A reporter can perform numerous tasks. It could be the face of a television network, a journalist who writes regularly for a magazine or newspaper, a blogger who uses his website and Twitter to autonomously communicate news based on personal sources. If all of these aspects of the profession interest you, working hard could be your future.
Steps
Part 1 of 4: Preparing for High School and University Profession
Step 1. If your high school has its own newspaper, get involved
Do you have a penchant for writing and your grammar skills are undeniable? Be active at the school newspaper, but any other writing program run by your school is fine too. The sooner you start building your resume, the better. Everything matters, even writing an article about the new vending machines.
Do you want to work while in high school? Look for a job at a local newspaper, even if you only need to sort the mail. When summer arrives and you have more time, you could apply for a promotion and therefore dedicate yourself to tasks more akin to your preferences. It will be easier to be considered
Step 2. Enroll at university, but you don't have to choose a Bachelor of Arts or Communication Studies
Many journalists have not followed these paths. If you are a born writer, this aspect will already be part of you. There are two possibilities. You can enroll in an undergraduate degree in an industry that interests you, and then do a master's degree in journalism. The other option is to enroll in Literature or Communication Sciences. In theory, however, it would be ideal to combine your love of journalism with something more tangible (your parents would say "something practical"). This way, you will specialize in a field that you can actually speak about with knowledge of the facts.
- Any course would do, but studying technology is generally ideal. If you master HTML, CSS, Photoshop, Javascript and everything in between, you won't have to limit yourself to print (which, to be honest, is an art in decline). Information technology and related fields will give you a considerable advantage in digital media.
- Getting a good job as a reporter is difficult. Also, if you specialize in something, you will have a plan B in case of need.
- If for some reason it is impossible for you to enroll in a different degree program, you can still choose Literature or Communication Sciences. In the meantime, however, he tries to gain knowledge in other areas.
Step 3. Work at your university's newspaper, radio or other media
Many universities have a good offer from this point of view, opportunities are not lacking. If, on the other hand, you are unable to adapt or your university is not very well equipped in this respect, you will still find many other resources to consider outside. Choose a path that suits your interests. Now you don't have to aspire to perfection, you are just looking for a starting point.
There are probably organizations or groups that could give you opportunities in writing and journalism, and you don't even know it. Many organizations have newsletters and advertisers whose job is to promote them. You could play this role
Step 4. If you like, take a gap year
It would seem that enrolling in college and earning a degree in the communications industry is the launching pad for becoming a journalist, but to be honest this is often not the case. Having this training does not necessarily mean that your journalistic skills are good, that you have interesting things to say or that you cultivate the right interpersonal knowledge. So, consider a gap year. Because? Because you can go abroad, find compelling stories, discover different cultures and write about it.
- This experience will give you great content if you are looking for freelance jobs. Basically, you'll be a suitcase-carrying reporter covering international news. Also, the competition is fierce where you live. If you go to another country armed with a different language and cultural skills, it will be easier to get a job and enrich your resume.
- Another plus? It will help you learn a foreign language. When applying for a job, knowledge of languages plays an important role.
Step 5. Consider getting a master's degree or a master's in journalism
After completing your bachelor's degree, laying the foundations for your knowledge and taking a sabbatical to gain new experiences, perfect the art and definitively confirm that, yes, that's what you want to do "when you grow up", think about option of returning to university for a master's or master's degree. It will typically take you around two years to complete, but this depends on the program.
- Remember that it is not absolutely necessary. Many people get involved right away, work hard, build portfolios, and try to make connections. If you don't feel like going back to studying, don't stress yourself out. There are other ways.
- Look for a master's degree that allows you to do an internship in a renowned media. For example, consider IULM or a prestigious journalism school. Nothing prevents you from going abroad.
- There are also shorter courses you can take at recognized institutions; they last several months. Eventually you get a certificate, which will attest that you have the right basic skills to make your way in the field.
