Ready to Jump Into Journalism? Here’s What You Need to Know

Since the invention of the printing press in the 15th century (1450 to be exact), journalism has been a powerful force across all cultures. Whether it’s informing the public on important information, or arguing for human and social rights, journalism has proven an agent of social change time and time again. 

Historically a noble and influential profession for centuries, its key characteristics have changed dramatically with the development of the digital world. The drive to convert to digital journalism has led to nearly nine out of 10 people now sourcing their news online. But with this diminishment, new digital journalism opportunities have leapt to the forefront. 

So, just what are the top jobs in journalism today? And, what’s the best way to get started in this field as a high school student, such as college prep courses? The options are many.

First up, top traditional and contemporary jobs in journalism.

Top traditional and contemporary jobs in journalism

Regardless of the onslaught of digital capabilities in relaying the news, traditional professions still exist, though not nearly as popular as they were two decades ago. Here are 6: 

1. Print Journalists gather information about news events or current topics, organize the information into a story, and communicate the story in print.
2. Broadcast Journalism, also known as electronic journalism, is the process of gathering and distributing information via radio and television (e.g., broadcast). 
3. Photojournalism uses images to tell a news story and enhance the communication of news to the readers. Photojournalists use their cameras as their main tool to capture the visual representation of a story to appear in print or online media.
4. Investigative Journalists work diligently to uncover in-depth stories on a topic of public interest. The work of investigative journalists often leads to large-scale debate and, at times, shapes history.
5. Political Journalists inform the public about political elections, candidates, federal elections, and other political activities, from local to national and international news.
6. Editors oversee the content of a publication, which can be in a print or digital format. They decide what to cover, how to prioritize stories, and direct reporters on assignments. They also edit reporters’ work, come up with strong headlines, and coordinate their team.

The world is indeed moving away from these traditional jobs as digital capabilities abound, here are the journalism careers that are heating up.

Contemporary jobs in journalism

Almost every industry needs writers to communicate ideas and sell their stories, whether that’s for web copy or ad text. Here are a few of the more modern options for budding journalists.

• Broadcast Journalism 2.0 are the more unique modern methods of broadcasting yourself to the world. Beyond those that you see on the television or hear through the radio, vloggers and podcasters are the new iteration of broadcast journalism. 
• Grant Writer researches funding opportunities and writes high-quality proposals for different organizations. They can work for a specific company, act as a consultant, or work in a freelance capacity.
• Content Writer/Copywriter creates advertising and other promotional materials for businesses and nonprofit organizations, including social media, online ads, product packaging copy, blogs, sell sheets, and marketing.
• Freelance Writer uses their communication, storytelling, and writing skills to produce content for clients. This work can include articles, blog posts, newsletters, website copy, emails, and internal company documents.
• Content Editor acts as “a second set of eyes” on the writing created by content writers. In addition to line-editing for writers (checking for grammatical and factual errors), content editors help conceptualize the overall tone and direction of a story or article. 
• Content Manager oversees a company’s content strategy, while developing and maintaining its brand identity. They use data analysis to determine which topics their team should cover, and oversee a team of content writers and editors.
• Communications Manager oversees communications specialists and teams across all kinds of industries. Whether for marketing or internal communication, they help create promotional and informative materials and track their effectiveness. 
• Public Relations Specialist: PR professionals create and maintain the positive public image of a company or individual. This involves social media strategy, fielding questions from journalists, and organizing client schedules. It’s a public-facing communications role that uses quite a few journalism skills, like crisis management and interviewing.
  

Now that we’ve covered the exciting career options in this fast-paced industry, let’s review how you can get started as a high school student.

How you can get started in journalism while in high school

There are a myriad of ways that motivated high school students like you can jumpstart your journalism career. Let’s review 10 traditional and contemporary options. 

1. AP Classes in English language and English literature are exemplary AP classes to take in high school for media. They help you become more accustomed to college-level work, and look great on college resumes.
2. Debate Club is an organization that emphasizes and develops public speaking, research, and discourse skills through competitive or non-competitive debates. 
3. Toastmasters is an international nonprofit club that teaches public speaking and leadership skills through a worldwide network of clubs. Located across the country, each club is an easy Google search away.
4. School Newspaper is a publication produced solely by a school's students, and led by a teacher sponsor. Working with your school’s newspaper provides you with a platform for expression, helps you develop critical thinking, and builds your journalism skills.
5. Summer Enrichment Programs, or online prep courses available year-round, provide an excellent opportunity to test out your interest in journalism before college. In particular, the Georgetown University Journalism and Media pre-college course provides you the chance to learn how to craft a story, interview subjects, and identify pitfalls within the industry.
6. Writing Contests provide you a unique platform to hone your writing skills, express your creativity, and gain recognition. These contests serve as a valuable opportunity for you to challenge yourself, explore different genres, and potentially earn awards or scholarships.
7. Internships are a common, and beneficial, way for you to ease your way into the industry. Specifically, internships allow you to connect your studies with real-world experience, develop relevant skills and marketability, identify with a mentor, create a personal portfolio, and increase self-confidence.
8. Volunteer work is remarkable at any phase of life, including during high school. In addition to common benefits like building a community and improving your communications skills, volunteering allows you to develop skills in leadership, communication, time management, decision making, curiosity, creativity, and empathy. 
9. Blog writing offers many advantages: you can choose what to write about, when to post it, and how it is disseminated to the world. Plus, this unique skill will look great on college applications. 
10. Substack is a free American online platform that provides publishing, payment, analytics, and design infrastructure to support subscription newsletters. It allows writers to send digital newsletters directly to subscribers.

With all these tools available, getting a head start in journalism is completely within your reach. Learn more today.