majoring in journalism?

Question

I am thinking about majoring in journalism, but i have some questions for people that have done it.

I know it varies from college to college...

but in your experience, what are the journalism classes like? are they hard? what is testing like? when you are assigned to write, are you given a topic or do you have to come up with your own?

also, do you ever have to do any sort of presenting to the class? do you have to alot?

You see, I am really into writing, and I want to do something with that. One problem that I have is that I can never think about something to write on (for example, if i am trying to write a story)

so i figured journalism would be a good way to go...because mainly i will be told what to write on, right? or at least given an idea?

also, i am very shy...would that be a problem for this major? i am okay one on one, so i think that i would be fine with interviewing, but talking in front of big groups scares me

lastly, i dont have any experience...

Answer 1

I didn't find the classes too hard but you do have to remember that it's a controlled setting and isn't reality. Most of the time I was given a topic and we were expected to bring the newspaper to broadcast news writing class. I don't remember much presenting. Naturally, you had to do a newscast for that class, but I don't remember it for writing classes. Being shy might be a problem at news conferences or when you're interning and sent to interview a person "on the fly" about something that they might not want to talk about and they are difficult, which is why they send you. It's not a bad thing if you like to write and some situations may help bring you out a bit more. You will gain experience as you go by making connections with teachers, students, and visitors to campus. I ended up teaching. Good luck! (Any clarifications or other questions, feel free to contact me.)

Answer 2

If you're more interested in written work than TV or radio, consider looking for a university with a Professional Writing program, or a Communications program. Honestly, broadcast journalism programs DO require a lot of presentations, and if you're not interested in that side of journalism it could ultimately bring your GPA down. Why bother when there are programs that are closer to what you're looking for?