Any advice for landing your first journalism job? A friend's daughter is fresh out of college and struggling. How did you crack into the industry?

like
Posting as :
works at
You are currently posting as works at

I was lucky enough to find an internship opportunity during my time in college, so I used that as leverage to get my very first job in the industry. That was a while ago, though, and the job landscape is a lot different these days. A lot of people are out of a job so things are quite competitive. This person is going to need to apply like crazy or hope that they can somehow get a referral to get some traction.

like

Every job I got was a result of my clips/content I produced, first as a J-school major at the college newspaper, magazine and radio station. I also went after multiple internships at media outlets so I could learn the ropes and build a network. In 2024, creating your own website to display your work is also a cheap and easy way to get your published content and your bio out to prospective employers. Bottom line — it’s about how much hustle you have, especially in these times.

I worked on the campus newspaper and interned at the local daily newspaper, so the editors were familiar with me when I graduated. I was given a rural bureau manager's position, in charge of three correspondents. That led to a newsroom position with a small daily that quickly led to an editorial position and more exposure to larger markets. Things have changed since then. I would still advise starting out with a local weekly or daily newspaper, build your skills and reputation, and then move onward and upward from there. If you are in broadcast journalism (something we always called an "oxymoron") the same is true. Start small and move up. The small papers and TV stations realize, accept and even expect to be training grounds. That's why they can get away with paying a reporter with a college degree less than the local department store pays their cashiers with a GED.

It's worth while to create an E-Portfolio with all of her writing/journalism pieces. Even if she didn't have an internship, it still looks good if a portfolio shows that she gained a lot of experience producing content and meeting deadlines with various organizations. I didn't have any internships in college, but my experience with campus organizations still landed me a news job fresh out of college.

Internships and fellowships are great to get a foot in the door. Ask her to check with her college's career advisor for help. Maybe consider an assistant job at her college too? Does she have a beat? Consider business journalism, there are a lot more hiring in that field than in general assignment. Can she specialize? Is she good with data? Every skill helps. Can she volunteer for a local paper or blog? Getting clips and samples will boost her profile. Can she freelance? Most major publications have a pitching process and it's a great way to get her a byline.

I hope that helps! Journo is hard, but it is very rewarding when you see your work out there. Good luck!

Jennifer Dale is the head of recruiting for Gray TV. They offer paid internships & help place new grads into stations. Her email is Jennifer.Dale@gray.tv

Related Posts

I feel like I'm stuck in limbo.

Not enough experience to become a Senior designer, but too much to be a junior.

And there hardly any intermediate roles out there.

like

Please help me choose the right offer. 1) BOA ( 20 fixed ) 2) HSBC ( 18 fixed ) 3) CITI ( 25 fixed ) 4) EXL ( 20 FIXED + 3 JOB + 2.24 VAR) Location: All Banglore I have 20 days left in NP. Yoe: 3

HSBC

I am looking for growth with decent wlb.

like

What designation i can expect iat Capgemini of joining as a Lateral?

I have total 11.5 YoE

like

Hi Guys,

I have offers from Amadeus Labs, and Powerschool similar roles, same package. Any recommendations based on work culture, growth, salary hike?
Thanks in advance.

like

Can anyone help me evaluate whether I should take an exit opportunity. Currently in big 4 (fsrm) and have the opportunity to join a f250 payments firms internal strategy division. They report directly to the c-suite and said they mainly focus on strategy or M&A and don’t do implementation. The team seems really nice but I’m just worried about leaving consulting and leaving the accelerated progression. Would love some insights as I’m fairly lost on what to decide. Thanks!

like

So I just started a new job in sales (B2B specifically). All my life I’ve been in blue collar jobs, military, then construction work ect. I don’t have much money saved to get myself my own business cards as I’m sure they are important to have, I’ve got all the info that I need to go out and start selling. I guess what I’m looking for is just tips on how you guys were successful walking into a whole new arena if that makes sense?

like

Aside from just time and experience, is there anything I can actively do to advance in my career and get more responsibility / client interaction? I’m a first year

like

I have an interview for an in house position (only attorney) at a small non-profit focused on conservation easements. I am a transactional associate at a mid sized law firm. The prospect of freedom from the billable hour and contributing to meaningful work are the draws. The cons are that while the salary at the non-profit would only be slightly less than what I am making now, pay increases and opportunities for advancement will be much less than where I am now. Thoughts on making the shift?

like

Litigators that transitioned to M&A/PE early on in their career, how did you do it? I have an educational finance background, but no work experience in that area (just some general business consulting) & trying to get my foot in the door…

like

Has anyone moved from FDD to Strategy? I have an offer for FDD but long term goal is to break into strategy. Don’t want to have to get an MBA unless it’s firm sponsored…and FDD is easier to get in compared to Strategy

like

Hello and welcome to the bowl! Please feel free to post questions, share insights and provide anecdotes from your current or future careers!

