Journalism?

irishgirl10

I'm thinking of going into Journalism after school, but I dont want to do an actual Journalism course as I really dont want to be restricted, seeing as Im sorta thinking of teaching also. I was just wondering what would be the best course to do for Journalism? I'm doing Economics so I'm thinking of that maybe?

Shazanne

I wont give you career advice but as someone who has been in the business all my life just make sure that you choose a course that concentrates on web media as opposed to print.
Plus, you would be well advised to keep your options open at the current time - I have a son and daughter who both have Masters in Journalism (one with First Class Honours) and neither has a job!

jonesy93

Apparently philosophy is supposed to equip its graduates with the nessecary skills for journalism, so too with law. however in today's competitive market I would definitly reccomend a masters in journalsim.

irishgirl10

Thanks for the replies! I'd be reluctant to do an actual Journalism degree as like I said before it can be quiet restricting, and I've been told you are more likely to get a job if you have a sepcific degree in areas such as Economics, Business ect, rather than a general Journalism degree?? At the moment I'm thinking of BESS in Trinity as its an immensly diverse course, focusing on Business, Economics and Social studies, as well as doing either Law or Spanish as an elective. The points are a bit high for me though

highlydebased

Start building a portfolio now. The more you have behind you, the better

irishgirl10

Yeah thats a good idea. I already was nominated for a journalism award and I was also editor of our school magazine, thats gotta count for something!

Smartly Dressed

Neon-Circles wrote: »

Start building a portfolio now. The more you have behind you, the better

How is this best done? Do I just write articles and submit them to the local newspaper and ask them to publish it?

Also, I noticed that my local newspaper makes quite a number of spelling errors which could be avoided with a simple proof read. Would it be worth my time offering my proof reading services over the summer in return for some work experience or would that seem incredibly arrogant?

highlydebased

Smartly Dressed wrote: »

How is this best done? Do I just write articles and submit them to the local newspaper and ask them to publish it?

Also, I noticed that my local newspaper makes quite a number of spelling errors which could be avoided with a simple proof read. Would it be worth my time offering my proof reading services over the summer in return for some work experience or would that seem incredibly arrogant?

Most small local papers will take articles. If you're in college write for the college paper, the majority have one. If there is a particular hobby you have consider writing for magazines in relation to it- they usually accept articles and pay well for them

Fad

Doing a straight journalism degree is supposed to be an awful way of getting into journalism.

Do a degree in something you're actually interested in, write, a lot, for whatever will print you (College papers are good). Editing a college paper is free (Even paid sometimes!) and it supposed to be a way to learn all the skills a journalism degree would teach you.

Shazanne

A straight degree in journalism is most certainly NOT an "awful way" to get into journalism! It is certainly not by any means the only route, but to describe in in those term to a student is most irresponsible in my opinion.
I do agree with studying other arts subjects at under-graduate level and, as many of those I have worked with over the years have done, do a Post-Grad/Masters in Journalism. However, many of the under-grad programmes have a good work experience module, which is highly beneficial to students and you would be surprised at how many actually change their minds about journalism when they are faced with working in a newsroom.
The advice on having your work printed is wise and to be strongly encouraged. And always keep a folder/portfolio of printed work that you can show at future interviews.