(Untitled)

[sunshinekiid]

Well, I have never exactly been set on one career for my whole life. Hence I am in a gen ed program in a pretty crappy university, taking a variety of courses. I've wanted to pursue really random careers, from a pediatrician, to music teacher. Two completely different occupations. Now I've finally think I'm set on getting into journalism, it was

Comments

[villagecharm]

The university newspaper is a good place to start. That should give you an idea if you like journalism - if you have a knack for reporting and writing, and can handle others reading, altering and criticizing your work. Presumably your university paper also has at least one foot in the digital age, which will give you a feel for where the industry is now - video, social networking, interacting with readers, etc. Try that for a while and see what you think.

Also, as I'm sure others here will tell you, pediatrician and music teacher are both more promising options than journalist, in terms of landing a stable, paying job after college. I don't want to be discouraging, but journalism is a rapidly shrinking industry, and for all the talk of "new models," no one has really figured out a way to replace the old way of doing business. Unless you can't imagine life as anything other than a journalist, you might want to consider other options.

[notgruntled]

Well, I have never exactly been set on one career for my whole life. (vague modifier) Hence I am in a gen ed (spell out) program in a pretty crappy university, taking a variety of courses (Isn't that what "gen ed" means?). I've wanted to pursue really random careers, from a pediatrician, to music teacher. Two completely different occupations (frag). Now I've finally think I'm set on getting into journalism, (comma splice) it was always an occupation I had considered, and one of the only (meaningless phrase) ones that I haven't changed my mind about. However, I've never taken part in any part of newspapers, or publications at all what so ever.. And now I have to start getting some published work, (so I'm volunteering at the university newspaper). ¶ Is (agr.) there any tips or advice anyone can give me? I feel like a real newbie and to be honest, I am kind of self-conscious of people reading my work. I'm also scared shitless that getting into it may ruin it for me.. (What does that mean? That if you try it and don't like it, you'll have

[daisho]

I echo all this. If the original poster isn't sure about being a journalist, I strongly suggest finding out for sure before committing to a journalism course.

[brainstems]

The first thing you should do is get over people reading and criticizing your work. If it's going in a newspaper, everyone is going to see it. If you write for a larger newspaper, crazy people will call you every time you write anything and comment on it, often with harsh tones and horrible criticism. Also, your editor will be damned if he/she is going to let any sub-par copy into the newspaper, so it WILL be criticized.
I wish my editor was more critical! It would save my ass from the general public calling to notify me about typos, etc.

[miss_sunshine82]

Among the 1001 other things people could tell you, at the most basic level make sure you know what you mean by "journalist" - what it is specifically that you want to do and what your options are

[polymorphous]

"Maybe I wont be able to write what I'm told to write about" ... well, yes - they pay you and expect you to write what they tell you to. seems fair to me