After the Degree What Journalism Students Can Do

After the Degree: What Journalism Students Can Do When starting out in the academic journalism field, many students arent entirely sure where their degree can take them. Throughout their college careers, they encounter several different methods of reporting and essay writing , each of which serve a different purpose in the working world. Courtesy:college.usatoday.com As well discuss below, there are various opportunities for journalists today. Though print media is facing extinction, other forms of media are beginning to grow. Writers can go abroad, freelance for a number of clients, blog, utilize social media, become teachers, continue their studies, or they can take the more traditional route by settling with an established newspaper. Each choice comes with a different aspect of the writing process. If youre still in school and youre not sure where you want to go afterward, youre going to have a difficult time catering your writing skills to a specific field. For example, if you know that you want to go into print media, youre going to focus on those classes and that style of writing. Its all about learning your craft. That being said, lets explore your options. 1. See the World Many journalism students determine their major based solely upon the fact that they want to travel. Writers are often sent to cover stories in foreign countries, such as France, England, Iraq, China, Japan, and India. While this is usually temporary, its also possible to apply for positions overseas. Students who choose this path need to focus on foreign language writing in college, especially language specific to the countries that they want to visit. For instance, if you want to apply for positions in France, you need to be familiar with the French language. You should also study the culture and mannerisms of these nations, as youll find this information invaluable later down the road. 2. Settle at a Station The traditional journalism route lands most students at major news stations, interning or working their way up the ladder. It can take almost a decade to get there, and thats only through hard work and perseverance. This option isnt for the lighthearted. Youll face competition, criticism, long hours, and minimal pay. But, if done right, the journey can be very rewarding. Students who want to pursue this path should focus on reporting classes and strengthening their basic journalistic writing skills. Its very important that you are familiar with the rules of ethics, interviews, and crafting a newsworthy piece. and Utilize Social Media The most difficult path of all involves blogging and marketing via social media. Journalism students seem to be the best at crafting short, interesting posts that capture the attention of their followers. The job is rewarding and fun. It also works like a freelancing job, meaning that you can set your own hours and work at your own pace. However, its challenging to make money this way. Students that want to develop skills in this field should take social media related courses, which will help them learn how to craft an eye-catching post. 5. Become an Educator A number of journalism students start college with the intention of becoming a teacher themselves. Journalism is a particularly rewarding topic to teach, because the progress of your students is so apparent at such a fast pace. Teenagers and children are readily prepared to use computers and software, making the experience challenging but not impossible. Journalism majors that want to pursue this career should take education related courses, and should learn how to write on an academic level as well as a journalistic level. By learning which field interests you the most, you can make a smart decision about your future that is aided by the decisions that you make now. Explore your options, and build your schedule around your findings. Its the best way to prepare for what the world has in store for you.