Part 2 of 4: Starting Your Career
Step 1. Search for an internship
Remember that before you can run, you must learn to walk. Spend a couple of months looking for a prestigious internship, preferably a paid internship. The higher the reputation of the firm, the more you will have a net advantage when looking for full-time, paid employment.
Most companies hire their own interns. If you are initially unable to land a full-time paid job, consider an internship to work your way up
Step 2. Do some freelance work
A great way to enrich your portfolio and make yourself known to a large number of companies is to work as a freelancer. There are hundreds of websites that are constantly looking for good materials. Why not try this?
You will have to present ideas to different editorial offices: the offers will not be proposed to you on a silver platter. Find the name of the editor-in-chief of the place you want to work and send him an email. Attach some of your articles and allow them to get an accurate idea of the topics of your interest. If the bait is good, it will bite. Also, you will get paid and maybe your name will be published
Step 3. Make your digital presence matter
Working as a journalist is no longer just about writing. It means having a website, curating a blog, shooting videos and being present online. You are not just a writer, you are your own brand. This is how you become a well-rounded professional of the journalistic community.
It may sound silly, but make the effort to be followed on Twitter, Instagram, Tumblr and all the other trendy websites that prove your popularity to the world. The greater your online presence, the more seriously you will be taken
Step 4. Also try your hand at editing and other similar jobs
To enrich your skill set, it's a good idea to do a little bit of everything. It doesn't distract you from your dream job, in fact, it ensures you get it and stick with it later. If an opportunity appears on the horizon involving photography, video, copy editing, marketing or telecommunications jobs, grab it. You will only become even more valuable in the eyes of the company you work for at the moment and any company you are hired for in the future.
These skills will be required of you for certain jobs. Many journalists are hired in one department, but then end up helping colleagues in other areas. They may require you to conduct a radio interview, take over as a TV reporter, or edit footage for a friend who has fallen behind with work. These are all great opportunities to hone your skills
Step 5. Look for a job at a newspaper, magazine, radio, or TV station
The time has come: you are officially a proven journalist. Even if you write for the newspaper of a town of 3000 inhabitants, you are still a reporter. Now you can relax, drink coffee at 10pm and spin like a crazy top trying to meet a deadline. Realized dream!
A good reporter uses three types of sources for their pieces: search for written records, interview those involved, and observe events firsthand. When you can, try to have all of these resources available to make your stories compelling and full of vivid detail
Step 6. Relocate to access a larger market
Most of the work is concentrated in large urban areas. This means that the easiest way to land your dream job is to go to Rome, Milan, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, New York, London, Paris or any other art and entertainment mecca. While it's a good idea to start small, you need to know that you'll probably have to move at some point to really do what you've always imagined.
Someone decides to start immediately in places where the market is bigger, and sometimes it breaks through. If you have the money and the means it is worth a try, just remember that you will find yourself facing the toughest competition in the world
Step 7. Work hard to gradually make a name for yourself
The more experience you get, the more your reputation will grow. The more you enrich and make your portfolio interesting, the more doors will open. Rome wasn't built in a day, and the same can be said of your career. Over time, however, it will flourish.
To be precise, it will flourish if you constantly seek out opportunities. Always keep your eyes peeled for an exciting new story to tell. The doors don't open by themselves. Opportunities must be created
Part 3 of 4: Perfecting Skills
Step 1. Find out how to make a good interview
Once, during an interview, Vivien Leigh (star of "Gone with the Wind") was asked "So what is your role in the film?". Needless to say, the meeting ended there. To get a good interview, you need to do some preliminary work. Here are some basic tips:
- Research the person you are going to interview. You need to know why you will meet her, know her interests and also find a personal connection.
- Dress appropriately for the occasion. If you have to meet the interviewee for coffee on a Monday morning, you can choose a casual pairing. Select clothing items based on how you think the other person will dress.
- Make conversation. Don't take your notebook and pen right away. Be friendly and informal. This way, you get an idea of his true personality, not the version other newspapers portray.
