Every day, people open their newspapers, turn on their radios or click on their favourite websites to read, listen or watch a report from a journalist, who often has a journalism degree. It is a diverse career with a wide range of potential benefits.
Be the first to know
People look to journalists not just to tell them about the latest breaking news, but to explain and contextualise it. This means you cultivate sources so you become the first person informed of every change in a developing story.
Build relationships
You meet a wide range of individuals when researching stories or conducting interviews, from celebrities or those who work behind the scenes to everyday people. This also gives you opportunities to build a professional network for career advancement.
Make a meaningful difference
When a journalist exposes corruption, it can bring down governments. On a smaller scale, a report on someone who is doing good work can give them the publicity they need to grow their support. You can make a meaningful difference on an individual or societal level, shaping perceptions and allowing people to make informed decisions, all with the sense of accomplishment of seeing your name in the byline.
Transferable skills
Skills learnt while working as a journalist, or even from a journalism degree, such as research, communication and persistence, can be applied in many other roles. They can also be helpful in your personal life.
With the skills you learn and the relationships you build as a journalist, you open even more opportunities to have a fulfilling career.