Journalism is an exciting and fast-paced career, with new technology increasing the range of opportunties for careers in writing and reporting

Career Focus: Journalism

Journalism is an exciting and fast-paced career, with new technology increasing the range of opportunties for careers in writing and reporting. Journalists are employed in print, radio, television and online, covering subjects as diverse as fashion, football, politics, music and almost anything else you can imagine. If you’re passionate about writing, enjoy dealing with different people all the time, have lots to say and are a confident communicator, then journalism might just be the career for you.

Career Prospects

Ireland’s media industries have expanded significantly in the last ten years or so, with a range of daily and weekly newspapers published here. Additionally, the number of magazines printed in Ireland has increased, as have the numbers of radio and television channels broadcasting through traditional and digital means.

The internet has expanded the possibilities for journalists, with countless e-zines and online outlets for freelancers, along with greater opportunities to write for international publications. Graduates with professional journalism training and hands-on experience can also work in public relations, political communications, content management and in editing, art direction, layout, design and online publication.

The Work of a Journalist

No two working days are the same for news reporters. They may find themselves dispatched to the Four Courts, the Dáil, the scene of a crime or a celebrity wedding depending on where the day’s news takes them. Journalists spend most of their time talking to people, from Government officials to the ordinary person on the street. They need to be able to work well independently but also to be able to function as part of a team, and they need to be highly focused on meeting deadlines. Journalists are involved in reporting the news but they also interpret the news for the public, explaining complicated stories and finding the people most affected by what happens in the news. Journalists may also work as sub-editors, preparing copy for publication, or in layout and design, matching images to stories and putting the pages of newspapers or magazines together.

What Makes a Good Journalist?

Insatiable curiosity, a real interest in people and an ability to work quickly and to deadlines are important. Journalists need to be literate, confident and focused and need to be able to self motivate and work independently.

How to Become a Journalist

As journalism has become increasingly professionalised, most employers will now expect employees to have received some professional training. The greatest advantage for those starting out is hands-on professional experience. There are several courses in journalism available, including at Independent College on Dawson Street, Dublin 2. Independent College offers a three year BA degree in Journalism (day and evening) and a one year MA in Journalism (day and evening). Both of these programmes incorporate internships at Independent News and Media, which represents a unique opportunity for students to experience the realities of the job whilst still training. The College also offers a range of evening Diploma programmes in Journalism.

Useful Links

www.independentcolleges.ie
www.nuj.ie
www.spj.org

Courtesy of: Independent Colleges