How to Be an Investigative Journalist

Investigative journalism is one of the most interesting forms of journalism to be involved in, but it is also one of the hardest to get into without a lot of experience. Investigative journalism requires digging for the truth, gathering data and sometimes evidence against someone or a company to prosecute wrong-doings, either in legal forums or the media.

Difficulty:

Challenging

Instructions

1. Attend journalism school. This can be done at a university, like the great Journalism School of New York University or a specialized journalism program like University of Missouri at Columbia. Check out the programs at various universities before choosing to make sure you find one with a great investigative journalism program.

2. Get an internship while in journalism school. This can give you not only a prospective job for after graduation, but can also give you the competitive edge.

3. Get experience as an investigative journalist through small projects, companies looking for freelancers or small presses with investigative projects within them.

4. Build a wealth of sources. An investigative journalist is only as good as their references and sources. A good example of these sources is displayed on the International Consortium of Investigative Journalist (ICIJ) site.

Tips & Warnings

• Never miss the opportunity to freelance. It is a great way to work on your own schedule and have power over the projects you are working on. It is also a great way to build your portfolio.

• Check out the Fund for Investigative Journalist. They are a foundation that offers grants to investigative journalists based on the work they are doing.