How to Become a Sports Writer in Journalism
It is imperative for writers to gain experience in their writing niches before seeking full-time employment in a specific area. Education, experience and networking skills are important facets of journalism. Being passionate about sports and writing is a must.
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Instructions
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Preparation and Education
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Write as much as possible about sports Earn top grades in high school so you can get into the college of your choice with a journalism or English program. Join the high school student newspaper or a sports team. Gain experience by writing about sports. Read sports magazines and newspapers to understand sports journalism voice and tone. Write articles that are similar in structure and sound. Practice as much as possible, even if the work is not published. Keep a blog about sports, games and athletes and provide the information a journalist would.
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Write as much as possible for print and online sources Study English, journalism, writing or communications in college. Make sure to join the student newspaper and ask to write about sports. Meet with professors who have backgrounds in journalism and ask them for advice, especially in sports journalism. Get excellent grades in college and in journalism or writing courses.
Gain experience in different ways if college is not an option. Go to the library or bookstore and read books about journalistic writing, the history of sports journalism or getting started as a journalist. Write to the local newspapers or to any sports journalism websites and inquire about available internships or writing positions.
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Make a clean, one-page resume Create a good journalism resume, which Ed2010.com says should be one page. List all relevant journalism courses, writing accomplishments or publications, and internships or jobs related to writing, media or sports.
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Keep a list of all writing clips Apply to internships, fellowships or jobs that are seeking sports writers. Send the resume and a cover letter explaining your sports journalism qualifications and goals. Work in journalism jobs or internships to gain experience. Write for sports blogs and websites. Ask editors who publish your work for feedback. Keep a list of all published or unpublished clips to use for job applications.
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Do plenty of research about jobs and positions Visit Journalism Jobs and Ed2010 for more information about sports journalism jobs and internships.
Contact sports organizations, media groups and other athletic groups about writing positions.
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Tips & Warnings
Research schools with a specific sports journalism program, such as the Indiana University National Sports Journalism Center, and apply to those, if desired.
Internships and jobs that are not sports-related still qualify as journalism experience, though sports experience is important.
References
Resources
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