Is a career in journalism right for you?

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Have you ever wondered how much your attitude toward life and your point of view on many issues depends on the information field in which you find yourself? Our attitudes and even our feelings depend on what information we consume and in what form it is presented. Journalists create the information field; they are not always in the public eye, but they have a direct influence on how people react to certain data.

The professional responsibilities of journalists are very diverse. One person can’t do everything. As a rule, students put off all assignments for later in their studies. If you don’t have time to do all yourself, use Essay Assistant where you can get help with writing essays on any subject.

Types of journalists and their professional duties

Correspondent

The disheveled person who stands with a microphone in his hand on the helipad or on the hot shop floor and gives us breaking news is the reporter. He is always on the front line, always in the thick of things: interviewing, reporting. A report is, as a rule, a short report on something topical.

Analyst

A specialist who works to shape public opinion. Whereas a reporter may only slightly explain (or neutral) his/her attitude towards an event, an analyst prepares a material in which he/she analyzes the events, draws conclusions and makes comments.

Broadcast

This professional presents information to people. As a rule, photo- and video-oriented, carefully and correctly dressed, he tells us about the latest news from the studio. The anchors themselves prepare materials for the newscasts and use those prepared by other professionals (e.g. reporters).

Editor

The coordinator and head of the newscast, who develops the overall concept and makes sure it is carried out.

Proofreader

An inconspicuous but very important specialist, whose efforts make the news look “combed” and perfectly literate. It may seem a trifle, but the credibility of the material depends directly on its correct presentation.

Is journalism relevant today

Today many people bet on new professions the growth of demand for which is only expected. The profession of journalist is not one hundred years old, and all this time there are opinions that it is about to disappear. With the development of social networks anyone can become a journalist. All you have to do is start a blog, cover your favorite topics – and voila! You can, as a real journalist post news, analysis and even organize live broadcasts. On the other hand, journalists are being attacked by robots. The capabilities of artificial intelligence already make it possible to generate quite digestible texts.

A person who is a virtuoso of words, interested in everything that is happening in the world, able to analyze events, will not be replaced neither by robots, nor by self-proclaimed amateur journalists.

In addition, journalists are creative and resourceful people. They look for new niches in which their talents and professional skills come in handy: they publish periodicals (now more often online than on paper), write books and essays, and create their own shows on radio and television.

Technological advances and the emergence of social media have spawned professions that are close to journalism, but are more engaged in selling through texts:

Copywriter. This is a specialist in writing texts, often of an advertising or sales nature.
Rewriter. Since the formal uniqueness of the texts is now of great importance, it is necessary to adapt them for different resources. A reporter is a master of paraphrasing.
Content manager, SMM-manager. Essentially the same journalist, but he writes not articles, but “content” – text content for blogs and sites. Profession has its own specifics – you need to feed the texts adapted to search engines so that they look natural to human perception.
Specialist in internal communications. Such a pro can work in a large company. He maintains the company’s news column, maintains social networks and produces a local magazine. He can also organize corporate events.
PR manager. This is a person who is responsible for the “face” of the company, its image in the eyes of people.
Blogger. At one time, blogging was perceived as a hobby and pampering. Times are changing, and now blog authors can earn good money with their activities.

Pros and cons

For someone who was “born a journalist”, the advantages of the profession do not need to be described: it is an interesting, creative specialty that allows you to shine with impeccable command of the language. And the opportunity to influence people’s opinions is a special pleasure that is impossible to refuse.

Pros of the profession:

A respected and influential profession;
access to cutting-edge information;
connections to people in different industries;
the opportunity to interact with famous people;
travel;
a good opportunity to become famous;
career prospects.

Cons of the profession:

stresses;
irregular working hours;
high competition;
routine, rushes.

The profession of the journalist and allied specialties are suitable for people of a humanitarian type. Their high mission is to bring information to the people. So a good journalist should:

be objective and honest;
bear in mind the responsibility for their work;
understand that the work of a journalist affects people all over the world;
show respect for people’s private lives;
to oppose anything that endangers people;
to promote order in the field of information.

A person who chooses the profession of journalism must have a certain set of qualities, among which the main one is the love of the word and the desire to master it masterfully. Also, a true journalist is anxious, he is an enthusiast of his work, always wants to find the truth.

The profession suits people whose strong qualities are:

communication skills;
a lively inquisitive mind;
endurance;
broad outlook and erudition;
patience;
stress tolerance;
ability to work quickly;
ability to work in a team;
self-control.

For those who associate their career with the work of an announcer or presenter on television, a pleasant appearance is also desirable. During their studies, students often work part-time to gain experience. By the end of the semester, they have a lot of unfinished assignments piled up. In this case, you can find the best essay writing service in usa to successfully finish the academic year.

Graduates of journalism school have no trouble getting jobs in print and online publications, television and radio, in advertising agencies and publishing houses, or work as freelancers. Many of them run their own blogs, and some are so talented that they receive tempting offers from major media outlets. Journalists are needed by news agencies, press offices of companies and government agencies.

For the novice specialist, a diploma from a prestigious university can be a great help. Besides, you should not forget that in journalism, as nowhere else, the rule of life is more relevant than elsewhere: “First you work for the name, then the name works for you. So there’s nothing wrong with working for a small publication in a modest position at first.

Here are a few tips:

Read more.
Start publishing a newspaper at school, university, work. The easiest option is an online publication.
Start your own blog.
Analyze famous journalists’ work. What helps them to succeed and absorb the best.

The profession of a journalist is shrouded in romance, but in fact it is hard and painstaking work. The best start to a career in this difficult, but alluring field will be study at university. Do not be afraid of the difficulties!

Bernard - Side-Line Staff Chief editor

Bernard Van Isacker is the Chief Editor of Side-Line Magazine. With a career spanning more than two decades, Van Isacker has established himself as a respected figure in the darkwave scene.

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