A Career in Journalism

By  DAOUDA  ALIYOU

Pour marquer les activités de fin d’année 2010, une école de Lagos m’a invité pour parler du journalisme en tant que carrière.J’ai fait de mon mieux pour venter notre métier, le quatrième pouvoir. Et ce, au grand plaisir des élèves, les parents d’élèves, les invités et la direction de l’école.

Je partage avec vous mon papier en Anglais s’il vous plait. Je n’ai pas pris la peine de le traduire parceque je sais que mes amis  francophones sont tous bilingues.

Happy reading !

INTRODUCTION

In today’s era of communication and technology, people want to be aware and it is the role of the mass media to spread information about every relevant happening in the world. Newspapers, radio, television and more recently the internet are various means of spreading information and journalists have a very significant role to play in this practice. Politics, economics, art, culture, history, business, sports, entertainment and many other areas are covered by journalists. If you are talented and hard-working, a career in journalism will endow you with a good salary and perhaps even fame. With the growing importance of the media today, the opportunities in this field are numerous and the job is also very demanding and exhilarating at the same time.

 

 What is Journalism ?

Journalism is concerned with collection and dissemination of news through the print media as well as the electronic media. This involves various areas of works like reporting, writing, editing, photographing, broadcasting or cable casting news items. 

Journalism is classified into two on the basis of media- (i) Print Journalism and (ii) Electronic (Audio/Visual) Journalism. Print Journalism includes newspapers, magazines and journals. In print journalism one can work as editors, reporters, columnists, correspondents etc. Electronic journalism includes working for Radio, Television and the Web. In the web, skilled people are required to maintain sites by web newspapers (which cater only to the web and do not have print editions) and popular newspapers and magazines who have their own web editions. In electronic journalism one can be a reporter, writer, editor, researcher, correspondent and anchor. 

 How Do You Break Into A Journalism Career?

For people who are looking forward to a journalism career, there are so many things that they can do to move an inch higher to their dream. For young people who were already to determine in themselves that a journalism career is really the profession that they would want to pursue, they can start gaining all they need to be qualified for the job.

Young ones should be arming themselves with the necessary skills in becoming a journalist such as writing. To do this, they should practice writing articles more often and monitor their improvement. To be more knowledgeable about the craft, they should also enroll in various writing workshops where the resource speakers are the ones who have been in the industry long enough to share their first-hand experiences. Aside from meeting famous writers and journalists, attending writing workshops can also help you improve your craft and will introduce you more into the technicalities of writing such as styles, structures and the like.

To widen your vocabulary, it is also a must that you read the newspaper regularly. Aside from current events and news, reading feature articles in magazines and even novels can help you be familiar with certain writing styles that can help you in creating your own in the future.

When you get to college, it is best to take up a journalism degree in a reputable school. Although this may seem minor, it would matter when credentials would be asked when you apply to a certain publication. Even if you think that you have the best writing skills in town, some employers are looking at track record to determine if you are really fit for the job.

  

What skills do I need?                           

To convince an editor that you are worth appointing, you will need to be able to demonstrate the following:

• An interest in current affairs at all levels -
• A lively interest in people, places and events
• An ability to write in a style which is easy to understand
• Good spelling, grammar and punctuation
• An appreciation of the part a local newspaper plays in the community
• A willingness to accept irregular hours
• An ability to work under pressure to meet deadlines
• Determination and persistence

What qualifications do I need?

You can do a course in journalism right after you pass your senior secondary examination. You also have the choice of doing a professional degree after the completion of your undergraduate course in any subject. A background in humanities is usually  preferred.           

What do I have to study?

Current training courses lead to a variety of qualifications but all courses cover those aspects of law, public affairs and newspaper journalism necessary to enable a journalist to perform competently by the end of the training period. As well as demonstrating competence in these and other practical areas.

If you are recruited into the industry from school or university, you will be regarded as a direct entrant. Most companies expect you to enter into a two-year training contract, during which time basic training is carried out. The first six months of employment is likely to be a probationary period, during which you will be able to decide whether you have got what it takes to become a successful journalist.

What are the opportunities      

Career in journalism is a prestigious profession as well as a highly paid one. Journalist play a major role in the development of nation. It is through them that we get information about daily happenings in the society. The purpose of journalism itself is to inform and interpret, educate and enlighten the people. 

The opportunities for journalists are endless and at the same time the job has become more challenging, as the new world is proving the adage that "the pen (and the camera) is mightier than the sword." Simple reporting of events is no more sufficient, more specialisation and professionalism in reporting is required. Journalists specialize in diverse areas, such as politics, finance and economics, investigation, culture and sports for newspapers and periodicals. 

Conclusion                                        

Some people are lucky enough to have a journalism career while still in school. These are rare cases and if you did not have that chance, you don’t have to feel bad about it. Probably, it is not yet your time. Instead of sulking into depression for not getting the position that you have been aspiring for, it is best to create your own opportunity by learning how to market one's self, coming up with a strong portfolio, and know when is the best time to break into the field.

 Selling one's self. This is a very important aspect because employers and editors would not believe you if you just say that you are good. During an interview for a position, try to mention some of your good qualities that can be assets to the company such as resourcefulness, creativity, and productivity.

 Be willing to start small. If you are a fresh graduate, don't expect that you will get the position you want right away. Since the journalism field is competitive, it is best if you will have mindset of starting small. Those who are enjoying their journalism career nowadays are the ones who underwent through the ladder of success.