Is this a good career path?

[BrokenBoy]

So I'm in my senior year of high school and I need to start thinking about my career path. Recently I've been contemplating a career in journalism because I think it's the place my skills might have a practical application.

People tell me I'm a good writer literally all the time so there's that. I also thrive off of drama and love getting into people's business that has nothing to do with me. That's what journalism is about right? Thriving off of drama and getting into people's business?

With this in mind, could this career path be good for me?

 

[Aspychata]

Think if this is a passion, it's worth pursuing. Do you want to do this for 10 years?

 

[BrokenBoy]

Think if this is a passion, it's worth pursuing. Do you want to do this for 10 years?

I'd be fine with doing it even if I don't feel passion. It's the only actual job my skillset will allow that's not super hard. I just want the money.

 

[Mia]

Depends on what you'll do as a journalist. And where you live now. In some places in the world journalism is an extremely dangerous occupation. And it can get you killed, kidnapped, or jailed for writing about normal things that are acceptable in other countries. If your okay with that, then go for it.

 

[unperson]

It's like being a stalker.

 

[BrokenBoy]

Depends on what you'll do as a journalist. And where you live now. In some places in the world journalism is an extrememly dangerous occupation. And it can get you killed, kidnapped, or jailed for writing about normal things that are acceptable in other countries. If your okay with that, then go for it.

Yeah I'm fine with taking the risk.

 

[Fino]

I think it sounds great for you!

 

[VictorR]

With the decline of traditional media, I would highly suggest, if considering a journalism major in college, to do a marketing minor, or otherwise try to build skill sets and expertise on online writing since the classic work for a media company opportunities are scarcer, but there's a lot more independent opportunities online, where one might find an obscure niche that fits their interests

 

[Aeolienne]

It's important to build up a portfolio, most likely by writing for a campus newsletter, so factor this in when considering your choice of universities. Maybe see if you can arrange a meeting with the campus newsletter team if you go to an open day?

To start your career in journalism, you'll need a good record of relevant work experience accompanied by a professional file of cuttings (samples of your published writing). Take every opportunity to write articles and reviews for local, free, national or specialist publications, especially if you get a byline (your name above the story). Get involved in student newspapers and try to build up a network of sources.

Job profile: Newspaper journalist

 

[Finder]

Journalism does not pay well.

 

[NecroCurator]

I have several friends working for different newspapers. While the job of a journalist seems to suit them and apparently can be awesome, there are a few seldomly known things you should be aware of:

1. For most, the pay sucks big time. Don't expect to get rich.

2. Newspapers, despite what they want you to believe, are deeply political. Don't expect to succeed with skill and talent alone. Also, be ready to abandon all naive notions of "truth" and "objective reality".

3. The true power over what to report and what not, is with the chief editors. Just because you have a smashing story or topic, doesn't mean you get to have it covered. Run of the mill reporter will have about as much power over reporting as a factory worker has over the design of the product.