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Journalism is an important part of any democracy. The journalist is an important source of information, news and context. They are required to explain complex issues to a broad audience, tell stories and relate the news of the day.
Most people read the newspaper and watch the evening news. Many have been inspired by All the President’s Men and other movies. As a result many people think they might enjoy a career jetting around the world covering world events, interacting with the movers and shakers; a first witness to history. But how many of those people ask themselves are they really journalist material. Do they have the basic skills necessary to do the job, can they write well; if they are in front of the camera, do they have an engaging style; do they have the ability to tell stories; do they have an eye for a potential story and the guile and drive to follow it through; are they fearless in the face of denial, obfuscation and intimidation; are they brave enough to ask the tough questions and resourceful enough to seek out answers where none are easily found; can they handle pressure and deadlines; can they organize their thoughts quickly?
Journalism has a wide range of career options from big city newspaper reporters and network correspondents to small town journalists, from magazine and freelance writers to the world of new media. But whatever the medium, all journalists must possess the ability to tell a compelling story, get the facts correct and write or report clearly. All must be able to organize facts, spot the core story and interview sources.
Another constant of journalism is the deadline. Whether it is hourly, daily or weekly all journalists must be able to meet deadlines and deal with the inevitable pressure they bring. With deadline’s looming, journalists are required to complete their assignments professionally and ethically. The unrelenting pressures of deadlines are the most stressful and exhilarating part of the journalist’s job.
Another pressure journalists must deal with is the hours required. News is a 24/7 phenomenon. Journalists are often required to work long hours in difficult situations, in some cases dangerous situations and have to maintain their professionalism at all times. Those looking for an easy nine to five job should consider another career.
While some outlets do not hide their political affiliation, journalists are required to maintain objectivity. However, journalists do have a point of view and have to understand it is often difficult to maintain impartiality.
While most journalists can take course to learn some of the nuts and bolts of the profession there are a number of skills that are not learned in a classroom -- a nose for a story the instinct to follow it no matter where it goes. The ability to draw a story out of a source and the considerable interpersonal skills are also innate skills of the best reporters.
Another key skill the ability to work with editors and copy editors. Editors can spike stories, demand more information, change emphasis and edit out some of your best writing. It comes with the territory and it is important for a potential journalist to be able deal with that challenge and lose a little of the ego.
A career in journalism rarely follows a prescribed path. Some careers are meteoric while others are long and arduous. Most of today’s journalists take a journalism or communications course and from there join a smaller news organization. A few journalists enter the fields from other professions that give them specialist knowledge. With considerable hard work and a dedication to learning the craft by actually doing the job day in and day out a journalist can have a productive and rewarding career. Those who learn quickly possess endurance and resilience, and hone the skills required can move onto the big city newspaper or TV station and take advantage of the many opportunities the profession can offer.
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