Are you studying journalism?

Over 2 million journalists operate within the United States. However, their careers are not within the same specialization. If you want to flourish in this industry, you must pick your niche.

The hardest part is determining what kind of journalist you wish to become. Fortunately, our guide can help. Read on as we discuss some common journalism careers around:

1. Freelance Writer

As a freelance journalist, you are self-employed. You work on a story-to-story basis instead of a specific agency. Sometimes, you can get work from platforms such as Justreachout.io.

Your payment will vary since it depends on your submitted articles.

However, freelance journalism allows you to choose what and whom to write. You need not report to an office regularly and can work part-time. You can even keep the oddest hours, as long as it suits your schedule.

When you choose to become a freelance journalist, you have the freedom to report on stories important to you. It also means choosing your desired topic specialties, such as world events, entertainment, or crime.

After writing for several years, you can gain enough positive reputation. It makes you more desirable, with more news outlets inviting you to write. You will become an expert in specific topics as a result.

You need not have the educational achievements of a traditional journalist. In most cases, agencies use your portfolio as a basis to hire you. They value experience over education.

However, you must have impeccable writing and communication skills to find work. If you opt for a work-from-home setup, consider developing your time management and organizational skills. It ensures you meet deadlines and avoid reprimands.

2. Print Journalist

Your duties as a print journalist are to write articles published on physical media, like newspapers, magazines, and journals. When working for a newspaper, you also report local and global newsworthy events.

Working for a journal means writing new entertainment releases or local business reviews. Meanwhile, magazine writers must write on specific subjects consistently, such as:

• Entertainment
• Fashion
• Sports

Your audience will vary, but one defining trait is they subscribed to your paper. In most scenarios, you will work in an office environment with a team of competent journalists.

Your usual workday as a print journalist revolves around writing articles on a computer. After that, you must format them to a specific style. Whenever necessary, you must conduct interviews with your sources.

With all these duties, you must have enough education to prepare. It means having at least a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications, English, or Journalism. Regardless, you must possess excellent communication and writing skills to accomplish your duties.

3. Broadcast Journalist

These journalism careers allow you to work for news agencies broadcasting on the television or over the radio. Your duty means visiting sites of various breaking stories to inform the public as soon as possible. As a news reporter, you can gather information by interviewing relevant individuals, like victims or witnesses.

After obtaining the information, a field or newsroom reporter will share the story on a news show. Television reporters must have good public speaking skills to accomplish this feat. It applies whether you report behind a desk, in front of a green screen, or the actual scene.

Aside from communication skills, consider specializing in reporting a single news type. Some examples include:

• Crime
• Business
• Finance
• Entertainment

Meanwhile, radio reporters work on broadcast news shows. They read newsworthy stories and interview people over the radio. Like their television counterpart, these reporters focus on specific news types.

Regardless of your chosen broadcast, having the proper education is a must. It means studying Journalism, Mass Communication, or other related degrees. Since you are speaking, your diction and interpersonal skills must be excellent.

4. Photojournalist

Instead of using words, you use photography to report newsworthy events to your audience. You will use various specialized technologies, such as computers, cameras, and editing applications. All these will result in impactful images and stir your audience’s emotions.

You must capture and preserve these specific moments for others to save and share.

Often, you will work with editors and news writers as a team. It allows your agency to show an accurate and thorough news story. Most often appear on various media outlets, like print, television, and the internet.

As a photojournalist, you must combine practical and technical expertise for capturing images. It ensures your photos will contribute to the news story’s accuracy.

Before you find success, consider getting a Bachelor’s degree in visual media fields like photography. Agencies will likely hire you based on your technical skills and portfolios. You must pay attention to detail and use a wide range of camera equipment.

5. News Copy Editor

If writing and researching full articles is not your forte, consider becoming an editor. Your responsibility is to read and edit newsprint and news scripts before your agency releases them to the public. You will edit these to maintain clarity and accuracy, ensuring efficient news communication.

Your goal is to process raw information into something understandable. For example, you can edit a news story’s length, tone, and word choices. You’ll collaborate with reporters to ensure every story’s authenticity.

Do you aspire to become a news copy editor? If so, consider taking Bachelor’s degrees in Mass Communications, Journalism, or other related fields.

Most editors start as a writer and transition after several years of experience. Typically, you’ll work in offices and collaborate with other journalists. You must ensure consistency to avoid blunders.

Get Into Journalism Careers Now

These are some journalism careers to consider. Use them to guide your path toward a fulfilling job. You’ll find employment in this field, whether in speaking or writing careers.

However, your education plays a role in determining your success. Look for a reputable university to earn your Journalism degree. Otherwise, you will end up underequipped to reach a sustainable career.

Did you find this guide helpful? If so, read our other posts and learn more today.