Journalism is a highly competitive industry. To be successful, you need passion, curiosity, strong skills and drive. But how does that translate into a career?
We asked several professional journalists for strategies students should use on the job hunt and to build their careers.
First, know that rejection is part of the process. Hopefully, each “no” will help you adapt and better prepare for the next interview or job application.
Here are some helpful tips and resources for getting started on the job search:
- First, find journalists you want to emulate and look at their educational and career paths. They probably didn’t go from student newspaper reporter to the evening news anchor in one step. Review the schools they attended and the types of jobs they held as they worked their way up to a prime position. Email, call or connect with the people who hold your dream jobs and peers who share your interests. Ask them for advice on schools, internships, entry-level jobs and professional networking opportunities.
- Check out journalism jobs on these websites:
- Professional associations offer special fellowships to develop skills and attend their conferences. These are just a few.
Thank you to the journalists featured in this video: Marty Baron, executive editor, The Washington Post; Maria Carrillo, assistant managing editor for enterprise, The Tampa Bay Times; Adam Harris, staff writer, The Atlantic; Arelis Hernández, reporter, The Washington Post; Mary Hudetz, reporter, The Associated Press; Cassandra Jaramillo, reporter, The Dallas Morning News; Jennifer Loren, executive producer and host, “Osiyo, Voices of the Cherokee People;” Yolanda Martinez, graphics producer, The Marshall Project; Adam Playford, investigations editor, The Tampa Bay Times; Steven Rich, database editor for investigations, The Washington Post and Francisco Vara-Orta, formerly of Chalkbeat, now training director at Investigative Reporters and Editors.
Video produced by Jon Busdeker, Sunny Oranges.
