My major is print journalism and I am learning to write for newspapers but I do NOT want to do that as a job?

Question

I do NOT want to write for newspapers because it is hard and unstructured and you would not get paid a lot. He said you could be like a copy editor or layout editor, which pays more and is structured, but he said to be a layout or copy editor you have to have a specific skill, and we don't seem to be focusing specifically on those skills, we just seem to be learning to write for newspapers.He keeps saying most of the people in the class will probably end up being news reporters because he said 90% of people end up being news reporters and only 10% are editors. But I do NOT want to be a reporter! I can't stand it and I know I would not want to do it. If anything I would want to be a copy editor, but I don't even think I want to work with a newspaper at all. Aren't there any jobs I can easily get out of college that would not have to do with a newspaper or magazine? Like aren't there any other writing jobs, or any other jobs at all I could get, even if they don't have to do with writing?

Answer 1

I started out as a technical writer, and it seems we hired a lot of journalism majors. Printed instructions need editing too. Some more than others (lol).

Answer 2

Consider public relations/publicity writing or copywriting. I started out as a newspaper writer and moved to an editor's position, but realized after a while that I did not want to do that for the rest of my career. I then made the transition to advertising writing and have been pretty happy ever since.

Answer 3

Of course there are lots of jobs! Don't get discouraged!

For starters, a degree in print journalism would have to help if you want a job in radio or TV broadcasting.

If you have writing skills and a good grade point average, there are probably many different businesses that would hire you for marketing, sales, human resources, or other departments.

There may be jobs you'd be perfect for that don't even exist. I do most of my work using the internet these days -- the internet didn't even exist when I was in college.

You need to "think outside the box" -- find places you'd like to work and apply for the jobs -- then explain to them why your journalism degree makes you the ideal candidate.

Don't just wait for ads to appear in papers. Pick a few companies you'd like to work for and write to a president or VP there (not just human resources) and ask for a few minutes of their time to ask questions or to see if they might have a need for your services someday in the future and, if so, how you can best prepare yourself to be useful to them.

Maybe you can also apply for summer jobs in places where you'd love to get a permanent job and start learning the trade and showing what a good worker you are.

By the way, you can always go to grad school and prepare yourself for any number of careers -- law school, for example.

You still have lots of options available to you, and the world is constantly changing. Never give up!

Answer 4

My dear, they don't have career counselors at your college? You had better switch colleges. Seriously. I would.

My father owned and managed two newspapers all his life. Please, allow me to suggest:

1) Study marketing, and learn to write ad copy. Learn to sell. You don't need to really switch majors for this. But you do need to get out and get a part time job at a radio or news agency, selling advertising. You can also get a job as secretary.

Don't be too proud to be a secretary. They do EVERYTHING and they have THE REAL POWER. You need to know how to take notes, how to listen, how to be organized (structure = good). You should also know Outlook, MS Word, Excel and at least one other db(data base) program, and how to use antivirals and pop-up stoppers, things of that order.

Learn another language. Do it. By any means necessary. Learn French. Every body and their cousing Joe learn Spanish. You should learn French, because it is a language used by the Swiss bankers, by diplomats, and it is elegant, dear miss. If you know French well, you can figure out Spanish.

Learn accounting last but not least. With accounting, you can run your own business.

Well, I'd say you have your work cut out for you. But you did anyway when you chose journalism. You don't like work, then you are at a very great disadvantage.

Now quit your crying, don't whine, don't complain. Get busy. Life doesn't cut you any breaks.

By the way, learn to write clearly. Use paragraphs to organize your thoughts. If you don't communicate clearly, you may end up as a check out girl at Wally World, or setting the fry baskets at a second rate fast food place. Get busy. The clock is not waiting for you or anyone else.

Answer 5

I have been a working journalist for over 10 years. The most important thing if you want to be a writer is WRITE. Write about anything and everything. Take notes whether you need to or not, it will hone skills you will need if you want to be a working reporter. Seriously, the best way to learn about writing stories is by writing stories. The more you write, the better you will become. It helps if you have some talent to start, but you can learn how to write if you need to.

Answer 6

If you don't want to write why is your major journalism?

You can always become a freelance writer they don't have to work for a newspaper.

Answer 7

yes try to become a Communications officer with the government. My mom has a journalism degree and that's what she does. God knows they need people who are 'creative' writers to make them sound like they know anything!!!

Answer 8

i'm having somewhat of the same issue, i want to do editing but i'm being told it is going to be tuff to persue, but don't give up, and never settle for less, go after what you want no matter what obstacle is in your way. You are bound to find the position you want, even if it is an internship...

Answer 9

Just deal with it and keep going. Sure it sucks but it might help u in the long run.