by Kurt D. Moore

Created on: December 02, 2009   Last Updated: December 03, 2009

The best way to get a job in journalism is still by doing journalism, but simply writing stories is no longer enough.

Journalism is increasingly becoming a competitive field as technology changes the playing field. College provides students with a foot in the door, if they take advantage of all the opportunities available.

Writing for a school newspaper, or another publication, offers valuable experience that can produce a body of work, as well as, the confidence needed to be the watchdog for the people. Many college newspapers offer reporters a chance to cover a variety of topics, as well as, a bit of guidance on how they can improve. Writing for a newspaper, even on a college level, can be a time-consuming process that can sometimes mean pounding out that story while other students find more intoxicating ways to pass their time.

College also offers a chance to get a look at the latest trends and technology.

The ideal journalist not only writes news stories, but blogs about their beats, "tweets" their activities using the social networking site Twitter, and posts their thoughts on facebook. This can mean writing in a variety of styles and lengths on the same topic.

Along with being able to write, it is helpful to be an avid photographer and videographer with knowledge about how to edit the photographs and videos once they are taken. Add a knowledge of how to manipulate computer graphics in order to create such mass media as slide shows featuring photos and audio and the graduate will likely be in high demand.

This will especially be important as on-line publications grow in number. The journalist of the future will likely be writing for an on-line audience, even if they get a job at the traditional newspaper. Web or multimedia experience becomes increasingly valuable.

Having an area of specialty such as economics or politics can help. The rule of thumb in journalism is to know a little about a lot, partly because newspaper reporters increasingly find themselves writing on a variety of topics. However, having that bit of knowledge can help you maneuver into a more consistent beat at a quicker pace.

This is why journalism schools often root their education in a liberal arts curriculum. In several programs, journalism theories and practice only make up a quarter or so of study, while the student is required to take classes in a wide variety of subjects.

At some colleges, like Ohio University's E.W. Scripps School of Journalism, students can specialize in certain areas of study. If that is not available, they may want to claim a minor. Sociology, political science, economics, history and psychology are all useful areas of study while classes in computer science and business can also be helpful.

Internships and summer jobs in the field are highly suggested so that students already have some experience when they exit college. Journalism colleges often provide resources to help students line up these jobs, while students may also want to try out their local media to see if there are opportunities in their own communities. Along with the traditional print publications, students should also remember Web-based avenues.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor, journalism employers list this practical experience as the most important part of a student's education and training.

There will always be news and people will always need journalists to report it. The field, however, is not expected to see serious job growth through 2016. That means the most well-rounded and experienced graduate is the one most likely to get through the door.

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