FAQ

How do I start a career in journalism?

  1. Earn your bachelor’s degree. One of the keys to starting a career in journalism is earning your bachelor’s degree. …
  2. Develop your writing skills. …
  3. Establish connections with reporters and editors. …
  4. Intern with a newspaper, magazine or media company.

What kind of education do you need to become a journalist?

Journalists, also referred to as reporters and correspondents, have bachelor’s degrees in either communications or journalism. All journalism majors take courses in editing, journalistic ethics, reporting, feature writing, photojournalism and communications.

What is required to become a journalist?

Some would say the best way to start a career in journalism is to have an undergraduate or graduate degree in journalism from any of the hundreds of junior colleges and universities around the country with journalism programs. (Many people earn journalism degrees and work in other fields, such as communications, copywriting, social media, and others, too.)

But if that isn’t the case for you, you can definitely still launch your journalism career. What is necessary? Critical-thinking skills and the ability to gather information.

What skills do I need to become a journalist?

In addition to getting your bachelor’s degree, it’s important to hone your writing skills by writing extensively across a broad range of subjects. There are two great ways to do this: 1) By starting a blog where you can develop your voice as a writer and 2) By pitching and writing articles on a freelance basis. This will help you build up your portfolio while also helping you grow your professional network.

Do I need connections to become a journalist?

Networking is important in any field and it’s especially important in communications-focused fields like journalism that rely on strong professional networks. The best way to approach networking is by reaching out to reporters and editors you admire and asking them to set up a time to chat (either on the phone or in person). Once you connect with them, tell them a bit about your experience and professional goals and ask them for any advice that can help you get started.