Step 2. Constantly improve your writing
This not only means that your style should improve regularly (this is also important), but that it should also become more and more versatile. Imagine if the writers of "Saturday Night Live" wrote the "New York Times". Different platforms require different skills. Yours should be varied.
What does it mean to be versatile? For example, if you open a position in the news department of a local TV channel, you can apply because you have the right writing skills. Similarly, when there is a position to become an editor of a magazine in your city, you can still propose, because even in this case you have the skills. Most people can't
Step 3. Become familiar with all aspects of journalism
The truth is that 21st century journalists don't just have to be able to write: they tweet, blog, shoot videos, and air. They maintain a constant and daily presence in the world of news, they also always read what others write. To stay at the top, it is necessary. Dedicate your "free time" to these means to fully immerse yourself in the world of journalism.
Step 4. Cultivate interpersonal relationships with other people in the industry
As happens in any field, many times it is not what you know, but who you know. Whenever you get a job (even just sorting out the mail), take advantage of the relationships you build. Get to know others. Make friends. Your career may depend on them someday.
To succeed in the industry, it is essential to be a genuinely easy-going and friendly person. You need to be sociable, build good interpersonal relationships, conduct informal interviews, and adapt to the audience, both when you're on the air and when you're writing. In short, you have to please others, which introduces the following part of the guide
Part 4 of 4: Having the Right Personality
Step 1. Get used to crazy schedules and relentless commitments
Often being a journalist does not mean having a boss who determines his own hours, it is the news that does it. When an important story comes up, you need to be there. Time is of the essence and it can be a tyrant. If this aspect of the profession excites you, you are perfect for the job.
Over time, your schedule will also get a little unusual. You'll end up working on holidays, weekends, in the middle of the night. Then sometimes there are bad periods where nothing seems to happen. That's how it works, no other job looks like this
Step 2. Handle the spotlight (and criticism) with elegance
Whenever your name is printed and associated with something, there will likely be someone who will get upset or disagree with you. Whether advertising is positive or negative, it is important to keep your feet firmly on the ground, to be a concrete and optimistic person. Over time, you will learn to simply shake off the negativity.
The internet is the world's largest platform for negative commentary. It is important to understand that everyone has different opinions, not everyone will agree with you. Take other people's words with a grain of salt. If the employer likes what you do, that's fine
Step 3. Develop strategies for dealing with tension
According to a recent survey, being a journalist is the worst career you can choose. Because? Considering the amount of stress you put yourself through, the salary is not enough. Your paycheck will probably not have the staggering figures that will justify the crazy hours and negative criticism, so you need to develop methods to manage these aspects. If it's your dream, it's worth it.
Make sure you are always aware of your stress levels. If you feel it building up, add yoga, meditation, or an evening devoted to a glass of wine and a good book to your routine. If you are stressed, your professional and private life will be affected, so it is best to avoid
Step 4. Try to understand the way you appear on the outside
Especially if you work on television (but this also applies to the writer), it is incredibly important to know how you are perceived. This can change what you say, how you say it, and ultimately make you a more successful journalist.
In theory, among other positive qualities, you have to try to be direct, pleasant and express yourself well. The only way to work on your weaknesses is to know what they are. The more self-aware you are, the easier it will be to change your performance
Step 5. Be brave, unstoppable and open
A great journalist must have a very particular character. It's hard work, most people just don't have what it takes. Here are some qualities of being a successful journalist. Do you have them too?
- The best journalists are brave. They have to search for a story, take risks with interviews, and post their name on pieces they already know won't be liked by everyone.
- They are relentless. A story does not develop by itself. It often takes months of research just to get an idea.
- They have an open mind. A good story comes from a perspective that hasn't been explored. To grasp it, they think in an original way.
Advice
If you are a student, the school newspaper is a great opportunity to see if you would really like this job
Warnings
- Journalists always tell the truth. Do not lie or deceive with your articles, among other things you could face legal consequences.
- Don't dab people to interview them just because you want to make your dream come true.
- Don't think that you become a journalist overnight, it takes patience and hard work.
