I want to be a Journalist when I finish high school and college, any advice?

Question

I'm in honors english and I plan on majoring in journalism at Ohio University (I've been told they have a great journalism program)

Answer 1

1. Get a job with the school newspaper as soon as possible.
2. Get a minor. I recommend history, political science or economics. Be sure to take some type of basic economics class, it will help you understand city budgets.
3. Pick up a copy of the latest AP Style book and spend your entire college career memorizing it. It's not really that hard and you'll score major points at job interviews with a working knowledge of AP Style.
4. Take a communications class - public speaking, debate, etc. You'll want to develop confidence in your ability to ask people questions and deal with being in the spotlight.
5. Learn short-hand or develop your own form. You will be a step ahead of people trying to transcribe a conversation.
6. Take every internship you can, even if you work for free. Free summer jobs turn into paying jobs and notches on the resume.

Hope that helps. Good luck.

Answer 2

Going to college and getting a degree in journalism is a good base. Definitely join the college newspaper as a reporter and work your way up to an editor position. Also, take classes that may be centered around creating another publication. For example I took magazine writing, which produced the journalism school's alumni magazine.

The best thing you can ever do for yourself in college if you want to become a journalist is complete an internship. Most summer newspaper internships pay almost nothing to nothing at all, but they are worth it. Real experience is the best way to learn.

Also, read, read, read. Subscribe to a couple of newspapers and read them daily. Read books, fliers, newsletters - everything. Reading will help you become a better copyeditor, storyteller and writer in general.

Answer 3

Go to Syracuse University. They have a great program for journalism, one of the top in the country. That is where I am going in the fall. I'm so excited!

Answer 4

Hello,
Join your school or college newspapers.
Write something each and every day, even if it's only in a diary.
And, do it for the love of the job, not for pesonal glory or self-edification. There are enough self-important personalities already in the media, especially on television.
Your honor and integrity should be your most valued assets.

Answer 5

I have a degree.
It was the best decision I've ever made. Worked for the newspaper for several years. Then went to work for a government agency. Made lots of money, and due to my diverse traiing did many jobs. Always kept me current.
So follow this dream and you too I hope will have lots of success.

Answer 6

I have the same dream you have but I am probally younger than you and i was wondering how much it pays to write for a newspaper so if you know or anybody knows email me at [e-mail] please