Do you want to become a journalist? Have you ever dreamed of working for newspapers and magazines like the New York Times, Vogue, The Times or GQ? If so, you've come to the right place! This article will provide you with information, tips and strategies on how to become a big shot in the exciting yet competitive world of journalism!
Steps
Step 1. Have fun writing
Write every day and read newspapers and magazines daily; watch the news to keep up to date with what's going on and show your devotion to literature. If you don't like writing, reading, meeting new people and being under pressure, well then you've ended up on the wrong page and this isn't the ideal career for you. Journalism revolves around writing and, if you hate Italian dispassionately, this is not the job for you.
Step 2. Keep a journal
Most well-known journalists had one in their youth, to practice their editorial skills. Remember, it doesn't matter what you write when you start, practice is everything! It will help you get into the good habit of writing daily. Also, did you notice that the word "journalist" comes from the word "day"? Here, this indicates the freshness of the profession and the fact that you have to write and inform yourself, as well as gather information, every day.
Step 3. Bring a camera with you
Nowadays, journalists are trying to absorb more skills, also to enrich the curriculum. If you have a penchant for photography, this passion can help you out in the long run, as journalists always take photos to include in their articles.
Step 4. Always carry a pen or pencil and a notepad with you
You never know when a story worth publishing might emerge. Take notes if you find a good one. At the very least, give it a try and write down the main idea, or its points, following your flow of thoughts, so you don't forget about it. You never know! It could be the best story of the century! Put it on paper before you let it slip.
Step 5. Be willing to meet new people
It is one of the highlights of journalism. If you feel unable to meet new people and converse with strangers and this makes you uncomfortable, this problem needs to be addressed NOW. Good journalists, without exception, are not afraid to ask questions, even uncomfortable ones, to the interviewees (if they make sense of course!).
Step 6. Remember to always refer to the interviewee
Never, under any circumstances, tell lies, manipulate the story or invent your own version. Currently, there are far too many journalists and newspapers who are sloppy in the profession (er, does anyone remember telephone hacking of the News of the World?) And, if you want to be successful, you must honestly report the interviewee's words, do not make up lies, and be 100% accurate.
Step 7. Expand your vocabulary
Read the newspaper every day. Buy a good vocabulary and a dictionary of synonyms and antonyms. Your short story won't be exciting if you don't take care of that as well. A comprehensive command of the language can help bring your stories and poems to life, making it possible to describe the world around you. Make sure you use the words correctly. Some of the alternatives in the thesaurus may not have the same nuance in meaning or may not be appropriate as regards the level of formality. Look up the word in your dictionary to be sure and, if in doubt, use a term you already know.
Advice
- Be sure of yourself !! Don't let shyness get in your way !!!
- WRITE WRITE WRITE! It must seem repetitive by now, but all good journalists are capable of writing well and they all have a certain style of writing.
- Carry a pen and a notebook EVERYWHERE.
- A good journalist should be open-minded and ready for anything.
- You must think quickly, do not allow anyone to spread a veil in front of your eyes!
- A reporter needs to know how to get the reader's attention. Generally, an impactful sentence is enough.
- Try to find your personal writing style.
- Practice getting to know different people and talking to each other.
- Start reading books, especially the classics of literature, to practice and improve your language skills.
- Don't leave a small camera at home and make sure you take high-resolution photos.
- Be yourself. Don't copy other reporters, don't even try.
Warnings
- Be authentic.
- Stay safe when you find yourself in a dangerous crowd and follow the same warning abroad when working as a correspondent.
- Don't post lies in your articles.
