Journalism
“Journalism can never be silent: that is its greatest virtue and its greatest fault. It must speak, and speak immediately, while the echoes of wonder, the claims of triumph and the signs of horror are still in the air”. This quote by Henry Anatole Grunwald perfectly expresses the meaning of journalism. Some may say that journalism is an unimportant career, but without journalists, there would be many questions that we would not know the answers to. It is their job to research and discover truths from all over the world. That's what makes me so interested in this career, the fast paced and unpredictable lifestyle. A journalist’s main passion is to find answers to all that we are wondering.
*this information is expressed in ways that convey my style of writing
Job Outlook
With our world turning more technology based, we can rely on journalists for our main source of news. There is no denying it that in our society, journalists are strongly needed and essential for the telling of information. Without journalists, all important stories from around the world will go untold, and there would be no way of knowing the truth.
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According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the employment of journalists is expected to decline rapidly through 2022
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This is because of mergers, consolidations, and closures in the newspaper and magazine industries
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Small communities are increasing so opportunities will be best for journalism graduates who are willing to relocate and accept relatively low starting salaries
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Stronger employment growth is expected for reporters in online newspapers and magazines, given the increasing importance of online news sources
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The prospects are best for graduates who have majored in news-editorial journalism and completed an internship while in school
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The top graduates in an accredited program will have a great advantage, as will talented technical and scientific writers
We are living in an age that thrives on the works of journalists, it is essential that we keep this career alive.
Requirements
Inquisitive, aggressive, persistent, a keen curiosity, these are the traits of a journalist. There are many schooling requirements for journalists, but their skills and characteristics also are a relevant factor.
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A journalist must be dedicated to obtaining hard facts, conducting effective interviews, and finding reliable sources
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Time pressure is the most distinguishing feature of this job. It is essential to be detail oriented, and enjoy working under tight deadlines
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It is important to have good communicators, and can relate facts in a clear, easy-to-follow style
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Must be able to enjoy interacting with people of various races, cultures, religions, economic levels, and social statuses
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Familiar with technology, must have good computer skills, good with photography.
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Some say that it is difficult for journalists to maintain a point of view while remaining objective about their subjects. Some journalists make the mistake of getting too involved in stories
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The courses that teach knowledge essential for Journalism careers are English, Journalism, Social Studies, Speech, Computer Science, and Typing
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It is also good to take Psychology, Sociology, Business, Liberal Arts, and Foreign Language courses
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To become a journalist, you must have a Bachelor’s degree, but a Graduate degree will offer a greater advantage
When going into this job, it is essential to stay dedicated to your work, and always be prepared for anything that could happen.
Work Activities
A journalist’s job is exciting and eventful. There is always something new. They say “no day is a carbon copy of the day before”.
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Gather and analyze information about events and writes stories for publication and broadcasting purposes; these stories can be local, state, or national importance
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It is important for journalists to verify their facts by interviews, examining documents/public records, and relevant background information
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Must be able to take photos and create various art forms related to the work
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When observing events, they must do it objectively and impartially, and explain the meaning in a larger societal text
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Master the art of reporting, writing, and learn about libel and other legal issues that affect the media
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Experiences from the job will help learn how to survive in tough business situations, which ends up being rewarding
A journalist will have mastered many skills in their working career. They will become ace researchers, sharpen editing and computer skills, and can even learn more about the world.
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Work Environment
A journalist must be prepared for anything. The work environments can be crazy and unexpected. It may be difficult to stay cool and collected in this job. Journalists have to deal with being under a lot of pressure.
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Tend to work 5 days a week, with a 35 to 40 hour a week schedule
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May be required to travel and follow stories, which results in irregular schedules
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Hectic work places, rushing around, eager to find information
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Must be willing to travel anywhere at any times to write their stories; this may require them to travel to places all over the world, which could lead to dangerous situations
A journalist’s work environment may sound stressful and intimidating, but the atmosphere can be exhilarating.
Opportunities
There is not just one kind of journalist. There are many opportunities for a journalist, and there are no limits for their writing.
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Topics that are popular in journalism are Art, Business/Finance, Contemporary Culture, Photography, Psychology, and Travel
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Most journalists chose to work as freelance writers; this means they can work from a home office, and submit work to more than one publication
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Work as a blogger, write for the internet, use personal reflections on close personal or professional interest, write for recreational reasons; there is usually a little fee, but they may generate interest or income through other activities
When pursuing a job in journalism, there are no restrictions.
Advancement
Journalists can make advancements to lead them higher into the field.
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May move to larger press services, but the competition for such positions is unusually keen
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A select number of reporters eventually become columnists, correspondents, editorial writers, editors, or top executives; these occupations are at the top of the field, so the competition is strong
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Chances to advance to jobs in public relations, advertising, or preparing for radio/TV news programs
Although journalists could choose to stick with their jobs, they have options to advance in higher fields that may increase pay and relations.
Pay
The salary for jobs in journalism tend to vary.
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Based on a report in 2001, journalists make an average from $30,000 to $40,000 a year
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Another report was conducted by the Bureau of Labor Statistics as of May 2013: the median annual wage was $35,600, while the lowest was $20,710 or less, and the highest $77,360 or more
Jobs in journalism usually have low salaries, but the pay range can vary.
Overall, there are many different jobs that I could pursue in journalism. The fast-paced and unpredictable lifestyle of this job is why I am so interested in it. I am leaning towards blogging jobs that include business, art, and psychology. I also love to travel, and hope to travel to other countries to learn about other lifestyles and cultures. I know that if I do follow this career path, I won’t have to worry about being stuck in a cubicle all day long. I will always be out chasing for information that can lead one step closer to the truth. All of these aspects seem so rewarding to me.
My Future
Camenson, Blythe. “Freelance Writing for Magazines and Newspaper: Chapter 4” and “Other Opportunities for Writers: Chapter 9.” Careers in Writing, 2nd ed., McGraw Hill, 2008.
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“Journalist.” The Princeton Review, Education IP Holdings, Accessed 6 Feb. 2017, www.princetonreview.com.
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“Major: Journalism.” Big Future, College Board, Accessed Feb. 6 2017, bigfuture.collegeboard.org.
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“Reporters.” Encyclopedia of Careers and Vocational Guidance, Vol. 5, Ferguson’s, 2015.