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Journalism

Newspapers

Welcome to the dynamic world of journalism! Discover the diverse opportunities available to you, and explore timelines for beginning a career in journalism. From sharp writing and critical thinking to effective communication and digital literacy, journalism equips you to navigate and shape the world around you. Whether you dream of uncovering hidden truths or sharing compelling narratives, journalism offers a chance to make a real difference.

Timeline

For Postgraduate Education 

STRATEGY

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September through April, Junior year

Secure letters of recommendation from professors and journalism professionals, begin GRE (Graduate Record Examinations) preparation, engage in relevant extracurricular activities such as college newspapers and freelance writing

May through August, Summer before Senior year

 

​​Take the GRE, begin drafting personal statement, resumé, and additional necessary essays for journalism school applications

October, Senior year

 

Submit applications to journalism schools, stay engaged in journalism activities to strengthen application profile

For Postgraduate Employment

STRATEGY

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Sophomore through  Junior year


Engage in relevant extracurricular activities, such as student media or publication. Connect with relevant alumni — through extracurricular activities or independently — who may work in the media industry, learning about their career developments. Secure internships in newsrooms, whether local or national, and maintain relationships with past employers.

Senior Year


Research potential employers; if possible, create a portfolio of past work and published writing to present. Follow up with past employers or alumni connections. Apply for jobs as deadlines approach throughout the year, from entry-level journalism roles to fellowships or training programs.  Keep active in journalism networks and professional organizations, pitch articles to publications and construct a network of editors and fellow journalists

Journalism School

Diving into Education

Journalism school prepares aspiring journalists with the essential skills and knowledge necessary for media careers. Obtaining a Master of Science in Journalism (MSJ) or a Master of Arts in Journalism (MAJ) typically takes two years in the USA. The first year is directed towards foundational courses—news writing, multimedia journalism, and media law and ethics. The second year focuses on specialization in areas, such as investigative journalism, sports journalism, and broadcast journalism.
 

Extracurricular activities enhance the educational experience. Students are granted opportunities to contribute to student journals and manage TV and radio stations, allowing them to apply their learned skills. Involvement in organizations like the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) offers professional development and networking. 


Overall, journalism school grants students a thorough blend of theoretical education, practical experience, and extracurricular activities, preparing them for the dynamic field of study. 
 

Career Possibilities

01

REPORTER/CORRESPONDENT

A reporter (or correspondent) gathers, investigates, and reports news stories for newspapers, websites, magazines, TV, etc. This role requires strong writing and research skills, the ability to work with people of all races and classes, and proficient interviewing skills. Reporters are fundamental to journalism, as they are responsible for reporting news and keeping the public informed with updated and accurate information. The scope of a reporter’s work often depends on the publication for which they work: at larger, national or regional newspapers, they may be assigned to cover specific topics or individuals. Within a smaller, local paper, they may report on much broader topics at hand.

02

DIGITAL CONTENT PRODUCER 

03

A digital content producer makes and manages online content for websites, social media, and other digital platforms. This role requires strong digital media skills, familiarity with SEO (Search Engine Optimization), and the ability to share compelling and updated stories through various multimedia formats. With the rise of digital media, digital content producers are essential for reaching and engaging online audiences, adapting traditional journalism to modern platforms, and ensuring content is optimized for search engines and social sharing.

BROADCAST JOURNALIST

Broadcast journalists report news on television or radio, often live from the scene of events. They require significant communication skills, the ability to think swiftly, and a strong presence on camera. This role offers dynamic, high-visibility opportunities, allowing journalists to deliver news directly to the public in real-time, making it a vital and on-the-spot position in the media industry.

04

NEWSROOM FELLOWSHIP

Newsroom fellowships, though far less common than traditional roles, offer new graduates or young journalists the opportunity to work, for a limited time, in a media company or newsroom. Prominent fellowships or associate programs include opportunities at outlets such as The New York Times, CBS, WBUR, and CNBC. Fellows may rotate through several departments within a larger company, gaining experience in each one, or be assigned to one office for a longer period of time. 

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