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I will be graduating next year with a double BA in journalism and political science. Everyone is the field knows that clips are what journalism jobs look for, but I cannot figure out how to approach the situation. Do I call places and see if they are looking for copy on a certain topic? Or do I write the story and see if a publication wants to pick it up? I'm not necessarily looking for pay either, just exposure and clips.
Answer
It's easier than you might think. With a double major, you're an ideal candidate for many publications -- even moreso because you're willing to work for free (at least at first).
Approach editors about the possibility of interning or doing some freelance work. I wouldn't waste my time with unsolicited stories, because there's no guarantee anyone would pick it up.
Go to your state's press association website if there is one. Here, it's http://www.ncpress.com. Job listings abound.
Find a small community or daily paper on the outskirts of a larger area. Small papers are constantly looking for entry level work, and it's not that difficult to find a salary based job. Many of these publications understand that they're a stepping stone to bigger and better things, but they get to "borrow" a good writer for a year or two, and you get some excellent experience.
That was my first experience. I graduated with an English degree and was the sports editor at a small community paper within six months. Within the first year, I had job offers from two daily papers. They called me. I didn't even send out a resume. They just recognized my writing and wanted to know if I would like to come aboard.
Speaking of sports, that may be your best bet to build some clips, at least in the very beginning. Almost every sports editor I know is stretched very thin, both by staff and budget constraints. They're always on the look-out for talented stringers. Even if sports aren't your thing, it's not too hard to follow what's going on and talk to the coach after the game. It might be that foot in the door you need.
Get involved with your campus newspaper if you haven't already. Those clips turn into clips you can use to land an internship or a first job.
It's easier than you might think. With a double major, you're an ideal candidate for many publications -- even moreso because you're willing to work for free (at least at first).
Approach editors about the possibility of interning or doing some freelance work. I wouldn't waste my time with unsolicited stories, because there's no guarantee anyone would pick it up.
Go to your state's press association website if there is one. Here, it's http://www.ncpress.com. Job listings abound.
Find a small community or daily paper on the outskirts of a larger area. Small papers are constantly looking for entry level work, and it's not that difficult to find a salary based job. Many of these publications understand that they're a stepping stone to bigger and better things, but they get to "borrow" a good writer for a year or two, and you get some excellent experience.
That was my first experience. I graduated with an English degree and was the sports editor at a small community paper within six months. Within the first year, I had job offers from two daily papers. They called me. I didn't even send out a resume. They just recognized my writing and wanted to know if I would like to come aboard.
Speaking of sports, that may be your best bet to build some clips, at least in the very beginning. Almost every sports editor I know is stretched very thin, both by staff and budget constraints. They're always on the look-out for talented stringers. Even if sports aren't your thing, it's not too hard to follow what's going on and talk to the coach after the game. It might be that foot in the door you need.
Get involved with your campus newspaper if you haven't already. Those clips turn into clips you can use to land an internship or a first job.
Can Video Game Journalism Pay Enough to support me?
So I was thinking recently and I am really interested by video game journalism and am considering a career in this but my Dad doesn't think it will pay enough to support me. He also acknowledges that it involves 2 things I love. That's writing and video games. Can anyone give me more info on a job as a Video Game Journalist?
Answer
How many major, paid outlets are there for this type of journalism. You have a few gaming magazines, and a few web sites. Do you think you can write as well as the people in those magazines. What do you think will distinguish you above anyone else when if comes to getting a job there. How many writers do they have on staff.
To me, it seems like a small niche field with a lot of entrants but not a lot of demand. Focus on the journalism and hope for the video game beat, but don't count on it.
How many major, paid outlets are there for this type of journalism. You have a few gaming magazines, and a few web sites. Do you think you can write as well as the people in those magazines. What do you think will distinguish you above anyone else when if comes to getting a job there. How many writers do they have on staff.
To me, it seems like a small niche field with a lot of entrants but not a lot of demand. Focus on the journalism and hope for the video game beat, but don't count on it.
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