by Jaimela King

Created on: May 09, 2009   Last Updated: October 05, 2009

You are a graduate, or soon to be, and eager to plunge into your dream career, Journalism. It is an exciting time for would-be journalists but can also prove to be a challenging exercise in the highly competitive field of journalism. If you think you have the drive and necessary credentials to make it in this field, you probably do. The next step is to sell yourself. There are many editors looking for someone like you, and with a little preparation you could soon be in the driver's seat.

Your first step would be to ensure that your resume is well prepared. First you must assess your qualifications and skills, evaluate your strengths and weaknesses and list your preferences in order of priority. Since you are looking for a career in the field of journalism, there is no room for errors in your resume; spelling errors, poor grammar, unorganized thoughts and poor presentation will hardly work in your favor.

Do you understand the dynamics of the market you are about to enter? This is the time to carefully assess availability, corporate culture and determine what you need to know about the company your are hoping to join. Yes it is tempting to try for a position with the New York Times, but you may have to settle for a smaller newspaper initially. There are many more opportunities available for new journalists, and those willing to freelance, in the smaller newspapers and media outlets.

Internship programs are a great way to get started as a career journalist. Most colleges and journalism schools incorporate some form of internship program since it is considered as a bridge between the theory learned mainly in the classroom and the actual journalism experience. As an intern, you can learn to relate more readily to the environment, the people and the standards required in the journalist arena while making some important contacts along the way.

School isn't quite over when you graduate. A Journalist is in perpetual study mode. You will need to read profusely about everything and anything that is going on around you and in the world at large. As a journalist, you are expected to be well read and knowledgeable. Read a variety of newspapers, online news reports and articles and the local and national televison news reports. Take note of different different writing and reporting styles and critically assess what you see read and hear.

Now that you are all prepared, it's time for that all important interview. This is perhaps the most critical step toward reaching your goal. They say that first impressions count and that you may never have a second chance to make a good impression, so consider each interview as your last chance. All the common interview rules apply before and after you enter the boardroom. Dress appropriately, conduct yourself professionally during the interview, be honest, know something about the potential employer and ask questions.

There are many resources available to help you prepare for your journalism career. In a highly competitive field, know that you are just one in your own graduation class, not to mention the other graduation classes that will be hitting the pavement at the same time as you are. All this means is that you must set goals, prepare to attain those goals and strive to gain an advantage.

Learn more about this author, Jaimela King.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.