Journalism for many modern young people seems to be an incredibly interesting field of activity. This is a tempting prospect: communication with famous people, attending closed events, overseas business trips and a good salary! However, reality does not always correspond to expectations. We will try to understand all the subtleties of the profession and understand how to become a journalist.
Such different reporters
A journalist is a person working in the field of the media, the main duty of which is to find and prepare information for the subsequent submission to its target audience. Reporters can now work in print, on radio, television and online resources. A journalist can work with a specific topic, for example, cover only sports or political events. In many companies, there are generalists who write articles or prepare video for various programs and headings. Before thinking about how to become a journalist, it will be useful to decide in which format you want to work. For example, reporters working on television, it is important to have an ideal diction and good oratorical abilities. For journalists preparing material in writing, the absence of speech defects is not a mandatory requirement.
How does the career of a journalist start?
Many professionals who have achieved success in the field of journalism say that they began writing or publicly speaking before the audience in early childhood. And indeed, if you are interested in working in the media, you can start preparing for it at any age. Particular attention should be paid to the study of the Russian language, even schoolchildren can try to write short stories and notes. If the child declares: "I want to become a journalist", then the task of parents is to give him a try in this profession. Develop talent and evaluate all the pros and cons of the chosen craft can be arranged in a school newspaper. You can also prepare wall newspapers for holidays and practice in creative works: to make reports, write interesting essays and essays. Parents should understand that this activity will be useful to the child in any case. Shkolnik, having played a journalist, if desired, can enter a journalistic department of SPBU with less effort.
Specialized education
A popular question among all who seek to connect their lives with journalism: "Do I need a diploma of higher education?". Obtain a specialized education today, you can practically in any major university. Yesterday's schoolchildren are sure that it is better to choose the most prestigious and well-known educational institution. Many people want to enter a journalism department of St. Petersburg State University or Moscow State University. This is a laudable aspiration, but it is not always justified. Journalism is an area in which it is important to have talent and certain abilities. In the absence of their success in the profession is unlikely to help diploma prestigious university. If for some reason there is no possibility to finish the journalism faculty, you can choose a related specialty - linguistics. Diploma of higher education of a journalist is needed only for official accreditation and employment. Today in this area, experts often work without specialized education. These are so-called free journalists, freelance correspondents, as well as copywriters and re-writers. When concluding contracts with such employees, the employer assesses directly the skills and skill level of the applicant. Often, many "self-taught" and non-core educators are much more capable than graduated journalists.
Where is the journalist looking for work?
You can start building a career in journalism before you get a diploma of higher education. The first thing to do is write an article. It is advisable to choose an interesting and relevant topic. Ready work should be sent to the editorial office of the publisher or administrator of the Internet portal. Finding the right contacts today is not difficult. Each newspaper or magazine has its own website, most of these portals have a feedback form through which you can offer material for publication. Do not wait for luck on the first attempt, many successful experts today recall that at the dawn of their careers the editorial thresholds had been inhabited for months before they managed to publish at least a short note. If your entry to the journalism department has already been successfully completed and a diploma has been received, it's time to send your CV along with work examples. You can try to look for work on ads. Useful advice for those who want to work in a particular company - start small, formally arrange for any vacancy. Over time, having mastered and demonstrating your professional qualities, you will certainly achieve an increase to the desired position.
Important qualities for a journalist
With the question: "How to become a journalist?" We almost figured out. Now the main thing is how to achieve success in the chosen profession? In order to become a good journalist, you need to have a number of professional qualities. Do not get by in this profession without oratorical skills and good communication skills. The journalist should be able to speak beautifully, not be afraid to communicate with people, quickly respond to unexpected statements and answers of the interlocutor. You can learn all this on the courses of oratory. It will be useful to increase your self-esteem and get rid of shyness. Train daily - get acquainted on the street, start conversations with passers-by. To develop a writer's gift will help to maintain a personal blog. Modern journalism can boast of freedom of speech and expression of thoughts. But if you want to work in a serious, respected publication, you need to have a rich vocabulary. Try to read more, paying the most attention to classical literature.
Pitfalls of the profession
Dreaming of a career in the field of journalism, it would be superfluous to assess all the pros and cons of this profession. Most journalists have a non-standard working day. Even specialists who are employed in the staff of a newspaper or television channel, from time to time, prepare material for the morning publication / broadcast all night. If you choose journalism as the main field of activity, prepare for the fact that you will have to write constantly, and not just "according to your mood." Often a journalist has to pay attention to completely uninteresting events and topics. In addition, not all professionals can boast a stable income. Freelance correspondents often get paid for each received material without having a monthly salary. Before thinking about how to become a journalist, decide whether you are afraid of all the disadvantages of this profession. And only if they seem insignificant to you, safely try yourself in this craft!