I have 2 masters degrees, where do I start in journalism?
S W asked:
I’ve written 2 dissertations, I’ve written for academic publications, I have degrees from 3 countries (2 in Europe, 1 in US… all known universities), and I’ve lived all over, working on humanitarian issues, even interning with UNDP… my degrees are in international development (human rights, environmental studies, etc). I don’t want to write for a small paper on local issues as my experience and interests lie elsewhere, mainly in southeast asia. As such, I would like to work as a freelance or correspondent on political and development issues. Since I just finished graduate school recently, what should I do? I am also willing to work in high risk situations. I lived in 2 countries where coups happened. I generally think my CV makes me qualified for a lot and I can write well, but without working previously as a journalist, what do I do?
Shawn
general
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Filed Under Media & Journalism |
Tagged With Freelance, Journalist, Southeast Asia
Comments
5 Responses to “I have 2 masters degrees, where do I start in journalism?”
That’s very impressive, S W!
You could consider starting by writing columns for newspapers or magazines: The papers will probably be easier to break into. Tell the editors what you just told us.
Another thing you can do is start a Blog. That will give you a lot of exposure, and it’s something you can do on your own time.
Good luck!
You’re running a little late for large news papers.Most of them are downsizing.Most of the good journalist have left the Losangeles times,and other papers. Some of them are now writing for the AP.The industry is getting smaller all the time.Mostly because of the Internet.News papers and pay phones are quickly becoming dinosaurs.You’ll just have to take what you can find.You’ll no doubt have to start at the bottom. I wish you the best of luck .And for your happiness,I hope I’m wrong,.
You start at the bottom, like everyone else.
Most employers don’t care what school you went to or if you can write a dissertation. They care if you can write an entertaining article that people want to read, and can you do it fast.
No one, and I stress, no one… Is going to hire you to go work overseas with no experience. No one is going to hire you to report from a war zone with no experience. No one is going to hire you to report on national politics with no experience.
Despite your resume and claim that you can write well, an employer wants to know whether or not you can write 25 inches in AP style in under 2 hours. Then, they want that 25 inches to be entertaining, punchy, snarky and fun. That’s why you should go to a mid-level weekly for a year and cut your teeth.
…try in the mail-room first… empty the trash, get the floor swp’t up and make sure the bathrooms are neet and clean… All that education will get you in the door… currently, the position is filled with seasoned professionals that have been at it for years….
Write up your resume and send it to major newspapers, magazines and TV networks. Stress your qualifications. Your background along with your degrees should make up the difference for not having experience as a journalist.
I would think that an editor or TV news network would be willing to give you a chance. Good Luck.