New journalism students may be eager to learn essential writing, editing, and reporting skills to prepare for a future career in the media. Some students have previous experience working on a high school newspaper or yearbook, while others have never joined or participated in any media-based organization or publication.
Below are ways students can learn and practice those necessary journalism skills and get hands-on experience to prepare for a writing or editing career.
Write for a College Newspaper
Many colleges and universities have some type of publication, whether it is a weekly newsletter, daily newspaper, or monthly magazine. Furthermore, writing for any on-campus publication, especially a daily newspaper, is essential to learning journalism basics.
Student reporters cover on- and off-campus issues and events and learn how to interview sources, conduct research, and write news and feature stories. Additionally, student editors practice the art of copy editing, as they fact-check and read those stories for content, accuracy, and style.
Mostly, since students are the reporters and the editors of the newspaper, they develop the necessary writing and editing skills and get a clearer understanding of how a news publication operates.
Apply for an Internship
Generally, students start looking for jobs during their last year of college. But many have a hard time finding one because they don’t have enough experience. They may have written hundreds of stories and held almost every position on the campus newspaper during their entire college career.
However, students who get an internship are a step closer to finding a journalism career. According to the book, “How to Get a Job and Keep It,” author Susan Morem said an internship is “one of the best ways to gain relevant career experience and become better prepared for work in your chosen field.” Because of this, employers seek applicants who have the skills and the experience to work in a professional environment such as a newsroom.
Many journalism internship opportunities are available between January and May, but students should start looking and applying for internships once they start college.
Freelance for the Web
“Writers and editors must be able to express ideas clearly and logically and should enjoy writing. Creativity, curiosity, a broad range of knowledge, self-motivation, and perseverance also are valuable,” according to the Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2008–2009 edition (Bureau of Labor Statistics). This idea is also refers to freelance writers. Unlike newspaper reporters who are mainly given assignments to write, freelance writers who write for the web generally are able to express ideas and write articles about any subject or idea. Because of its flexibility, online writing is a good way for journalism students to hone their writing skills at their pace. Like student newspaper reporters, freelance writers could also develop a portfolio of their published work.
Start Your Own Publication
When people think of a publication, they visualize a large metropolitan newspaper or a thick, glossy magazine. But with some practical journalism skills and creativity, students could start their own publication -- online. Because of the Internet, journalism students could work alone or gather a small staff, determine an overall theme, develop story ideas, and publish an online magazine, newspaper, ezine, or newsletter. This would allow students to practice their journalism skills almost at their own pace, express their knowledge of any subject, and create work to their liking.
Many journalism majors may dream of working as editors for prominent magazines, reporting for well-known newspapers, or running their own publications. But it is necessary to take advantage of the numerous outlets and develop the necessary skills to start a promising journalism career.
Starr Balmer - Starr T. Balmer is an assistant editor for an educational company in Culver City, CA. As a former staff writer/intern for the Long Beach ...
