Most employers prefer candidates to have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree. The most directly relevant degree subjects are journalism, communications, and English, but disciplines related to specific journalistic fields, such as political science or business, are also appropriate.Employers also prefer candidates who’ve had experience in producing news stories. For those with no previous professional experience, activities such as writing for a school newspaper or interning at a news station can show you have some first-hand knowledge of how to report the news. Alternatively, many experienced journalists begin their careers in small-market organizations and work their way to higher positions in larger markets.
Journalists investigate and report stories for newspapers, magazines, radio stations, television and online news outlets. Most of the time, journalists work for specific news organizations. Some work as independent freelancers, contributing to multiple outlets at a time. Journalists’ responsibilities vary depending on their employers. Generally, journalists pitch story ideas and follow through on editors’ assignments. They also find and interview story sources. These interviews may inform written articles or be recorded for television, radio or web show broadcasts.
