A Career in Journalism

[IhaveFaith365]

Good Afternoon to all the beautiful members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Friends and Silent Viewers. I am humbly seeking the answer to a pondering question, and please forgive me if I has been posted before. (I'm not as computer savvy as most!) I have a genuine interest in Journalism, however I'm being persuaded to go into education. Although I love children, I honestly feel as if I won't be completely happy in that career. (And, I'm aware that not choosing a career wisely could cause tons of grief and unhappiness.) The dilema is I'm almost half-way through my college career, and I seriously considering changing my major to my first love-Journalism. I know the field is highly competitive, but I have always loved all facets of English and Communications. I have a strong desire to pursue a career as a news anchor/ newspaper columnist, only to hear how competitive the field is, and how producers look for a certain "type" of person. After reading Ida B. Wells-Barnett's triumphant biography, I am certain if she could do it, so can I. My question is, are the opportunities for black women in the field of Journalism as scarce as many make them out to be? Also, I've been looking into New York University's Graduate program in Journalism and it looks highly accrediated. Would a Master's degree further my chances of landing a job at a news station, magazine company, etc...By the way, I am fully aware and ok with starting from the VERY bottom of the field. Any help would be graciously appreciated and I apologize for taking up so much time! Be Blessed!

[AKAtude]

I was a journalism major, but decided not to enter that profession so I don't know how helpful I would be. Maybe Soror Steeltrap could give you some advice. Good luck.

[OhSoVeryLadylike]

I am a journalist. I write for a very highly rated college newspaper and I have a double major in Political Science and Mass Communications. Having your Masters will most likely not better you chances of getting a job. Experience is all that will get you a job. Start writing for your school's newspaper. There is no need to change your major. Depending on the school you will probably get more experience at the newspaper than you wll get in any Mass Comm class. Intern for newspapers volunteer. Learn every aspect of journalism from layout, editing, online design, sports, news, feature, photography, business, advertising, etc...hone every skill you can. Vist NABJ.org. Some good classes to take would be a news writing course, layout and news-editing, and photography. And I have some great contacts and resources, just email me if I can be of assistance.

I hope I have helped you a little and good luck and may God bless you in your endeavors.

[IhaveFaith365]

Ms. AKAtude,

I am very grateful that you replied to my post in a swift manner. I am sure that by you majoring in that field, ANY help would be priceless. Maybe you could recommend some great classes that would benefit me long-term. Once again, thanks for your acknowledgement!

[Steeltrap]

As my Soror AKAtude said, I am a journalist.
I've been in the field for more than 10 years and have a bachelor's degree, not a masters. Finances were tight.
I would say that writing experience is the key. As has been suggested, you need to start writing for your newspaper.
When you get on the college paper, you build up a body of writing that will lead you to an internship. I interned in the mid-1980s at the Arizona Republic and the Los Angeles Times, and wouldn't have gotten that exposure without a college body of work.
I also agree with the advice of sisterfriend OhSoVeryLadylike about learning all aspects of journalism. Before I started writing, I was planning to be a copy editor and had my first internship in that discipline.
NABJ is a wonderful resource (I need to renew). They have reduced rates for students to join.
If you want to write, consider business journalism. Business journalism has been my discipline for the last 10 years or so, and it's a fascinating field. Another advantage is that the business desk has regular hours -- you're not likely to work nights or weekends, unlike the cityside.

If you'd like to know more, please send me a PM or e-mail. Gotta run and start reporting a story.