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Journalism

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  2. Academics
  3. Majors
  4. Journalism
  5. Careers

Related Skills

  • Develop excellent writing and grammar skills.
  • Demonstrate enthusiasm, interpersonal skills, team work, integrity, good judgment, and intelligence.
  • Meet Our Faculty
  • Careers
  • Course Requirements (Catalog)
  • Sample Plans of Study

Contact

Career Industry Liaison

Kristy DeWall
(309) 438-2200
223 Bone Student Center

Internship Coordinators

Laura Trendle Polus
(309) 438-5484
025C Fell Hall
Broadcast

Phillip Chidester
(309) 438-7815
452 Fell Hall
Print

Being Successful in the Field

  • Experience with campus publications is a must.
  • Choose the most writing intensive coursework possible.
  • Read extensively in areas of interest.
  • Begin cultivating creative talents as soon as possible. Develop a portfolio of creative materials related to career goals. Internships are crucial in obtaining experience, building relationships and reality testing career choices
  • Be prepared to begin a journalism career in a small market, performing entry-level tasks before moving to larger markets and positions with more creative freedom and responsibility.

Related Fields

Newspaper Publishing

  • Reporting
  • Editorial/Column Writing
  • Investigative Journalism
  • Editing
  • Proofreading
  • Photojournalism
  • Circulation
  • Marketing/Promotion
  • Production
  • Sports

Employers

  • Large circulation newspapers
  • Local newspapers
  • Wire services
  • Trade newspapers
  • Online publishers

Strategies

  • Obtain a summer job or internship with newspaper.
  • Work with college newspaper, yearbook, or alumni publication.
  • Take an active role, preferably leadership, in journalism organizations.
  • Demonstrate curiosity, high energy level, ability to produce under pressure and withstand criticism.
  • Develop excellent grammar and writing skills.
  • Create a portfolio of writing samples, especially those that have been published.
  • Seek opportunities for recognition and networking through writing contests and freelance writing submissions.
  • Build relationships with campus and community leaders as well as athletes for interview opportunities and experience.

Magazine/Newsletter Publishing

  • Writing
  • Editing
  • Advertising/Sales
  • Promotion
  • Circulation
  • Design, Art, and Production
  • Investigative Journalism
  • Photojournalism

Employers

  • Major publishers
  • Consumer magazines
  • News magazines
  • Specialized magazines
  • Technical and industrial publications
  • Professional publications/associations
  • Merchandising and trade publications
  • Labor unions
  • Academic journals
  • Corporate in-house publications
  • Religious organizations

Strategies

  • Secure internship with publisher.
  • Work on campus publications.
  • Find part-time or summer job with newspaper, magazine, or print shop.
  • Obtain sales experience.
  • Join a professional journalism organization.
  • Demonstrate creative spirit, writing skills, verbal skills, and proof reading ability.
  • Create a portfolio of writing samples.
  • Consider obtaining a minor in photography for photo journalistic specialty.

Book Publishing

  • Editing
  • Sales
  • Promotion
  • Publicity
  • Production
  • Subsidiary Rights

Employers

  • Publishers including: Tradebooks, Children’s books, Paperbacks, Textbooks
  • Book clubs
  • University presses
  • Religious presses
  • Technical, scientific, or medical presses
  • Internet sites

Strategies

  • Attend summer publishing institute to sharpen skills and build contacts.
  • Become familiar with word processing, desktop publishing and web page design.
  • Gain knowledge of printing and production. Work with local or regional magazines and campus publications.
  • Work as sales clerk or book buyer in campus or local bookstore.
  • Supplement coursework with technical writing courses for opportunities with technical, scientific, and medical publications.

Writing

  • Technical Writing
  • Creative Writing

Employers

  • Hardware and software manufacturers/developers
  • Technical industries
  • Technical publications (journals, magazines and websites)
  • Research laboratories
  • Government agencies
  • Self-employed/Freelance

Strategies

  • Work on college newspaper or campus publication.
  • Join professional journalismor communications organizations.
  • Develop excellent word processing skills.
  • Perfect clear and concise writing abilities.
  • Demonstrate patience, flexibility, and creativity.
  • Begin submitting manuscripts, essays, articles, etc. for possible publication immediately.
  • Read widely in area of talent and/or interest (e.g., mystery novels, poetry)

Business

  • Advertising
  • Public Relations
  • Special Events
  • Media Relations
  • Fund Raising
  • Business Writing
  • Account Services
  • Print Production
  • Management
  • Administration

Employers

  • Advertising agencies
  • Corporate advertising or public relations departments
  • Media companies (e.g., Turner Broadcasting)
  • Non-profit organizations
  • Colleges and universities
  • Labor unions

Strategies

  • Work in sales at campus newspaper, television, or radio station.
  • Obtain business experience.
  • Complete internship at market research firm. Hone public speaking skills.
  • Seek part-time or summer job with campus public relations or sports information department.

Education

  • Secondary
  • Post-Secondary
  • Publication Advising

Employers

  • Public or private high schools
  • Colleges and universities

Strategies

  • Obtain state teacher certification for high school teaching opportunities.
  • Consider obtaining certification to teach additional subjects such as foreign language, social studies, or English.
  • Actively participate in campus newspaper and yearbook publications.
  • Volunteer to assist local high school students and sponsors with publications.
  • Obtain graduate degree (Masters and/or Doctorate) for college and university teaching opportunities.

Other Professions

  • Feature Writer
  • Free-lance Writer
  • Journalist
  • Newspaper Reporter

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