How to Become a Journalist for National Geographic
Although becoming a journalist who works for National Geographic may seem like a great job to have, according to the magazine, those who work for the publication must put in a lot of work long before they are ever considered to be hired as journalists for the magazines. Because National Geographic spends a lot of money sending reporters to places around the world, the magazine must have confidence that it has hired journalists that will make the trips they take worth the money.
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Instructions
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Get high marks in school and obtain at least a bachelor's degree. According to the magazine, a successful academic record as well as success as a writer are the most important things the magazine looks for in writers.
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Get a job at a newspaper or magazine. Open positions on the National Geographic editorial staff are usually filled by people who come from newspaper or magazine backgrounds. Just a few years as a reporter will likely not be enough to be hired at National Geographic. The magazine claims that most of its editorial staff has "quite a few" years of experience.
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Broaden horizons by thoroughly learning about sciences, journalism and English. Because National Geographic journalists are sent on assignments around the world, knowing multiple languages is viewed as being an effective skill for potential employees.
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Visit the National Geographic careers home page (see Resources section) and register as a user by clicking on the link that says "Register Now." This link is located in the "Login" section, which is at the top right-hand side of the "Careers" page.
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Check for job openings by perusing the National Geographic "Careers" home page. Search for job postings that have the word "writer" or "editor" in the title. Apply for the jobs that may be of interest.
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Be patient and continue to check from time to time. There may or may not be jobs posted that you are interested in applying for. The job board is updated often.
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Tips & Warnings
Applying for other jobs within the National Geographic Society can help potential writers get their foot in the door, but the magazine will still make past journalistic experience a top priority.
The magazine discourages any person from creating an educational or career program geared toward working for National Geographic. Even with an intense desire, there is no guarantee of ever being hired to work there.
