Jump-starting Your Journalism Career: As Told by the Pros

Watch-dogs, gatekeepers, filtrators in a marketplace of ideas – journalists play an important role in the functioning of a successful democracy. They hold the power to share the story of their community, culture, society – bringing awareness to those who are not equipped with first-hand experiences. They are the first to acknowledge and the last to comment. Journalists keep the world informed and entertained, while under harsh scrutiny and a watchful eye. If you are interested in pursuing journalism, Her Campus South Carolina has advice from well-seasoned professionals who are already killing the game.

Straight from HCSC’s In Her Shoes’, “So You Want To Be On The News?” panel, are five tips to jump-starting your journalism career:

1. Be prepared for change

The world of journalism is evolving rapidly. You need to be inclined to accept that where you had originally planned to secure your roots, might completely alter itself. “You have to be willing to relinquish a little bit of control. It is going to be a windy path, but it will always bring you back to where you are suppose to be”, said Sam Bleiwess, Anchor/Reporter for WISTV. Be willing to try new things to gain even more knowledge and versatility. Chloe Rodgers, Engagement Editor for COLA Today prepared future journalists at IHS by saying, “You can start out somewhere, and end up doing something completely different. So be prepared”. 

2. Don’t make it all about YOU

When applying for internships, fellowships and jobs, it is easy to begin listing off your accomplishments and successes to the individuals you are interested in working for. Try a different strategy and strike conversation that does not involve every bullet point on your resume. “When you are meeting professionals, don’t be so much about yourself. What you have to say compared to what those in the industry have to say is far less important”, explained Lena Pringle, Live Morning Reporter for WACH57’s Good Day Columbia, “Listen more than you talk, because the information you can gain is far greater”. 

3. Get use to rejection 

In a career based primarily on portfolio work, there are going to be a lot of people who are good at what you do. Rejection is inevitable; especially if you are searching for a job right after you graduate. Latria Graham, Freelance Journalist who has written for Cosmo, NY Times, etc., offered advice in saying, “Once you get rejected one place, give yourself an hour to pout about it and send it somewhere else”. “Your are going to be critiqued. The more you can not internalize that, and realize it will help you grow and get better will help in the long run”, encouraged Bleiwess. 

4. Always be willing to learn

“Be teachable, learn from your mistakes and be curious about your world”, inspired Rodgers, “Learn new words everyday”. As journalism continues to advance with new technologies, it is going to be necessary for journalists to be susceptible to new ideas and skills everytime they’re in the workforce. Always search for a way to make your product better – whether it be new vocabulary, a different angle to shoot from, or an immersive editing technique – you can grow from the knowledge you gain from unfamiliar experiences. 

Check out the rest of HCSC’s articles covering our In Her Shoes’ panels to gain even more insight on what it takes to make it in the professional world!

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