Careers

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

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

• 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

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 proof reading ability.
• Create a portfolio of writing samples.
• Consider obtaining a minor in photography for photo journalistic specialty.

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

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

• 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

Strategies

• Work on college newspaper or campus publication.
• Join professional journalismor 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

• 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

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

• Secondary
• Post-Secondary
• Publication Advising

Employers

• Public or private high schools
• Colleges and universities

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.

Other Professions

• Feature Writer
• Free-lance Writer
• Journalist
• Newspaper Reporter