So, you want to be a journalist?
So, you want to be a journalist? Journalism is a highly rewarding career, one in which you can go to work every day and not know what challenges will arise. Some people possess skills and qualities that make them particularly suited to a career in journalism. So, what are the skills and qualities that turn someone who loves the news into a successful reporter? Review the following and ask yourself whether you are the type of person who would excel in, and enjoy, a journalism career. If you're not sure, consider dabbling in some freelance or internship work to get a feel for the business.
Tick the box that most describes you. 1. Resourcefulness: This is the "where there's a will, there's a way" person. When a reporter hits a brick wall when chasing down a story, he or she needs to have the kind of mind that can quickly come up with new avenues to try. That’s me
Working towards it
2. Commitment: The news business is highly unpredictable, and the person who refuses to work nights, weekends, or holidays usually won't get far. Even at a lowpressure weekly newspaper or on the features desk, you never know when the sky will fall and you have to drop everything and get on the story. Are you willing to sacrifice some aspects of your personal life for your job? That’s me
Working towards it
3. Speed and accuracy: It's not enough to write well – you have to also write fast. And this is where many aspiring journalists stumble. They may do well in writing classes and show a good grasp of the news, but when it comes to deadline, to cranking out a story in 15 minutes and juggling last-minute quotes and details as they dribble in and the clock is ticking, they falter. If you love to write news but can't handle tight deadlines, try magazines. That’s me
Working towards it
4. Thick skin: Editors may yell at you. In a high-pressure environment, you may clash with co-workers under similar stress. Readers at one time or another will call you nasty names. You might even receive threats because of stories you write. Can you let it roll off? That’s me
Working towards it
5. News judgment: Reporters have to have an eye for what is newsworthy, what the hook is in a story. Editors are there to help reporters develop good news judgment, but there are times when journalists will have to make snap decisions on their own and find the proper focus for a story. That’s me
Working towards it
6. Spelling and grammar: A good journalist turns in relatively clean copy and doesn't lean on the editors to catch every error, thus possesses decent spelling and grammar skills. That’s me
Working towards it
7. Multitasking: Needless to say, journalists have to juggle many things at a time. Press releases and tips flow into your inbox, people are throwing more stuff on your desk, an editor may want a rewrite on the same day you have another story due. Good journalists have prioritization skills to keep from missing stories and to keep one's sanity. That’s me
Working towards it
8. Interpersonal skills: This is not to say that a good journalist is a chipper "people person." Many aren't. Some are abrasive or introverted in everyday life. But they do know how to talk to someone to get the information they need and can inspire some degree of trust in their source. They aren't shy at press conferences and can get their questions heard and answered. Working towards it That’s me 9. Confidence: You need to feel that you can ask the tough questions, take the backlash, get the scoop, get a story written with accurate facts and quotes. A good journalist must have the guts to take that extra leap to get his or her story. That’s me
Working towards it
Source: Bridget Johnson www.journalism.about.com/od/journalismcareers/qt/qualities.htm
In the newsroom at The Sydney Morning Herald
Tick the box that most describes you. 1. Resourcefulness: This is the "where there's a will, there's a way" person. When a reporter hits a brick wall when chasing down a story, he or she needs to have the kind of mind that can quickly come up with new avenues to try. That’s me
Working towards it
2. Commitment: The news business is highly unpredictable, and the person who refuses to work nights, weekends, or holidays usually won't get far. Even at a lowpressure weekly newspaper or on the features desk, you never know when the sky will fall and you have to drop everything and get on the story. Are you willing to sacrifice some aspects of your personal life for your job? That’s me
Working towards it
3. Speed and accuracy: It's not enough to write well – you have to also write fast. And this is where many aspiring journalists stumble. They may do well in writing classes and show a good grasp of the news, but when it comes to deadline, to cranking out a story in 15 minutes and juggling last-minute quotes and details as they dribble in and the clock is ticking, they falter. If you love to write news but can't handle tight deadlines, try magazines. That’s me
Working towards it
4. Thick skin: Editors may yell at you. In a high-pressure environment, you may clash with co-workers under similar stress. Readers at one time or another will call you nasty names. You might even receive threats because of stories you write. Can you let it roll off? That’s me
Working towards it
5. News judgment: Reporters have to have an eye for what is newsworthy, what the hook is in a story. Editors are there to help reporters develop good news judgment, but there are times when journalists will have to make snap decisions on their own and find the proper focus for a story. That’s me
Working towards it
6. Spelling and grammar: A good journalist turns in relatively clean copy and doesn't lean on the editors to catch every error, thus possesses decent spelling and grammar skills. That’s me
Working towards it
7. Multitasking: Needless to say, journalists have to juggle many things at a time. Press releases and tips flow into your inbox, people are throwing more stuff on your desk, an editor may want a rewrite on the same day you have another story due. Good journalists have prioritization skills to keep from missing stories and to keep one's sanity. That’s me
Working towards it
8. Interpersonal skills: This is not to say that a good journalist is a chipper "people person." Many aren't. Some are abrasive or introverted in everyday life. But they do know how to talk to someone to get the information they need and can inspire some degree of trust in their source. They aren't shy at press conferences and can get their questions heard and answered. Working towards it That’s me 9. Confidence: You need to feel that you can ask the tough questions, take the backlash, get the scoop, get a story written with accurate facts and quotes. A good journalist must have the guts to take that extra leap to get his or her story. That’s me
Working towards it
Source: Bridget Johnson www.journalism.about.com/od/journalismcareers/qt/qualities.htm
In the newsroom at The Sydney Morning Herald
