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Yes, of course. Most journalists I've met did not have degrees in journalism, but rather liberal arts or english.
If you're interested in getting a job in journalism I can help you do that in just a few easy steps.
First select which vertical--or topic area--you would like to work in.
Second, figure out what the top publications are in that vertical, as well as who the major bloggers and podcasters are. Make a long list, get their contact info, twitter accounts, etc.
Third read every thing you can about that space for a month--like everything.
Fourth start a blog on that subject, or better yet a subsection of that topic. So, if you love cars start a blog about hybrids or a specific car company. Something really niche that you can do better than anyone else.
Fifth, blog every day about that subject for three to six months, frequently referencing and commenting on other journalists and bloggers by name. Talk about THEIR work and THEIR opinions--not your own. Cover your future colleagues.
If you follow this plan and do it well you'll probably get offers to work for one of the publications if you're good, and if you're bad you'll probably get a LOT better in a short amount of time.
Do NOT expect to get hired without a bunch of real clips. This is the way to get real clips.
I've hired well over 750 bloggers/journalists in the past 10 years and 95% of them I hired based on clips.
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For traditional print journalism careers, you can usually start by contacting your local newspaper--they are always looking for writers to cover local stories. After developing a portfolio, you can apply for a salaried position.
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Source(s):
http://www.associatedcontent.com/join.html?refer=178
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There are many "bloggers" who are de-facto (and often de jure) journalists and journalistic history is rife with stories of the copy boy becoming a journalist of repute through to Pulitzer prizes.
Ernest Hemingway is a famous example of a high school graduate who became both a notable, journalist, writer and Pulitzer prize winner (the prize was not in journalism, however).
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blankity b...
start small---develop your own blog--intern at the local community paper...
it is unlikely that you will be hired at the wall street journal right off--but you can work your way up-
start in the mailroom if you need to
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Source(s):
http://www.writersbureau.com/
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Answered Question
M$1
December 15, 2008 03:53 AM
Can you become a journalist without a journalism degree?
Some of us already have a bachelors degree but it is not in journalism. I was wondering whether we would need to start again and get a journalism degree or whether we can do something else like some courses or workshops, and then try to work as journalists? I was thinking of print, broadcast, or new media journalism. Aren't all the professional fields getting blurred in their boundaries - where knowledge and skills in one area are transferable into another? What do you suggest? Any tips on how to prepare or apply for journalism work with other educational qualifications - or do you think it would not work? Although I am curious now, I am always looking at new job or career options and journalism has always sounded interesting.
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| December 15, 2008 04:02 AM |
If you're interested in getting a job in journalism I can help you do that in just a few easy steps.
First select which vertical--or topic area--you would like to work in.
Second, figure out what the top publications are in that vertical, as well as who the major bloggers and podcasters are. Make a long list, get their contact info, twitter accounts, etc.
Third read every thing you can about that space for a month--like everything.
Fourth start a blog on that subject, or better yet a subsection of that topic. So, if you love cars start a blog about hybrids or a specific car company. Something really niche that you can do better than anyone else.
Fifth, blog every day about that subject for three to six months, frequently referencing and commenting on other journalists and bloggers by name. Talk about THEIR work and THEIR opinions--not your own. Cover your future colleagues.
If you follow this plan and do it well you'll probably get offers to work for one of the publications if you're good, and if you're bad you'll probably get a LOT better in a short amount of time.
Do NOT expect to get hired without a bunch of real clips. This is the way to get real clips.
I've hired well over 750 bloggers/journalists in the past 10 years and 95% of them I hired based on clips.
| Asker's Rating: |
• Excellent answer! I was surprised, and glad to get this information. You have provided us with a well thought out and detailed plan for how to become a journalist without a journalism degree. I am sure that many people will benefit from your answer. Thank you for sharing!
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Other Answers (8)
December 15, 2008 04:15 AM
Experience is probably more important than an official journalism degree. A liberal arts degree is valuable in giving you perspective on a wide variety of topics, but not essential. For traditional print journalism careers, you can usually start by contacting your local newspaper--they are always looking for writers to cover local stories. After developing a portfolio, you can apply for a salaried position.
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December 15, 2008 03:11 PM
If you are thinking about any form of written journalism, you are going to need writing samples. To help you get started, I would suggest writing for Associated Content or similar websites.
Source(s):
http://www.associatedcontent.com/join.html?refer=178
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December 15, 2008 07:42 PM
Absolutely yes. However a journalism degree gives the aspiring journalist both the foundation of the art as well as the credentials to get hired at the most respected news providers. (As Jason mentions, other degrees such as Liberal Arts are also fine qualifications and in a sense may produce a higher degree of objectivity). There are many "bloggers" who are de-facto (and often de jure) journalists and journalistic history is rife with stories of the copy boy becoming a journalist of repute through to Pulitzer prizes.
Ernest Hemingway is a famous example of a high school graduate who became both a notable, journalist, writer and Pulitzer prize winner (the prize was not in journalism, however).
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December 15, 2008 07:50 PM
Without exception, the journalists I've spoken with advise that you NOT get a journalism degree, opting instead for a major with some intellectual weight to it: history, English, political science, math--anything really, as long as it has some practical value in the world. (By that, I don't mean to eliminate subjects like philosophy, which has LOTS of practical value.) Anyhow, as a former journalist myself, I advise the following: Take a few courses in reporting. Write for the college paper, making sure you get good assignments. You will then have the educational background and the experience necessary to get started. I aced out all kinds of journalism majors for my first job. Why? Because I had a great clip file from a really good college paper. The publisher who hired me could have no doubt that I was a good writer and reporter. Good luck!
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blankity b...
December 16, 2008 11:26 PM
I agree, it's actually better to have a background in something else for the reason mentioned. Knowledge in other subjects will help you write better, and as you write about different subjects, your knowledge will expand. The thing you really need is experience. Everyone starts out small by writing for small publications before working their way up, just like any other job. The pay is pretty bad for the amount of work you put in for your stories, but if you truly love writing and reporting, hard work and perseverance will land you a better position for sure.
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December 16, 2008 05:29 PM
sure--you jujst have to prove yourself- start small---develop your own blog--intern at the local community paper...
it is unlikely that you will be hired at the wall street journal right off--but you can work your way up-
start in the mailroom if you need to
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December 17, 2008 01:49 AM
Well you most certainly can become a journalist regardless of your bachelors degree. Infact you can become a specialist journalist or a niche freelancer,submitting special reports that are in relation to yor undergraduate degree.The one i stumbled upon after my Bs in computing is the writers bureau of journalism.They are based in Manchester in the U.K,They have all the required accreditation from the relevant authorities there.You pursue the course through correspondence ,and they send you all the relevant material ,books,CD ROM's,Audio Tapes and more.For The duration of your course you are assigned an expert tutor who guides you with real life scenarios,and to cap it all they give you a 15 day trial and a full refund guarantee if you are not successful.Check it out, I sincerely hope I was helpful.
Source(s):
http://www.writersbureau.com/
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