Do you absolutely have to go to college to become a freelance journalist?
December 312009
I love writing articles and have been told by many teachers, adults, friends, etc. that I should get into journalism. However, I have no money for school and I’m about to have my first child.
What all does it take to get into the journalism field?
It takes writing talent, talent that can be enhanced through work with a mentor. Rather than spend money on tuition, I’d consider finding a talented journalist or writer or poet in the area who will coach you. Sometimes, writers give classes that can be of benefit.
Working for a large national news organization can be a soul-sucking experience. It’s the editorial staff and top executives who decide what articles and topics get exposure. Often, it’s the sensational, violent, sexual, distractions rather than true news stories. The Internet provides you with opportunities to blog and self-publish.
Personally, I’d rather publish my own with my own editorial control. The media totally fails to provide stories that help people with their personal and spiritual (whatever that means) growth. Mainstream media provide distraction rather than truth. I’d focus on learning more about what Noam Chomsky has to say about US foreign policy rather than what PBS or FOX news programs provide. Mainstream media just reports the power elite spin on the news.
December 31st, 2009 at 12:53 pm
The right contacts, and determination.
You should ask local newspapers or radio stations if you can do some unpaid work to gain some experience.
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December 31st, 2009 at 1:22 pm
Here’s what I was told…."you can’t tell them what to do with their degree …unless you have one similar or better.",,,also,Human Resources people have to have some way to cover their butts when hiring employees so they rely heavily on the education system’s methods and totem poles (degrees) to make sure they are hiring the right people. Getting around these ‘gatekeepers’ is nigh unto imposssible without a degree of some sort….so, your only avenue would be to connect with the publisher directly…armed with a portfolio of your writing and your willingness to work for next to nothing for a very long time. Try the Weekly in your area first.
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my ancient bullfrogs
December 31st, 2009 at 1:46 pm
no just write an articles and turn them in at a journalist canter
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December 31st, 2009 at 1:56 pm
Here’s the thing, employers look for a degree of some sort, if you don’t have one, they most likely will not hire you. They like to hire someone with an educational experience in the field.
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December 31st, 2009 at 2:36 pm
It takes writing talent, talent that can be enhanced through work with a mentor. Rather than spend money on tuition, I’d consider finding a talented journalist or writer or poet in the area who will coach you. Sometimes, writers give classes that can be of benefit.
Working for a large national news organization can be a soul-sucking experience. It’s the editorial staff and top executives who decide what articles and topics get exposure. Often, it’s the sensational, violent, sexual, distractions rather than true news stories. The Internet provides you with opportunities to blog and self-publish.
Personally, I’d rather publish my own with my own editorial control. The media totally fails to provide stories that help people with their personal and spiritual (whatever that means) growth. Mainstream media provide distraction rather than truth. I’d focus on learning more about what Noam Chomsky has to say about US foreign policy rather than what PBS or FOX news programs provide. Mainstream media just reports the power elite spin on the news.
References :
December 31st, 2009 at 3:07 pm
Yes. You have to get a degree in order for a future employer to even look at you.
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