To a college student, journalism might seem a glamorous and adventurous profession. The daily grind of it may be a bit less enthralling, but the field does offer many great opportunities. As you head out into the world of breaking news, it’s a good idea to plan your career path before you set out on the road.
1. Focus on which area of journalism you’d like to pursue. For the most part, conventional news outlets, such as newspapers, have lost their foothold in media and have been replaced by internet and cable news programs. You should note that most freelance writers also need a “day job” in order to maintain a steady income, so finding ways to manage your time to meet all obligations is a skill worth cultivating. It will also be necessary to learn how to economize in order to pay the bills.
2. An internship is a good place to start, and this is the only time that you should accept a job that doesn’t provide you with a paycheck. Gaining the experience will be worth it, so keep in mind that you will be learning from a professional who expects you to ask many questions.
3. Polish up your “people skills.” You may need to interview people or find news stories out on the beat. Preparing your questions in advance and bringing a tape recorder will make it easier and eliminate the need to take notes.
4. Always check the market listings that are available. If there is one book writers count on as a resource, it is Writer’s Market, which is a compendium updated yearly that offers market listings, as well as advice from professional writers. In terms of online job boards, www.freelancwritinggigs.com and the writing gigs section of CraigsList are two excellent options.
5. Find your voice as a writer by studying the style of your favorite authors. Now, this isn’t a license to commit plagiarism; it’s how you learn who you are as a writer. Eventually, you’ll have absorbed enough to have a unique voice of your own.
No matter what branch of journalism you decide to go into, it makes sense to explore the field before leaving college. With so many college scholarships available, many in honor of famous journalists, this could be a great way to work toward your dream of earning your living as a writer.
Ruth Williams is a journalist who does a wide variety of writing, including short article writing on career advice, online degrees, higher education, online universities, and financial aid for adults.
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