Could A Career In Journalism Be For You?
You’ve been looking for that perfect career for a while, and finally, you’ve stumbled across one that could be for you. The only thing is, you’re not sure about it. As with any career, there’s a lot more to journalism than meets the eye and it’s important to realize that. If the idea of working in the media appeals to you, then journalism could be your ideal career path.
The great thing about it being that it’s a vast and varied industry, meaning that whatever your passions, there’s a way to make them fit your career. From music to sport, there are various fields of journalism that you can choose to work in. Of course, there’s a lot of hard work behind a successful journalism career, and it’s crucial to realize that. However, if it’s a career that you excel in, it’s worth the time and effort.
To help you determine whether a career in journalism is right for you, we’ve put together this handy guide.
There are many areas of journalism to choose from
There are four main types of media; TV, radio, print and online journalism. Each of these areas of journalism can then be split again into different fields. From sport and business to music and beauty, journalists are expected to cover every topic under the sun.
If there’s a topic that you’re passionate about, the chances are you could specialize in it. However, it’s worth noting that most journalists work in a couple of areas to maximize their opportunities. If you’re not willing to work in a few different areas, especially at first, then journalism probably isn’t the right career for you.
Training is crucial
To have any chance of success in the media industry, undertaking a degree or course is crucial. This is where things get a little complicated, as there are so many courses to choose from. As well as general journalism courses that offer lessons in each area of journalism, there are also specialist courses.
For example, if your passion lies in music, you could opt to study music journalism. While this can be a good career move, it’s crucial to think it through carefully. Only choose a niche degree if you’re sure that you only want to work in the one area journalism. If you’re happy to undergo training, then a career in journalism could be perfect for you. However, if you’re not willing to undertake training, it’s worth looking at other options. Perhaps blogging could be a better option for you?
Experience is a must
As well as undertaking the correct training, it’s also crucial to gain lots of experience. As with any career in the media industry, it’s not just about what you know but who you know. Arrange to shadow industry professionals in your chosen field, apply for internships, work freelance. Do whatever you can to build up your experience.
The best way to get your name out and network with other industry professionals is by building up a varied portfolio. Take every opportunity that you’re offered by the horns and make the most of every chance. The key to success in the media industry is experience, so the more experience you can get, the better.
So there you have it, all the ins and outs to a career in journalism.
