. Know how you are viewed
This is especially important if you work at a TV station. Even if you work in print, it's also important to know how you are perceived. It can change what you say, how you say it, and, ultimately, can make you a more successful journalist.
Ideally, in addition to the positive qualities, you should have the qualities of being honest, likable, and clear. And, the only way to improve your weaknesses is to know what your weaknesses are. The higher your awareness, the easier it will be to improve your performance
Step 5. Be brave, tough, and open-minded
Becoming a great journalist is something that only a very specific person can do. The job of a journalist is hard work and many people are not suited for this. The following are some of the qualities that successful journalists possess, and do you have them too?
- They are brave people. They seek news, risk themselves with interviews, and publish their names in newsletters that they know many will not like.
- They are people who never give up. News does not appear by itself. Sometimes, it can take them months of research on just one idea.
- Their minds are open. Good news comes from an untouched corner. To see that angle, they think in unusual ways.
Tips
If you are a student, the school newsletter is a good opportunity to see if you will like this job
Warning
- Journalists always tell the truth. Don't lie or cheat on your articles; You could even face legal action as a consequence if you do this.
- Don't push people into interviews just because you want to realize your dreams!
- Don't think you only need one day to become a journalist; You need patience and hard work to become a journalist.
