General Information:
- Internships are crucial in obtaining experience, building relationships and reality testing career choices.
- Begin cultivating creative talents as soon as possible. Develop a portfolio of creative materials related to career goals.
- Demonstrate enthusiasm, interpersonal skills, team work, integrity, good judgment and intelligence.
- Experience with campus publications is a must.
- Develop excellent writing and grammar skills.
- Choose the most writing intensive coursework possible.
- Read extensively in areas of interest.
- Be prepared to begin a journalism career in a small market, performing entry-level tasks before moving to larger markets and positions with more creative freedom and responsibility.
Prepared by the Career Planning staff of Career Services at The University of Tennessee, Knoxville. (2005) UTK is an EEO/AA/Title VI/Title IX/Section 504/ADA /ADEA Employer.
Explore Possible Careers Pathways in Journalism:
Newspaper Publishing: Areas & Employers
Areas – Newspaper Publishing
- Reporting
- Editorial/Column Writing
- Investigative Journalism
- Editing
- Proofreading
- Photojournalism
- Circulation
- Marketing/Promotion
- Production
- Sports
Employers
- Large circulation newspapers
- Local newspapers
- Wire services
- Trade newspapers
- Online publishers
Newspaper Publishing: Strategies
Strategies
Obtain a summer job or internship with newspaper. Work with college newspaper, yearbook or alumni publication. Take an active role, preferably leadership, in journalism organizations. Demonstrate curiosity, high energy level, ability to produce under pressure and withstand criticism. Develop excellent grammar and writing skills. Create a portfolio of writing samples, especially those that have been published. Seek opportunities for recognition and networking through writing contests and freelance writing submissions. Build relationships with campus and community leaders as well as athletes for interview opportunities and experience.
Magazine / Newsletter Publishing: Areas & Employers
Areas – Magazine/Newsletter Publishing
- Writing
- Editing
- Advertising/Sales
- Promotion
- Circulation
- Design, Art and Production
- Investigative Journalism
- Photojournalism
Employers
- Major publishers
- Consumer magazines
- News magazines
- Specialized magazines
- Technical and industrial publications
- Professional publications/associations
- Merchandising and trade publications
- Labor unions
- Academic journals
- Corporate in-house publications
- Religious organizations
Magazine / Newsletter Publishing: Strategies
Strategies
Secure internship with publisher. Work on campus publications. Find part-time or summer job with newspaper, magazine or print shop. Obtain sales experience.
Join a professional journalism organization. Demonstrate creative spirit, writing skills, verbal skills and proofreading ability. Create a portfolio of writing samples. Consider obtaining a minor in photography for photo journalistic specialty.
Book Publishing: Areas & Employers
Areas – Book Publishing
- Editing
- Sales
- Promotion
- Publicity
- Production
- Subsidiary Rights
Employers
- Publishers including: Tradebooks, Children’s books, Paperbacks, Textbooks
- Book clubs
- University presses
- Religious presses
- Technical, scientific or medical presses
- Internet sites
Book Publishing: Strategies
Strategies
Attend summer publishing institute to sharpen skills and build contacts. Become familiar with word processing, desktop publishing and web page design.
Gain knowledge of printing and production. Work with local or regional magazines and campus publications. Work as sales clerk or book buyer in campus or local bookstore. Supplement coursework with technical writing courses for opportunities with technical, scientific and medical publications.
Writing: Areas & Employers
Areas – Writing
- Technical Writing
- Creative Writing
Employers
- Hardware and software manufacturers/developers
- Technical industries
- Technical publications (journals, magazines and websites)
- Research laboratories
- Government agencies
- Self-employed/Freelance
Writing: Strategies
Strategies
Work on college newspaper or campus publication. Join professional journalism or communications organizations. Develop excellent word processing skills.
Perfect clear and concise writing abilities. Demonstrate patience, flexibility and creativity. Begin submitting manuscripts, essays, articles, etc. for possible publication immediately. Read widely in area of talent and/or interest (e.g., mystery novels, poetry).
Business: Areas & Employers
Areas – Business
- Advertising
- Public Relations
- Special Events
- Media Relations
- Fund Raising
- Business Writing
- Account Services
- Print Production
- Management
- Administration
Employers
- Advertising agencies
- Corporate advertising or public relations departments
- Media companies (e.g., Turner Broadcasting)
- Non-profit organizations
- Colleges and universities
- Labor unions
Business: Strategies
Strategies
Work in sales at campus newspaper, television or radio station. Obtain business experience. Complete internship at market research firm. Hone public speaking skills. Seek part-time or summer job with campus public relations or sports information department.
Education: Areas & Employers
Areas – Education
- Secondary
- Post-Secondary
- Publication Advising
Employers
- Public or private high schools
- Colleges and universities
Education: Strategies
Strategies
Obtain state teacher certification for high school teaching opportunities.
Consider obtaining certification to teach additional subjects such as foreign language, social studies or English. Actively participate in campus newspaper and yearbook publications. Volunteer to assist local high school students and sponsors with publications. Obtain graduate degree (Masters and/or Doctorate) for college and university teaching opportunities.
