What Are the Advantages of Being a Journalist?
Journalism is a profession that is rapidly changing because of the shift of emphasis from print to online media. That evolution combined with economic shifts in news organizations have made journalist jobs highly competitive. Despite the career challenges and the frequently lower wages, being a journalist has its advantages as well.
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Travel
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People who love travel should consider a career in journalism because journalists frequently have to travel to wherever news is happening, whether it's down the street or on the other side of the world. While not all journalists travel extensively, you have the option of visiting locations that you likely wouldn't have the opportunity to see in your daily life. In addition, your travel expenses are paid by your employer, which saves you money in the process.
Diversity
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Journalism is a very diverse field, where you move from story to story and undertake a variety of different activities. If you get bored in jobs that require the same function repeatedly, journalism might be a career that keeps you engaged. Every story has its own challenges and needs, so a journalist must constantly adapt to the conditions presented at any different time. Likewise, journalists need to be self-sufficient and, therefore, enjoy a lot of freedom in their day-to-day activities.
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Interesting People
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Interviews and research are common responsibilities in journalism, and these give you the opportunity to meet and talk to a large number of people that you wouldn't have met working in other professions. This varies depending on your specific job. Sports journalists are more likely to meet athletes and coaches, while entertainment journalists deal with actors and celebrities. International correspondents often cover political figures and may interview diplomats and world leaders.
Public Interest
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Journalists deliver information to the general public in a way that most other professions don't allow. If you enjoy providing information to others, and having large numbers of people read and comment on your work, journalism is a career to consider. Journalists don't only disseminate information, they also uncover information and conduct research that brings new facts to light. A good journalist's work, therefore, can be beneficial to the public interest.
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