February 7th, 2019 | Updated on April 16th, 2019
It is encouraging when you research and know how many journalism jobs NYC has to offer. Honestly, there are tons of vacancies in these broadcasting stations, magazines, and national newspapers media houses.
The problem, however, arises when you have to include your work experience and the supporting documents in your application form. Where do they expect a fresh graduate or a talented writer with no professional background to source this experience?
Well, and yet some still land the jobs. The most sought after occupations in journalism entail taking up any of the roles below. How do they do it?
- Photojournalism
- Newspaper Reviewing
- News Editing
- Feature Writing
- Sports Reporting
- Media Law
- Investigative Reporting
- Interview Scripting
How To Land A Journalism Job Without A Working Experience
Journalism does not need to be that dream that you have no hope of making come true any time soon. Despite the market being flooded, journalist jobs are emerging every day. There is something for you out there, whether you are an experienced broadcaster or not. Below are tips you can apply in your quest.
1. Get An Education
Go to school and attain a credible degree. This gives you an upper hand than your competitors, and it is the first step into your dream job. Some of the courses you can pursue and get employed in this field include the following.
- Mass communication
- Journalism
- Political science
- Computer science
- Economics
- Business
- History
- Psychology
These subjects of study broaden your knowledge and help you to narrow down on the specific areas of journalism you want to pursue. If you can, go ahead and get a masters degree too. Be as specialized and as educated as you possibly can.
2. Be In A Student Media House
While in school, be part of the student media house and take part in broadcasting, news writing, photography, editing, data collection, name it. This builds you a portfolio that you can present before your future employers.
If anything, that is part of know how to become a journalist and getting an idea of what awaits you out there. In case your school does not have a student media forum, start one. Be the change your school needs in disguise.
3. Look For Internships
Be open to the idea of starting small. Internships are among entry-level jobs that equip you with skills needed by expert press officers. It is while in these positions that you will gain firsthand experience in your future career.
Do not brush off an internship opportunity because of low pay or no pay offered. Where do you want to begin from, CEO? Be humble and work under last-minute pressure, overtime hours and in different towns in a week because of the frequent travels involved. It will pay off in cash and in kind.
4. Become A Proficient Writer
Writing is among the critical skills you need to have in this industry. It encompasses everything right from researching, content development, creating writing, editing and reviewing. Start by freelancing, looking for entry level writing jobs, applying to editorial jobs NYC has to offer and taking part in creative writing competitions.
Also, consider writing for blogs online and start your own if you can. Do you want to have your website? Get it! These are among the little things that will go a long way to helping you to grow a professional network and building an outstanding portfolio.
5. Know Your Skills
Besides having the right education, being proficient in writing and mastering your national language, there are more skills and qualities you should possess naturally or acquire for you to succeed. They include:
- Persistence and aggression
- Good communication skills
- Great interpersonal skills
- Creativity and innovation
- Patience
- Independence
- Research skills
- Flexibility in your schedule
- Language proficiency (a big bonus if it is in a foreign language as well)
6. Be Up-to-Date With Social Media And It
You intend to be part of the team that keeps the world informed, sets up news agendas, raises awareness and asks the crucial questions. The least you can do is be the first to know of trending topics, new technology, and online journalism jobs advertised.
Social media platforms should be your new life now because they make up a big part of information sharing, marketing, and advertising. Ensure that you share your blogs, vlogs, photographs, and articles with the public. This way, you will get used to sharing information online and gain social media management skills.
You should also have necessary IT prowess in the niches below. They will come in handy if when you have to work behind the desks or be in the field collecting data.
- Desktop publishing
- Graphics
- Statistical analysis software
- Database software
- Photography
7. Keep Looking
Getting a journalism job without experience requires you to make an excellent impression on your employers. Write persuasive application letters, have an extensive portfolio in the opportunities you have had in the past to show any journalism skill and show up for the interview in time. Be well dressed.
Whenever you meet with people who have made it in this industry, engage them in your talks and let the mentor you. Attend as many seminars as you can. Your chance could just be seated in some room waiting for you to take it aggressively.
Conclusion
You will get that job; keep looking. Have it in mind that all employers will require basic journalism skills from their future employees, regardless of whether or not they have experience in this field. These requirements include:
- A degree/ credible journalism certificate
- Proficient writing skills
- Language prowess
- Social media management
- IT skills
- Social skills
Be ready for what awaits you; a great job that will demand all your time. You will put in some of your free hours, redo several articles and go to high-risk areas to cover news. You love journalism so much, right? Then there is entirely nothing to worry about. Get that job.
