Newspaper Publishing

• Reporting
• Editorial/Column Writing
• Feature Writing
• Investigative Journalism
• Sports
• Online Journalism
• Photojournalism
• Editing
• Proofreading
• Circulation
• Marketing/Promotion
• Production

• Large circulation newspapers
• Local newspapers:
• Dailies
• Alternative weeklies
• Wire services
• Trade newspapers
• Online publishers

• Obtain an internship or part-time job with a newspaper.
• Work with a college newspaper, yearbook, or alumni publication.
• Take an active role, preferably leadership, in journalism organizations.
• Demonstrate curiosity, high energy level, and the abilities to produce under pressure and withstand criticism.
• Develop excellent grammar and writing skills. Learn to think critically.
• 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 and athletes for interview opportunities and experience.
• Learn HTML and other computer programs to prepare for online work. This area of journalism is growing while print is declining.
• Become comfortable working in a chaotic, deadline-oriented atmosphere.

Magazine/Newsletter Publishing

• Writing
• Editing
• Advertising/Sales
• Promotion
• Circulation
• Design, Art, and Production
• Investigative Journalism
• Photojournalism

• 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

• Complete an internship with a publisher.
• Seek experience with on-campus or community publications.
• Find a part-time or summer job with a 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 photojournalistic specialty.

Book Publishing

• Editing
• Sales
• Promotion
• Publicity
• Production
• Subsidiary Rights

• Publishers including:
  • Tradebooks
  • Children’s books
  • Paperbacks
  • Textbooks
• Book clubs
• University presses
• Religious presses
• Technical, scientific, or medical presses
• Internet sites

• Attend a 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.
• See employment 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.
• Be aware that a large portion of publishers are located in New York City.

Writing

• Technical Writing
• Science and Medical Writing
• Freelance Writing
• Creative Writing Including:
• Books
• Poetry
• Plays
• Screenplays
• Scripts
• Greeting Cards
• Lyrics/Jingle Writing

• Newspapers
• Magazines
• Broadcast media companies including television, radio, and the movie industry
• Internet sites
• Trade, professional, or consumer publications
• Technical industries
• Large corporations
• Government agencies
• Universities and university presses
• Self-employed/Freelance

• Supplement curriculum with relevant courses such as creative writing or technical writing.
• Write for campus publications such as college newspapers, magazines, or departmental/ program newsletters.
• Gain as much experience as possible through volunteer positions, internships, or part-time jobs.
• Join professional journalism or communications organizations.
• Perfect clear and concise writing abilities.
• Volunteer to assist or tutor students in a writing center.
• Become familiar with the proposal writing and submission process involved in freelance writing.
• Submit manuscripts, essays, articles, etc. for publication.
• Read widely in area of talent and/or interest (e.g., mystery novels, poetry).
• Demonstrate patience and persistence in starting a career in creative writing.
• For technical writing, develop a good understanding of the subject you are writing about.

Electronic Media

• Television
• Radio Programming/Production
• Electronic Publishing
• Video Production

• Major networks
• Public, cable, and private television stations
• National, state, or regional radio networks
• Independent radio syndications
• Video production companies
• Government agencies
• Large corporations
• Colleges and universities
• Nonprofit organizations
• Professional associations

• See “What Can I Do With a Major in Electronic Media” for more detailed information.
• Gain experience with campus or local television and radio stations.
• Secure an internship with a media corporation.
• Develop a variety of technical and computer skills.
• Create a personal website or blog to showcase work.
• Choose a particular area of interest and build the skills and experiences necessary to qualify for that field.
• Get involved with relevant student professional organizations.

Education

• Secondary
• Post-Secondary
• Publication Advising

• Public or private high schools
• Colleges and universities

• 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.

Business

• Advertising
• Public Relations
• Special Events
• Media Relations
• Fundraising
• Business Writing
• Account Services
• Print Production
• Management
• Administration

• Advertising agencies
• Corporate advertising or public relations departments
• Media companies (e.g., Turner Broadcasting)
• Non-profit organizations
• Colleges and universities
• Labor unions

• Work in sales at campus newspaper, television, or radio station.
• Seek part-time or summer job with campus public relations or sports information department.
• Gain experience in an area of interest through internships, part-time, or summer jobs.
• Hone public speaking and communication skills.

Law

• Prosecution
• Defense
• Litigation
• Contractual
• Corporate
• Nonprofit or Public Interest
• Mediation
• Lobbying

• Law firms
• Sole practitioner
• Government agencies
• Corporations
• Public interest organizations
• Colleges and universities

• Some students choose a journalism major in preparation for law school.
• Develop strong research and writing skills through major courses.
• Maintain a high grade point average and prepare for the Law School Admission Test (LSAT).
• Secure strong faculty recommendations.
• Participate in a debate or forensic team to hone communication skills.
• Join pre-law organizations.
• Work a part-time or summer job at a law office to gain exposure to the field.
• Earn a law degree, the juris doctor, and pass the bar exam in order to practice law.