Journalist

Your Fit

Income

$60K

Preparation

Considerable

Growth

-3.3%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Journalist?

A Journalist is a professional who researches, writes, and reports news stories for various media, including newspapers, magazines, television, radio, and digital platforms. They play a critical role in informing the public, shaping public opinion, and holding institutions accountable.

Sample job titles:

Anchor, News Anchor, News Reporter, Reporter

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Journalist.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a Journalist earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) in 2024 was...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$35K per year	$40K per year	$60K per year	$98K per year	$162K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $11K above the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does a Journalist do?

Work environment

Journalists work in a variety of settings, including newsrooms, television studios, and in the field for reporting. The environment can be fast-paced and deadline-driven, often requiring irregular hours, including evenings and weekends, to cover breaking news. Travel may be required for on-site reporting.

Quick task list

Researches and gathers information on news stories.
Conducts interviews and investigates leads.
Writes and edits news articles or scripts.
Collaborates with editors, photographers, and other journalists.
Stays informed about current events and news trends.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Investigative Journalism: Focusing on in-depth investigation into a single topic of interest, often uncovering newsworthy information.
Political Journalism: Covering news and events in the political sphere, including elections and government activities.
Sports Journalism: Reporting on sports events, athletes, and the sports industry.
Business Journalism: Covering financial and business sectors, including economic trends and corporate news.
Foreign Correspondence: Reporting on international news, often living in or traveling to different countries.

Description

Journalism is a dynamic and impactful career that requires a combination of curiosity, skepticism, and the ability to communicate effectively. Journalists play a vital role in society by providing accurate and timely information to the public, often serving as watchdogs to hold power accountable. They must be adept at researching, interviewing, and crafting compelling narratives that engage and inform their audience.

The field of journalism has evolved with technology, leading to the growth of digital journalism and multimedia reporting. Journalists today must be versatile, often producing content for various platforms, including print, digital, video, and social media. The job can be demanding, with tight deadlines and the need to quickly adapt to changing news landscapes.

Despite the challenges, many find journalism a rewarding career due to its role in informing the public, shaping societal discourse, and the opportunity to cover a wide range of topics. Journalists often develop expertise in specific areas, allowing them to provide in-depth coverage and analysis of complex issues.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Contributing to an informed and engaged public.
The excitement of covering breaking news and impactful stories.
Opportunities to explore a wide range of topics and meet diverse people.
The potential to influence and affect change through investigative reporting.

You might make a good Journalist if you are...

Curious and always seeking to learn more about the world around you.
A strong communicator with excellent writing and speaking skills.
Committed to ethical reporting and journalistic integrity.
Adaptable and able to work well under pressure and tight deadlines.
Skilled in research and have a knack for asking probing questions.

Pros:

Engaging and varied work with the opportunity to cover diverse topics.
The satisfaction of informing and educating the public.
Opportunities for career growth and specialization.

Cons:

Often irregular and long work hours.
The industry can be highly competitive with job security concerns.
Exposure to stressful and sometimes dangerous situations, especially for reporters in conflict zones.

How to become a Journalist

Typical education

Most journalists have a bachelor's degree in journalism, communications, or a related field, which typically involves 4 years of post-secondary education. Internships or experience with college news media can be beneficial.

High school preparation

Courses:

English and writing courses to develop strong writing and editing skills.
Social studies or civics to gain an understanding of political and societal structures.
Speech and debate to improve public speaking and argumentation skills.
Journalism or media studies, if available, to learn the basics of news reporting.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Writing for or editing the school newspaper or magazine.
Participating in student radio or television, if available.
Volunteering or interning at local newspapers, radio stations, or TV stations.
Joining or forming a journalism or writing club.

Preparation after high school

Pursue a bachelor's degree in journalism, communications, or a related field.
Gain experience through internships at news organizations.
Build a portfolio of your work, including articles, videos, or other media.
Stay informed about current events and develop a network of professional contacts.
Consider specialized training or workshops in areas like investigative reporting or multimedia journalism.

More resources

Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) - Offers resources for education and advocacy in journalism.
Poynter Institute - Provides training and resources for journalists at all career stages.
Columbia Journalism Review (CJR) - Features industry analysis and discussions on journalistic practices.
National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) - Represents the radio and television industry and offers resources and education.
Nieman Journalism Lab - Focuses on the future of journalism, with insights into emerging trends and technologies.

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