Journalism isn’t just about writing and editing; it includes all aspects of multimedia communication. Whether you’re a high school student hoping to find your way in the world of journalism, or a recent college grad looking for a career plan that can be flexible with the reporting job market’s positives and negatives, this article will provide you with some helpful insights on what may be the best career choices available. Here are ten different job positions you might like to consider.
1. Photojournalist
This is a position for those with a strong eye for photography and the ability to capture images that can incite the imagination of their audience. Many photojournalists use traditional film cameras and digital imaging tools, so experience in both areas is probably required. This can be an exciting career choice, but it certainly isn’t glamorous at all times. You may find yourself covering murders and other horrific events, but you will be able to provide your readers with images that they can’t get anywhere else.
2. Multimedia Web Editor
A multimedia editor is exactly what it sounds like; an editor who can assemble and oversee multimedia projects of all kinds, especially those on the web. You’ll be responsible for creating graphics, illustrations, and photographs for your website, and you’ll want to make sure those projects fit within the guidelines established by the webmaster. The job can be challenging in many ways, but it’s rewarding too; you’ll have to learn many new skills in this position if you’re going to hold your own with seasoned journalists.
3. Copy Editor
This is one of the most important positions in journalism, and it is one that reporters and editors often have to fill when they don’t have enough time or when they aren’t competent in this area. Copy editors should be excellent writers themselves; otherwise, their superiors will constantly find their work rewritten. Fortunately, if you don’t like having your work edited or rewritten by others, plenty of other options are available.
4. Public Relations Specialist
PR specialists are expected to be self-starters who can take care of the necessary paperwork handling public relations for a business or individual. You’ll be expected to organize press conferences and media interviews, handle the arranging of speaking events, and even oversee the handling of social media. This can be a very demanding job, but it also commands respect in many circles. This is a high-stress job due to constant deadlines, so it is not for those who do not thrive on stress.
5. Copywriter
The term copywriting is sometimes used to describe everything from journalism to technical writing, but it’s typically used about advertising or marketing material of one type or another. You may write scripts for television ads or websites designed to entice potential customers to buy specific products. If you enjoy working with words and can express yourself clearly, this might be just the job for you.
6. Technical Writer
Many people often misunderstand the technical writing field and don’t realize that it’s not just about science fiction or business material. Technicians of all types need to be able to communicate in understandable terms to give directions to other technicians who have little or no background in their line of work. This isn’t a job that will make you rich, but it can help you get your foot in the door when you’re looking for more creative opportunities down the road.
7. Public Relations Manager
A public relations manager is responsible for managing the PR communications of a business or organization, and they are often hired by the business they represent as part of an employee team. You’ll be expected to handle all PR needs, from writing press releases and creating social media content to handling internal staff and ensuring that all campaigns are running smoothly. You’ll have plenty of responsibilities, but you will also have lots of flexibility during meetings during the workday.
8. Training Specialist
If you’re interested in journalism, then this job might sound familiar; you may remember that it’s responsible for all types of training for new workers who head into a specific field in the future. These specialists organize and teach journalists how to write effectively and learn how to shoot videos and edit images. You’ll be expected to be very patient, creative, and innovative when you’re teaching others, so if that appeals to you, then this might be the right job for you.
9. Communications Coordinator
Many companies will find a way to funnel their PR information through the communications department, which is exactly what you’ll be doing as a communications coordinator in journalism. You’ll create keepsake documents, e-mails, and texts for clients, along with a variety of other admin tasks. This can be a very lucrative job at times, but you’ll need to be creative and able to think outside the box to take advantage of potential opportunities for advancement.
10. Freelance Journalist
Many people assume that freelance journalism is reserved for those already published in an established publication, but this isn’t necessarily true. Yes, it will help if a major magazine or newspaper has already published you, but it’s not always necessary. If you do choose to go the freelance route, then you’ll want to work hard and make sure that you’re writing and editing worthwhile material. You’ll have to provide your equipment and pay for your expenses, but you’ll get to write the stories that interest you most.
In conclusion, the best career paths in journalism for students differ by specialty, but they are mostly based on individual preferences.