A degree in journalism offers you a versatile that gives you the opportunity to pursue many exciting occupations. Journalism is the perfect program for you if you are passionate about current world events and providing information to the public with:
- integrity
- accuracy
- accountability.
As a responsible student concerned about your post-collegiate career goals, you want to know what you can do with your degree in journalism. The great news is that you have many exciting options available to you that rely on your invaluable skills in:
- research
- writing
- communication
Along with these you need to be able to generate and follow-up on important stories.
Consider the following five careers–among so many others–that you can pursue with a journalism degree:
1. Investigative Journalist or Reporter
Do you want to get down in the trenches and dig for the truth in hard-hitting stories in your community or country? Investigative journalism or reporting is perfect for you. On the local level, you might follow:
- your local city council’s meetings
- the police beat
- environmental issues
- local high-profile court cases
On a national or international level, your work might take you to Washington, D.C. to cover political stories or around the world as a war correspondent. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, these jobs are available in:
- television
- radio
- online outlets.
2. Broadcast Journalist
Broadcast journalism offers you the best opportunity for regular exposure. This is where you may someday become a household name like Anderson Cooper or Barbara Walters. In broadcast journalism, whether local or national, you have the chance to present important stories to your audience. You might start at the local level, working in traffic or as a weather presenter, before moving up to a regular anchor position. As you continue to build your audience, you might find yourself exploring national news organizations for broadcasting work.
3. Communications Manager
As a communications manager, you find ways to present your company’s message to the public, clearly and concisely. Per MediaBistro, a communications manager promotes a company’s:
- mission
- products
- services
In this position, you will work closely with the company’s executive and management staff to properly shape the organization’s values. You will help find ways to make sure customers and the public clearly understand and appreciate those values.
4. Columnist or Commentator
Journalists who have a unique worldview, and are bold enough to share it, have the best chance of working as a columnist. Your work might be political or socially conscious. Or you might have a knack for lighthearted and thought-provoking pieces.
5. Public Relations Professional
All types of companies, public figures, and corporate executives may need a public relations expert at some time or another. These high-profile people need a public relations professional in times of trouble:
- political leaders
- actors and actresses
- athletes
It is simply a good idea to cultivate a relationship with someone in public relations to make sure their publicity is in good standing on an ongoing basis.
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A Journalism Degree Promises a Rewarding Career
The possibilities in journalism go on to include other potential careers like:
- editor
- advertising manager
- professor
- sports reporter and much more
Once you choose your program focus, you will find it easy to use your degree in journalism to land a rewarding job in your career field.