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Journalism Careers

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Journalism at Angelo State

Journalism Career Information
Area Employer Information/Strategies

Newspaper Publishing

  • Reporting
  • Editorial/Column Writing
  • Feature Writing
  • Investigative Journalism
  • Sports
  • Online Journalism
  • Photojournalism
  • Editing
  • Proofreading
  • Circulation
  • Marketing/Promotion
  • Production
  • Large circulation newspapers
  • Local newspapers:
    • Dailies
    • Alternative weeklies
  • Wire services
  • Trade newspapers
  • Online publishers
  • Obtain an internship or part-time job with a newspaper.
  • Work with a college newspaper, yearbook, or alumni publication.
  • Take an active role, preferably leadership, in journalism organizations.
  • Demonstrate curiosity, high energy level, and the abilities to produce under pressure and withstand criticism.
  • Develop excellent grammar and writing skills. Learn to think critically.
  • Create a portfolio of writing samples, especially those that have been published.
  • Seek opportunities for recognition and networking through writing contests and freelance writing submissions.
  • Build relationships with campus and community leaders and athletes for interview opportunities and experience.
  • Learn HTML and other computer programs to prepare for online work. This area of journalism is growing while print is declining.
  • Become comfortable working in a chaotic, deadline-oriented atmosphere.

Magazine/Newsletter Publishing

  • Writing
  • Editing
  • Advertising/Sales
  • Promotion
  • Circulation
  • Design, Art, and Production
  • Investigative Journalism
  • Photojournalism
  • Major publishers
  • Consumer magazines
  • News magazines
  • Specialized magazines
  • Technical and industrial publications
  • Professional publications/associations
  • Merchandising and trade publications
  • Labor unions
  • Academic journals
  • Corporate in-house publications
  • Religious organizations
  • Complete an internship with a publisher.
  • Seek experience with on-campus or community publications.
  • Find a part-time or summer job with a newspaper, magazine, or print shop.
  • Obtain sales experience.
  • Join a professional journalism organization.
  • Demonstrate creative spirit, writing skills, verbal skills, and proofreading ability.
  • Create a portfolio of writing samples.
  • Consider obtaining a minor in photography for photojournalistic specialty.

Book Publishing

  • Editing
  • Sales
  • Promotion
  • Publicity
  • Production
  • Subsidiary Rights
  • Publishers including:
    • Tradebooks
    • Children’s books
    • Paperbacks
    • Textbooks
  • Book clubs
  • University presses
  • Religious presses
  • Technical, scientific, or medical presses
  • internet sites
  • Attend a summer publishing institute to sharpen skills and build contacts.
  • Become familiar with word processing, desktop publishing, and web page design.
  • Gain knowledge of printing and production.
  • Work with local or regional magazines and campus publications.
  • See employment as sales clerk or book buyer in campus or local bookstore.
  • Supplement coursework with technical writing courses for opportunities with technical, scientific, and medical publications.
  • Be aware that a large portion of publishers are located in New York City.

Writing

  • Technical Writing
  • Science and Medical Writing
  • Freelance Writing
  • Creative Writing Including:
    • Books
    • Poetry
    • Plays
    • Screenplays
    • Scripts
    • Greeting Cards
    • Lyrics/Jingle Writing
  • Newspapers
  • Magazines
  • Broadcast media companies including television, radio, and the movie industry
  • internet sites
  • Trade, professional, or consumer publications
  • Technical industries
  • Large corporations
  • Government agencies
  • Universities and university presses
  • Self-employed/Freelance
  • Supplement curriculum with relevant courses such as creative writing or technical writing.
  • Write for campus publications such as college newspapers, magazines, or departmental/ program newsletters.
  • Gain as much experience as possible through volunteer positions, internships, or part-time jobs.
  • Join professional journalism or communications organizations.
  • Perfect clear and concise writing abilities.
  • Volunteer to assist or tutor students in a writing center.
  • Become familiar with the proposal writing and submission process involved in freelance writing.
  • Submit manuscripts, essays, articles, etc. for publication.
  • Read widely in area of talent and/or interest (e.g., mystery novels, poetry).
  • Demonstrate patience and persistence in starting a career in creative writing.
  • For technical writing, develop a good understanding of the subject you are writing about.

Electronic Media

  • Television
  • Radio Programming/Production
  • Electronic Publishing
  • Video Production
  • Major networks
  • Public, cable, and private television stations
  • National, state, or regional radio networks
  • Independent radio syndications
  • Video production companies
  • Government agencies
  • Large corporations
  • Colleges and universities
  • Nonprofit organizations
  • Professional associations
  • See “What Can I Do With a Major in Electronic Media” for more detailed information.
  • Gain experience with campus or local television and radio stations.
  • Secure an internship with a media corporation.
  • Develop a variety of technical and computer skills.
  • Create a personal website or blog to showcase work.
  • Choose a particular area of interest and build the skills and experiences necessary to qualify for that field.
  • Get involved with relevant student professional organizations.

Education

  • Secondary
  • Post-Secondary
  • Publication Advising
  • Public or private high schools
  • Colleges and universities
  • Obtain state teacher certification for high school teaching opportunities.
  • Consider obtaining certification to teach additional subjects such as foreign language, social studies, or English.
  • Actively participate in campus newspaper and yearbook publications.
  • Volunteer to assist local high school students and sponsors with publications.
  • Obtain graduate degree (Masters and/or Doctorate) for college and university teaching opportunities.

Business

  • Advertising
  • Public Relations
  • Special Events
  • Media Relations
  • Fundraising
  • Business Writing
  • Account Services
  • Print Production
  • Management
  • Administration
  • Advertising agencies
  • Corporate advertising or public relations departments
  • Media companies (e.g., Turner Broadcasting)
  • Non-profit organizations
  • Colleges and universities
  • Labor unions
  • Work in sales at campus newspaper, television, or radio station.
  • Seek part-time or summer job with campus public relations or sports information department.
  • Gain experience in an area of interest through internships, part-time, or summer jobs.
  • Hone public speaking and communication skills.

Law

  • Prosecution
  • Defense
  • Litigation
  • Contractual
  • Corporate
  • Nonprofit or Public Interest
  • Mediation
  • Lobbying
  • Law firms
  • Sole practitioner
  • Government agencies
  • Corporations
  • Public interest organizations
  • Colleges and universities
  • Some students choose a journalism major in preparation for law school.
  • Develop strong research and writing skills through major courses.
  • Maintain a high grade point average and prepare for the Law School Admission Test (LSAT).
  • Secure strong faculty recommendations.
  • Participate in a debate or forensic team to hone communication skills.
  • Join pre-law organizations.
  • Work a part-time or summer job at a law office to gain exposure to the field.
  • Earn a law degree, the juris doctor, and pass the bar exam in order to practice law.

General Information and Strategies

 

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