How to Become a Journalist

Becoming a journalist can be a fun and rewarding job, but getting that job starts with a good education and a desire to work hard. Journalism is a passion. You must love competition, have a sense for hard-nosed reporting, and love to write. Most people underestimate the dedication it takes to work in the journalism field. But if you're committed to it, you can become a journalist by following these steps.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

1. Choose the right college. Most working journalists went to a journalism school and got a journalism degree. While some professional journalists got communication degrees and even English degrees, a degree in journalism goes a long way toward getting a good job. Choose an accredited school that not only offers journalism degree, but a place to practice your craft.
2. Decide which type of journalism you're going to pursue. Journalists work in all types of media including newspapers, magazines, photo, television and online. Different types of journalists do different things and make different money. You should be able to choose which type of journalism you're passionate about while in school.
3. Get an internship. Most professional journalists had at least one internship while they were in school. While that might not be the place you end up working, it will provide real-world experience and give you an in at at least one media outlet.
4. Start networking. Go to different journalism conventions and job fairs throughout the year. Bring your resume and some of your work to pass to possible employers.
5. Put your name out there. As you're trying to break into the field, send your resume and work to various media outlets across the country. Start up an email rapport with them. If they can't give you a job, they might know someone who can.
6. Talk to your professors. If you're at a journalism school, some of your professors have probably had real-world experience. Use them to help get your name out there and use them for ideas on how to find a job.
7. Scour the job boards. There are several job boards geared toward journalists. Check them out every day and apply to any jobs that interest you and even some that don't. You never know what opportunity a job could provide.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't be afraid to start small. A lot of the big-time journalists started at small-market outlets. You have to get the right experience to become the type of journalist you ultimately want to be.
• Talk to as many people as you can about the business. Ask some to be your mentor. Knowing fellow journalists can only enhance your career.
• Becoming a journalist takes a lot of hard work and dedication. It also takes working at some jobs you might not like in order to get to the place you want to be. Be patient and don't give up your goal.

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