Characteristics of having a career as a news reporter.?

Question

I'm doing a project for what I want my occupation to be when I grow up, and I've decided to choose a News Reporter, for the time being.

What type of college degree will I need to successfully enter this field?
Will a Master's be necessary for advancemnt in this area?
How about a Doctorate?

Answer 1

You will need degrees that involve Communication Studies and Journalism. I would recommend a Joint Masters Degree in the two disciplines. The Communication Studies degree will give you skills that are needed to professionally communicate. The journalism degree trains you in the regulations and practices surrounding being a member of the press and finding the best stories (or parts of) to present to viewers. Jointing these degree together will be a great sell when you go for the interview(s) because when the two degrees are on one diploma, it shows that you are seeking to "apply the skills of one to the practice of the other." In this case, you would be applying the skills of communication to the field/practice of journalism.

Lastly, if you are interested in a particular area of news - politics, for example - you may consider getting a seperate degree in the particular subject matter. Earning a seperate degree in a particular subject matter will allow you to be more than News Reporter; you would have the ability of becoming a Chief Editor of a particular sort of news, such as the "Political Editor" for a station.

A personal skill you will need to develop, however, is being able to remain nonchalant about any and all news stories that you will report. When you are on the screen, you are not allowed to show your emotions that are attached to any particular news story; that is consider unprofessional because it concentrates the story with too much of your emotions and alienates listeners from having the liberty to apply their own emotions to the story.

Answer 2

This is one of those fields where, sometimes, a degree isn't what gets you there. I'm a former graduate of the Defense Information School -- the military school for journalism and public relations. When I got out of the service, I applied for several jobs as a beat reporter on a few newspapers -- and I was accepted based on my work experience -- but they all paid like a second income -- not enough to live on. If, I was told, I'd had a degree, the salary might (MIGHT)have gone up. I now freelance some and program computers for a living (also without a degree...) In the journalism business, you will start at the bottom and work your way up based on experience, quality of work and, like most other jobs, who you know. I love writing, but I prefer programming.

Answer 3

ITS YOUR DREAM>>>
AIM HIGH.