How hard do you think it would be to get a job as a journalist at a major newspaper?

Question

I really want to work at the Chicago Tribune in a few years but i am not sure if I should even try if I know that it would be nearly impossible to get in.

Answer 1

You have to work your way up there, start with a small paper.

Answer 2

I think that employment at any newspaper is much harder than it was ten years ago, and that it will become even more difficult in the future. The very fact that you asked your question here shows your use of the internet, which is providing more people more information, more quickly and concisely than any print media can. As giant publishers like Knight Ridder get sold and consolidated into even bigger operations, staffs on newspapers will continue to shrink.

There will always be room somewhere for the best of journalists, but newspapers are not going to the growth industry of this next decade.

Answer 3

If you are in college now go for internships. Start off at smaller papers to intern at because you generally end up with a better experience because you'll experience all aspects of a newspaper.

Your second internship should be at a paper that is bigger then your first one. Keep interning until you are out of college. It gives you the experience that employers are looking for.

Also don't forget to work for your schools newspaper. This will help you get some basic experience and also keep up on your writing skills.

Good Luck!

Answer 4

Very hard if you don't have some form of education in that direction, or a resume at smaller venues. If you're going to school now--major in journalism and maintain at least a 3.80 GPA. And if you can get some writing credits under your belt, even better.

Always try! Maybe it won't be the Trib. Maybe it'll be another paper. Maybe it won't be as soon as you graduate. Maybe it'll come later. But you will make it in the field. If you want it bad enough and you're willing to work for it. You have to earn it either way.

Answer 5

You have to start small and move up. We have a job opening in our local newspaper for a journalist so apply for this job. Probabaly a good way to learn all the ropes in a small paper. Go to www.thegraphic.com . Good luck to you.

Answer 6

I think it would be very hard, especially if you dont have any experience writing articles. I'm sure that there are standards that major newspapers have for journalists to follow. But we all know that there are exceptions with everything.

Answer 7

I think it would be a great experience to get a job as a journalist for a major newspaper. You would definitly need to have your stuff together, so to speak, but if you have that knack and you are driven enough, it is so possible. It may take you awhile, but don't give up. Dreams don't die because they give up, they die because you do. If you want it go for it. Good luck to you!

Answer 8

well it's gonna be hard. But if you go to college and get some real good gardes then it's possible. Also some expirinece can be good eg working for your campus newspaper.

Answer 9

TIME, is not a MEASURABLE COMMODITY, IF U WANT TO SUCCEED ,IN YOUR AIMS.
I studied ,day, & night , FIVE YEARS, TO ATTAIN, My Present Job...Got Hypertensive, in the course of this....of course, I had 7 kids, & a very finnicky husband !
BUT, I DID GET TO BE , AN Assist. PROF. ENGLISH LITT.
to be considered, as THE BEST TEACHER in MY COLLEGE.
I hope , the VALUE of HARD WORK, will NEVER BE.... UNDERESTIMATED ! AMEN

Answer 10

it is very hard to work there, you need many years of experience and great refrences, and great articles, currently working at a newspaper company or write articles for a small newspaper but looking to work at a bigger one soon.good luck, and keep at it!!