If You Don't Like the News, Go Out and Make Some of Your Own: Get a Journalism Job

The title of this article, at least the title to the left of the colon, is a favorite sign-off from a San Francisco Bay Area-based radio commentator named Scoop Nisker. He's acknowledging that each of us has the ability to make a difference in what's happening, and not just be at the effect of it.

The Importance of Journalism

Journalists are viewed by many to be mere observers. But the best of them have the power to make an ENORMOUS difference in our world. Former President Richard Nixon discovered this. So did the U.S. military guards now being prosecuted for mistreating prisoners at Baghdad's Abu Graib prison. All of them had misdeeds brought to light by journalists.

A career in journalism can give you license to explore and report about almost anything you find fascinating about the world. Journalism training can prepare you by teaching you the practices that help you build trust with the public.

As you read this, the mediums of journalism are changing FAST, but the qualities in great journalists have always remained the same. Are you full of curiosity? Are you committed to being fair, and pushing for the truth in the face of deception? Do you love to write? Are you adventurous and courageous?

What to Plan for: Choose Your Medium

Will you specialize in being a writer? There's also photojournalism, and it's worth a thousand words. TV journalism means you'll chase good footage and must use far fewer words.

Start Being a Journalist - Write Now

Journalism school offers great training, but writing makes perfect (along with lots of good reading). Start your own blog on the web. Or be a freelancer: Talk to your local paper or community TV station. File some stories for the new network for young people, www.current.tv

Subject Matter Expert

Do you have a passionate interest in a certain subject? Focus on it academically, along with getting professional training at journalism school. If you have good background knowledge in hot subjects such as health, business or biotechnology, odds are you will never lack for assignments.

Now go find the untold stories that will make the world a better place. Good luck. We need your work.

Sources

• Journalism Job Listings
• Mediabistro Freelance Journalism Job Community
• American Society of Newspaper Editors: Journalism School and Career Information

About the Author

Alan Drummer is a writer and video producer based in Burlingame, California. His features have appeared on the History Channel and in publications such as Better Homes and Gardens, the Los Angeles Times and San Francisco Magazine. He has a degree in English Literature from Harvard.