Being a journalist sounds like a dream job: you get to express yourself, interview people, and cover breaking news.
You could be covering political events, sporting events, or simply raising awareness about stories that inspire you.
But, hey, you don’t have to follow your major’s path to become one. It makes sense to earn a degree relating to the career you want to pursue, but a career without a formal degree is not impossible.
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How to Become a Journalist Without a Degree
1. Have a Basic Understanding of Computers and Writing
Journalists require an excellent communication abilities in writing, speaking, or both.
Traditional journalistic skills like English communication, writing, management, people skills, and creative aptitude will always be essential.
Some believe that traditional skills such as newsgathering and writing will become obsolete and that technology will take precedence over stories.
But, at least in my lifetime, and possibly even in the next generation, machines will never be able to replace hard-hitting journalists.
Without a degree, you can learn to develop excellent communication skills in writing, speaking, or both.
This is where the internet’s power comes in. All of these abilities can be acquired through the use of the internet.
2. Recognize the Meaning of Objectivity
You’ve probably overheard someone say something along the lines of, “If there were only balanced, objective news reporting, the media would be a much better place.”
That appears to be an appealing concept, yet objectivity does not exist. Fairness – being fair to your subject or topic – is essential to objectivity.
Someone is always deciding what facts to publish or keep hidden from the public.
They consistently adopt a specific angle to present the topic, sometimes to the point of sensationalism.
As Lippmann saw it, objectivity was a tactic, not an epistemological assumption.
3. Create Your Blog and Use It as a Platform
Storytelling can be done in various ways, but writing is the most effective.
If you want to turn your passion for writing into a skill, you’ll need to start somewhere.
That company around the block, your local council’s newspaper, or anything else will help you develop a strong CV. Start a blog, if I may propose.
It isn’t easy to make a living as a journalist if you don’t have strong contacts. You must realize that journalism is much more than a profession.
It entails a certain amount of responsibility. There’s a reason why we consider the media to be one of democracy’s cornerstones.
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4. Create a Network of Contacts
Journalists are naturally interested, curious, and perceptive-driven. These are natural characteristics that aid in the formation of essential connections.
And you know how crucial it is in journalism to build connections. If you have the correct connection, getting near the scene, booking an interview, or acquiring information will be much easier.
Joining the ranks of news writers and reporters is the same. Building relationships with journalists or other media members takes time and effort, but the payoff is enormous.
As a budding journalist, making solid connections will set you apart. The more journalist relationships you have, the more credibility and authenticity you will obtain in the media.
5. Pursue a Career as a Freelance Journalist
Journalists might work as full-time salaried employees of a news network or as freelancers who are paid per story.
To do so, you’ll need to be resourceful and willing to do a lot of research. You must also be able to write and spell (you’d be astonished how many young journalists today can’t string two words together).
You can start pitching your ideas to well-known journals once you’ve written a few good articles to demonstrate your approach.
If you want to work in journalism without a degree, you’ll need a solid portfolio.
Freelancing is also a terrific alternative if you want to attain that work-life balance, and you can work whenever you choose.
6. Acquire External Experience
If you want to work as a journalist but don’t have a degree, there are various ways to obtain experience on your own time.
Getting your first job is likely the most difficult of them. You won’t be able to find work until you’ve gained experience and established your credibility – but how can you gain that experience?
Volunteering is an excellent method to gain experience for your CV. Working for local newspapers, television shows, and radio shows are good places to start. Remember, you’ll never win the lotto if you don’t buy a ticket.
Having a sizable social media following might also assist you in reaching out to possible jobs. LinkedIn is a terrific place to begin. You can do a lot more than build.
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Conclusion
You can see yourself traveling to exotic locations to report on exciting news. While these things happen to journalists, the process may take longer than anticipated.
Aspiring journalists can put in up to 50 hours per week, especially when they’re just getting started and building a portfolio.
Without a formal degree and experience, getting started as a professional writer is more challenging but not impossible. You have every option available to you.
You may construct your professional path if you are dedicated and have what it takes to be a journalist.
