Is journalism a good career choice?

[bluesmartiew]

I'm still at school but we're being advised to think about job choices, and i've been thinking about journalism for a while. I've got good grades and my teachers think that it's a good idea, but i was wondering what type of things you'd have to do, the charateristics that would be good for the job, and generally anything else you could tell me. Thanks in advance :)

[BigMac]

Where to start? Are you in school in UK or USA as that will make a difference. What follows is based on the UK.

1. What are you interested in? Whether it's history/latin/politics/physics/geology or whatever, do that to the full extent of your abilities first - get a degree. You will find that most papers/radio stations/tv stations look for degree-qualified candidates.


2. Whilst at college, write for the college paper / broadcast on the radio station/set up your own paper/magazine - this will demonstrate real interest in being a journalist.


3. Consider post-grad journalism course - there are lots around, eg Cardiff, London.


4. Try and get work experience - even whilst still at shool - with the local paper/radio station or free sheets.


5. Don't be discouraged - apply for anything and everything as the competition is fierce.


6. READ as many papers etc as you can - get a feel for what they offer their readers, their politics, their readers (and ditto for radio/tv).

There's lots of information on the web - try the Guardian's media section (especially as the Guardian used to sponsor the student media awards).

I could go on, but that should get you started.

[BigMac]

Oh, learn to spell and write gramatically - no chance of getting a job as a writer if you can't... for example, in point 4. above, there should be a 'c' in school.

[Buenchico]

These links should provide some useful information:

Print journalism:
http://www.learndirect-advice.co.uk/helpwithyo urcareer/jobprofiles/profiles/profile124/

Radio & TV journalism:
http://www.learndirect-advice.co.uk/helpwithyo urcareer/jobprofiles/profiles/profile1351/

If you think that you've got writing skills, why not start submitting items to your local newspaper right now? I started writing sports reports for my local paper when I was 14. Later, when I was teaching, I had a 15-year-old lad in my class who wrote regular columns for two national computer magazines.

Chris

[bluesmartiew]

thanks :) and yes i am in the uk.