Here’s a brief list of what Journalists/Reporters do:

• News Gathering: Gather information through interviews, research, and investigations to uncover newsworthy events, stories, or developments.

• Interviews: Conduct interviews with sources, experts, witnesses, or individuals involved in news events to gather quotes, insights, and firsthand information.

• Fact Checking: Verify the accuracy and reliability of information gathered through thorough fact-checking and cross-referencing sources.

• Writing and Editing: Write news articles, features, or investigative reports based on gathered information, adhering to journalistic standards and editorial guidelines.

• Deadline Management: Work under tight deadlines to deliver news stories and reports promptly, often requiring quick turnaround and adaptation to breaking news situations.

• Multimedia Reporting: Use multimedia tools and platforms to enhance storytelling, including photography, video recording, and interactive graphics.

• Ethical Standards: Adhere to ethical principles and journalistic integrity, including fairness, accuracy, impartiality, and transparency in reporting.

Here’s how YOU can become one:

1. Earn a Degree in Journalism or Related Field:

• Bachelor’s Degree: Obtain a degree in journalism, communications, or a related field from an accredited institution. A strong educational foundation in writing, reporting, ethics, media law, and multimedia journalism is essential.

2. Develop Key Skills:

• Writing Skills: Hone your writing skills to write clear, concise, and engaging news stories across various formats (print, digital, broadcast).

• Research Skills: Learn how to gather information from credible sources, conduct interviews, and verify facts accurately.

• Critical Thinking: Develop critical thinking skills to analyze information, identify newsworthy stories, and provide context and perspective.

1. Campus Media and Internships:

• Campus Publications: Contribute to your college or university newspaper, magazine, radio station, or TV station to gain hands-on experience in reporting and journalism.

• Internships: Seek internships at local newspapers, broadcast stations, online news outlets, or news agencies to learn from professionals and gain practical experience in the field.

2. Entry-Level Positions:

• Start as a News Assistant or Junior Reporter: Begin your career in entry-level positions such as news assistant, junior reporter, or freelance journalist to gain experience in covering stories, conducting interviews, and writing articles.

1. Continued Learning and Skill Development:

• Stay Updated: Keep abreast of current events, trends in journalism, and changes in media technology through reading, attending journalism workshops, webinars, and industry conferences.

• Specialize: Consider specializing in specific beats such as politics, business, science, health, sports, entertainment, or investigative journalism based on your interests and strengths.

2. Build a Portfolio:

• Published Work: Build a strong portfolio of published articles, news reports, and multimedia content that demonstrates your skills, versatility, and ability to cover diverse topics and events.

• Digital Presence: Maintain an online portfolio or personal website showcasing your best work, along with active participation on social media platforms to engage with audiences and showcase your journalism skills.

1. Network within the Journalism Community:

• Join Professional Associations: Become a member of journalism organizations such as the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ), Investigative Reporters and Editors (IRE), or Online News Association (ONA) to network with journalists and access resources, training, and job opportunities.

• Attend Events: Attend journalism conferences, panel discussions, and networking events to connect with industry professionals, editors, and potential employers.

  This is a very brief and general plan. To know your specific academic path for this career please talk to an advisor at the college or program you plan on attending!