Think you may want to be a reporter for a newspaper, website or television channel? Reporting can be an exciting and fulfilling career choice for the right people. To learn how to become a reporter, look over this guide.

Reporting is a highly glamorized profession (no surprise, since reporters control much of the media), but it is a lot of hard work, and there is stiff competition. Be prepared to work long hours at all times of day and night, and be willing to accept low pay for your first few gigs.

Start by getting involved with your school newspaper or journalism club. If you are out of school, contact a paper in your community, or a news website. Tell them you would like to get your feet wet, and ask if there is a story that you can cover for them. They will likely offer you a chance on a small piece, for no pay. That is fine--write the story, and use the experience to decide whether or not you want to do this for a living.

If you are serious about pursuing reporting, you will need to get educated. A four-year degree in journalism or a writing-related subject is ideal. However, many reporting classes and workshops may also be available at your local community college, or similar public campuses. Take a variety of courses to expand your options, and be sure to get letters of reference from your teachers.

• Before you dive headlong into a journalism program, you may want to take a couple of introductory courses to get a grasp of what the career entails. Then, if you feel that is a good fit, you can continue to pursue this field.

If you really want to compete, it will help to get an internship at a well-known station or publication. This will enable you to make contacts, learn the ropes, and get recommendations to use on your job search. Ask your school about intern opportunities, or contact news outlets directly to see what is available.

• Keep in mind that even though internships usually do not pay, there is still a lot of competition for these positions. It will help if you receive references from your school instructors, and create a resume that will impress.