Respected fishes need info on starting career in Cybersecurity space..
How and from where to start?
I work in IT Reporting area and want to switch in Cyber .. have around 15 years and exp and handle Team..
Any advise appreciated

like

With everything going on economy wise, should I try to get out of working for ExxonMobil and get into cyber security sales? What would be safer?

like

I have been looking at the curriculums for Harvard Business School's Master of Business Administration and Harvard Extension School's Master's in Management. They both have the same requirements, generally speaking, including a field immersion course that serves as a capstone in the Master's in Management, which is fairly new. If I am not able to gain admission to Harvard Business School, but wanted a similar educational experience to become a consultant, should I attend Harvard Extension?

like

Have you ever quit a freelance job after taking it because you realized it was going to be absolutely terrible?

like

Recently got my CPA license in August & considering leaving public accounting for Industry. Should I expect my new role to pay for my CPA license renewals/AICPA membership/CPE classes? These things add up &I feel like should be considered when transitioning. Thoughts?

like

Can you please suggest which one is better among logicmojo vs learnbay for Data Structures and Algorithm Instructor led course?

Please share your experience if any.

like

Transitioning from line of business familiarity (understanding financial statements) to... real(?) Finance (bonds and cap markets and other debt sales) any advice on books or resources to learn really from step 0?

like

Looking for input on changing positions from a Buyer to an International Logistics Coordinator. I have international freight experience and have a potential opportunity. Financially, the move makes a lot of sense. Would this be good for career trajectory? For context, I have been a buyer for several years and this is my first 'real' job, so pretty early in my career.

In a serious relationship for the first time since starting with the firm. Advice on how to balance career and personal life? I promote to manager this fall and want to succeed in both realms

like

More Posts

What are the Grade in TCS ??

C2 vs C3A what are the differences.....in policy and specially in insurance and if any other benefits

Kindly share the differences between C2 IT analyst vs C3A assistant consultant

like

At a happy hour and my boss just told me she wants me. Currently in an Uber going back to her place. AMA

likefunnyuplifting

Anyone marry their law school sweetheart?

like

I recently transitioned from a small, boutique agency to a global agency — meaning I went from being on an account team of 2, to being on a team of 10+. I’m also not currently managing anyone (and I miss it!). I entered this new role promising myself to set new boundaries since I’m used to measuring my success by my stress level. However, old habits die hard. I feel underutilized six months into the role. How can I adjust to finally having support and resources after years of abuse?

likesmart

Deloitte Anyone from deloitte applied for National Interest Exception(NIE) and approved under H1b category

likefunny

HR shared offer letter yesterday and sent linkdin request. How to deal with this situation as he can track my activity like ( likes on job post opportunity, Open for work etc..)
Note - 2 month of notice period to serve to get counter offer

like
like

Hi Fishes,
I have 6 YOE in financial reporting, if an opportunity in Morgan Stanley in fund accounting arises, should I go ahead with it or would it be a reverse step career wise, would appreciate insights on same and also of MSFS Fund accounting culture, WLB, if anyone can help with the same...
Thanks in advance, would appreciate your help

I am working for almost 2.5 years in forecasting team in IQVIA as a consultant. 4 years in ZS before that.

Can I have list of all the companies I can apply to from here on? Priority is wlb and decent salary.

I am going way over budget but 1. Even s seniors have admitted some unique circumstances have happened and 2. I’m working like insane hours 3. I’m trying - I can tell by tone management is not happy with me. I’m legit trying the best I can ....

like

Does Deloitte and PWC has a dedicated app sec pen-test team? What percent of the time do you travel? Do you guys work from home or need relocation to any place in US?

like

Looking for a good recruiter in central to puppet Florida...anyone have any one that they can recommend?

Agency recruiters, how would you rate today’s market for creatives? Is it more of a freelancers’ market or is it tight for everyone at the moment?

like

Why is it better to work in a product based company than a service based company like Capgemini, TCS etc?

like

Hi I may be taking a secondment to PwC Sydney as a tax manager (over 1 year in grade). What salary should I expect and is it enough to comfortably afford a 1/2 bed apartment in a decent location? (My partner is moving too but earns substantially less than me)

like

Accenture India Hello Amazonians, my joining date is on 30th May and I have received no communication regarding my first day. Any idea when will i start getting emails. Role: cloud support associate Amazon Amazon Web Services Amazon India Accenture

like

Received an offer for a CMBS Origination role (BB). What are the hours generally like within these groups?

likehelpful

Looking for job _senior tax associate in PA. Please let me know if there's opportunity available. (US West)

Thank you

like

Any thoughts on Latham’s IP Litigation practice in the Bay Area?

like

Additional Posts in Jobs in News & Media

I've been job hunting for a while now, and have yet to secure anything. I've made it through to the writing test a few times but haven't succeeded. I know I have the skill, but I struggle to even get an interview at most places. I'm pretty new out of college, but I'm in Atlanta and I feel like there aren't tons of entry-level positions in the area. Any tips for a new professional? Not sure how to level up my approach to job hunting, but I feel like there's always something I can do.

like

Does anyone know if sites like Forbes or Inc. are accepting freelance article submissions right now?

like

New to Fishbowl?

Download the Fishbowl app to
unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.
That was just a preview…
Sign Up to see all discussions
  • Discover what it’s like to work at companies from real professionals
  • Get candid advice from people in your field in a safe space
  • Chat and network with other professionals in your field
Sign up in seconds to unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.

Already a user?
Login here

Share

Embed this post

Copy and paste embed code on your site

Preview

Download the
Fishbowl app

See what’s happening in your industry
from the palm of your hand.

A phone with Fishbowl app

Scan your QR code to download
Fishbowl app on your mobile

Download app

Sign up for free to view this conversation on Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Already have an account? Log in

Sign up for free to continue using Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use(New) and Privacy Policy(New)
Messaging rates may apply

Already have an account? Log in

For account settings, visit Fishbowl on Desktop Browser or

General

Legal