Journalist
Specialties:
Columnists, Commentators, Sports Journalists, Sportswriters,
Wine Journalists.
What does a Journalist do?
- Journalists write news stories and communicate ideas for publication or
broadcast for newspapers, magazines, radio and TV stations.
- They gather and verify factual information regarding a story through
interview, observation, and research.
- Journalists also write articles, technical reports, advertising copy, or
creative stories in private industry and public agencies.
Salary and Employment Outlook:
EDD Labor
Market Information
Occupational Outlook Handbook
Career Info Net
Typical Employers:
Journalists are employed by newspaper and magazine publishers and may work on
small local publications or large national or international ones. They are
employed by radio and television stations; either small, independent stations or
large national networks. Some positions require extensive travel. There are also
Journalists employed by the military. Approximately 31% of Editors and Reporters
nationally are self- employed.
Preparation:
Most employers require a bachelor's degree, although some accept applicants
with two years of education. Some employers prefer applicants with a Liberal
Arts or Journalism degree. They look for applicants with broad-based knowledge.
Some employers prefer those with a master's in Journalism. Experience is also an
important factor. Most start out on a small daily newspaper or television
station and then move on to larger employers. Working on the school paper is a
must. Advertising and public relations agencies prefer Journalists with
Advertising coursework in their background. You can also get experience and
training in the Military.