Journalism:
Training, Qualifications, and Advancement
The work of news
analysts, reporters, and correspondents is usually hectic. They are
under great pressure to meet deadlines. Broadcasts
sometimes are aired with little or no time for preparation. Some
news analysts, reporters, and correspondents work in comfortable,
private offices; others work in large rooms filled with the sound
of keyboards and computer printers, as well as the voices of other
reporters. Curious onlookers, police, or other emergency workers
can distract those reporting from the scene for radio and
television.
Sounds crazy you might be thinking. So why do people go into
Journalism? What does it take? And where can a career in Journalism
take you?
Most employers
prefer individuals with a bachelor's degree in journalism or mass
communications, but some hire graduates with other majors. They
look for experience at school newspapers or
broadcasting stations, and internships with news organizations.
Large-city newspapers and stations also may prefer candidates with
a degree in a subject-matter specialty such as economics, political
science, or business. Some large newspapers and broadcasters may
hire only experienced reporters.
Education
and Training
More than 1,500
institutions offer programs in communications,
journalism, and related programs. In 2007, 109 of these were
accredited by the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism
and Mass Communications. Most of the courses in a typical
curriculum are in liberal arts; the remaining courses are in
journalism. Examples of journalism courses are introductory mass
media, basic reporting and copy editing, history of journalism, and
press law and ethics. Students planning a career in broadcasting
take courses in radio and television news and production. Those
planning newspaper or magazine careers usually specialize in
news-editorial journalism. To create stories for online media, they
need to learn to use computer software to combine online story text
with audio and video elements and graphics.
Some schools also
offer a master's or Ph.D. degree in journalism.
Some graduate programs are intended primarily as preparation for
news careers, while others prepare journalism teachers, researchers
and theorists, and advertising and public relations workers. A
graduate degree may help those looking to advance more
quickly.
High
school courses in English, journalism, and social studies
provide a good foundation for college programs. Useful college
liberal arts courses include English with an emphasis on writing,
sociology, political science, economics, history, and psychology.
Courses in computer science, business, and speech are useful as
well. Fluency in a foreign language is necessary in some
jobs.
Employers report
that practical experience is the most important part of education
and training. Upon graduation many students already have gained
much practical experience through part-time or summer jobs or
through internships with news organizations. Most newspapers,
magazines, and broadcast news organizations offer reporting and
editing internships. Work on high school and college newspapers, at
broadcasting stations, or on community papers also provides
practical training. In addition, journalism scholarships,
fellowships, and assistantships awarded to college journalism
students by universities, newspapers, foundations, and professional
organizations are helpful. Experience as a stringer or freelancer-a
part-time reporter who is paid only for stories printed-is
advantageous.
Other
Qualifications
Reporters
typically need more than good word-processing
skills. Computer graphics and desktop-publishing skills
also are useful. Computer-assisted reporting involves the use of
computers to analyze data in search of a story. This technique and
the interpretation of the results require computer skills and
familiarity with databases. Knowledge of news
photography also is valuable for entry-level positions,
which sometimes combine the responsibilities of a reporter with
those of a camera operator or photographer.
Reporters should be dedicated to providing accurate and impartial
news. Accuracy is important, both to serve the
public and because untrue or libelous statements can lead to
lawsuits. A nose for news, persistence, initiative, poise,
resourcefulness, a good memory, and physical stamina are important,
as is the emotional stability to deal with pressing deadlines,
irregular hours, and dangerous assignments. Broadcast reporters and
news analysts must be comfortable on camera. All
reporters must be at ease in unfamiliar places and with a variety
of people. Positions involving on-air work require a pleasant voice
and appearance.
Advancement
Most reporters
start at small publications or broadcast stations as general
assignment reporters or copy editors. They are usually assigned to
cover court proceedings and civic and club meetings, summarize
speeches, and write obituaries. With experience, they report more
difficult assignments or specialize in a particular field. Large
publications and stations hire few recent graduates; as a rule,
they require new reporters to have several years of experience.
Some news analysts and reporters can advance by moving to larger
newspapers or stations. A few experienced reporters become
columnists, correspondents, writers, announcers, or public
relations specialists. Others become editors in print
journalism or program managers in broadcast journalism, who
supervise reporters. Some eventually become broadcasting or
publishing industry managers.
Image Credits:
1. Robb Monty
2. Forthemedia
3. Birdfarm
4. John C Abell
5. FLC
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