Persistence is a valuable trait that journalists need when pursing a story. Obtaining the details can be tricky; especially when those involved refuse to comment.
Many employers prefer correspondents and reporters who have a bachelor's degree in communications or journalism. Most applicants have worked via an internship and may have previous work experience from a newspaper or TV station.
Work Experience
Often, employers prefer workers who have obtained experience through internships or from working on school papers. College students often seek numerous internships through a variety of new stations. Students gain opportunities to follow leads, work on stories and create a portfolio featuring their best on-air appearances or writing samples.
Education & Training
Applicants commonly have a bachelor's degree in communications or journalism. Others may have relevant work experience or their degree in a related subject such as political science or English.
Bachelor's degree programs in communications and journalism involve studying journalistic ethics. Additional techniques for conducting interviews and researching stories are included. Certain programs may include the following classes: economics, English, liberal arts, history and political science to prepare students to cover stories from a variety of perspectives.
Journalism students may enjoy classes in programming, coding and multimedia design. Content is becoming more popular via mobile devices, websites, an on TV. Learning how to develop stories by incorporating graphics, audio, data and video can dramatically enhance the overall presentation.
Certain schools offer graduate programs in communications and journalism. These programs provide students with a bachelor's degree in a different topic to become journalists.
Skills and Qualities that will Help
Communication skills: Journalists need to be confident reporting the news both in writing and verbally. Superior writing skills are essential for all kinds of media.
Computer skills: Journalists should feel comfortable using broadcast related devices and editing equipment.
Interpersonal skills: In order to conduct interviews and create contacts, reporters need to build solid relationships with numerous people. They need to communicate effectively together with news directors, editors and journalists.
Objectivity: Journalists need to report the news facts without adding their bias or opinion to the story.
Persistence: It can be difficult at times to get the facts of the story. When individuals involved refuse to provide comment or be interviewed, journalists need to respond persistently in order to pursue the facts.
Stamina: Journalists often work in an exhausting and fast paced setting. It is important that reporters can keep up with the extra hours of work and travel required.
How To Advance
As more experience is gained, correspondents and reporters are able to advance by moving from small news companies in towns or tinier cities to relocate to larger metropolises. Job opportunities with larger markets commonly lead to higher paying and more challenging roles. Correspondents and reporters may become news directors or editors.
