Basics about being a Journalist/Reporter

What training is involved on job?

• Upon graduation many students already have gained much practical experience through part-time or summer jobs or through internships with news organizations;
  
• Most organizations want experienced reporters
  

How does a person in this career spend their hours?

• reporters investigate leads and news tips, look at documents, observe events at the scene, and interview people. Reporters take notes and also may take photographs or shoot videos. At their office, they organize the material, determine the focus or emphasis, write their stories, and edit accompanying video material. Many reporters enter information or write stories using laptop computers and electronically submit the material to their offices from remote locations.

What does it pay? on commission or steady?

• Median annual earnings of reporters and correspondents were $33,470 in May 2006.

Do a lot of people have this career?

• Yes
  

Would I have to live somewhere specific to do this career?

• No, just need access to your computer and the internet
  

How much time would be be devoted to this career?

• Jobs often involve long, irregular hours and pressure to meet deadlines.

What skills are desired to be successful?

• Reporters typically need more than good word-processing skills. Computer graphics and desktop-publishing skills also are useful.
• Reporters should be dedicated to providing accurate and impartial news. Accuracy is important, both to serve the public and because untrue or libelous statements can lead to lawsuits. A nose for news, persistence, initiative, poise, resourcefulness, a good memory, and physical stamina are important, as is the emotional stability to deal with pressing deadlines, irregular hours, and dangerous assignments. Broadcast reporters and news analysts must be comfortable on camera. All reporters must be at ease in unfamiliar places and with a variety of people. Positions involving on-air work require a pleasant voice and appearance.

What education do I need?

• Most employers prefer individuals with a bachelor’s degree in journalism or mass communications and experience gained at school newspapers or broadcasting stations or through internships with news organizations.
• Some schools also offer a master’s or Ph.D. degree in journalism. Some graduate programs are intended primarily as preparation for news careers, while others prepare journalism teachers, researchers and theorists, and advertising and public relations workers. A graduate degree may help those looking to advance more quickly.

What are some schools with good programs for achieving this career?

• More than 1,500 institutions offer programs in communications, journalism, and related programs. In 2007, 109 of these were accredited by the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications.

How would I find job openings in this area?

• Internet/Paper
  

What kind of insurance is available?

• Depends on the organization
  

How much traveling might be involved? (Business Trips, conventions, etc.)

• Where ever the story/events are
  

What would be the potential dress code? (casual, dressy, uniforms?)

• Professional
  

What if I get sick or injured and can't work for awhile?

• Depends on the organization. Prolonged illness detrimental to your career.
  

What kind of job security is there overall?

• Competition will be keen for jobs at large metropolitan and national newspapers, broadcast stations, and magazines; small publications and broadcast stations and online newspapers and magazines should provide the best opportunities.