Career Profiles: Journalist

Perhaps at one time or another, you have considered becoming a journalist, but you may need to know more about the occupation in order to make a decision.

Consider the career profile of a journalist.

Have you ever wondered what a journalist does?

“Journalists gather information on a specific subject, event, occurrence or person and then write this information as a report for the press, radio and television, the public relations division of a company or other institutions, as well as related news media.”

Answer the following questions. 

Are you a vibrant person filled with energy? Maybe you are ambitious and have a type A personality? Are you someone who wants to be wherever the action is happening? Do you have excellent recall? Are you able to document events quickly and accurately?

Have you learned the basics of marketing, so that you can sell what you write? Do you have an entrepreneurial spirit? Are you prepared to go after journalism work and to work hard? 

Perhaps you should consider pursuing a career as a professional journalist, as that could be the perfect 

occupation for you.  

Kinds of journalism

The horizon of journalism is continually expanding on the radio, television and Internet, as well as in newspapers, magazines and other places.

“Journalists usually specialize in either print journalism or broadcast journalism. Print journalists can work for a wide variety of newspapers, magazines, journals and technical publications, while broadcast journalists are usually assigned to report for radio and/or television.”

Of course, there are many other specialty areas for journalists including sports, art, politics, entertainment and hobbies, to name just a few.  

Responsibilities

The responsibilities of a journalist can vary in terms of accuracy in observing events, documentation of pertinent data and timeliness in reporting the necessary information. Journalists starting out in their careers may begin by working on specific assignments, in conjunction with other journalists or reporters for specific organization or companies. Some journalists prefer to work strictly as independent freelance writers, with or without an agent. The difference is the way that they are paid. 

Professionalism

Professionalism is important because most journalists are subject to severe public scrutiny and criticism. Appropriate appearance, comportment and conduct are vital to survival as a journalist or later as a full-fledged reporter. The journalist needs to be a good public speaker, able to interact and dialogue appropriately and professionally with others.  

Time

Journalism can be extremely demanding in terms of hours, holidays and weekends. Wherever there is an event happening, the journalist should be there. This demands serious commitment and dedication on his or her part. Personal and family life may be affected and thus, the journalist has to allow for this possibility.

Academic education, skills and training

Many colleges and universities offer academic education for journalists on various levels. This can include courses in APA writing skills, as well as specialized creative writing courses. Ideally, the freelance journalist has a free spirit and loves to write about almost anything. He or she may seek to develop his or her editing skills. Both journalists and reporters must be willing to take upgrading required by their job descriptions, which can vary.

Computer training

Because journalism involves the use of computers, basic computer courses are essential. This may include training in HTML or more advanced computer programs associated with website design. White Hat SEO skills are also important. Being current in terms of communication technology is vital, as well.  

Employment potential

A journalist has an open door with respect to potential, global employment opportunities. There are numerous jobs for entrepreneurial freelance writers, particularly those with photography skills. The media world is continually expanding. Thus, there is a demand for young journalists, as well as many opportunities for more advanced reporters.   

Resume

When preparing a resume, a potential journalist can draw from many different aspects of his or her past or present areas of interest including specific hobbies, like being an art collector or having a serious interest in classical music. Adding this to a resume may open possible doorways for employment as a journalist. Sports, politics or entertainment are areas where journalists are in demand, as well.

Job application

Jobs for journalists are advertised all around the world. Like many other kinds of work, the secret to getting a job is to place applications where there is a current demand, in other words, wherever and whenever. Note that a period of internship may be required.

Travel

Do you like to travel? The ambitious journalist can often travel to unusual, exotic places, with his or her expenses paid. Note that there may be an element of danger associated with journalism. This usually depends upon the kind of assignments a journalist accepts. For example, there are potential hot spots around the world with drug related terrorist activity or other kinds of scenarios, like potential riots that may prove to be life threatening.

On a more positive note, journalism may include adventure, advances, meeting famous people and working one’s own hours. From this perspective, a career in journalism appears interesting, fun and exciting. A potential journalist should be prepared to work hard, knowing that an entrepreneurial spirit and journalism work well together in terms of success.