Find out everything you need to know about becoming a Journalist.

Job Title - Journalist

Description

A Journalist gathers factual information on subjects of general public interest and set out to write clear, informative reports for publication in newspapers and magazines or for broadcasting over television and radio.

Typical Job Activities

May specialise in print journalism, broadcast journalism or work in both and may cover a specific field Work on a special assignment
Observes events
Conducts interviews and research to get their information
Reports news by telephone or electronic means
Feature writers covers new developments for a particular department such as sport, politics or human interest
Columnist writes regular columns filled - example gossip about public figures

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Related Occupations

Press photographer
Radio announcer

Educational Requirements

Senior Certificate with matric exemption for a degree course
Senior Certificate for a diploma course

Compulsory subjects: None
Recommended subjects: History and Languages

What natural skills and/or aptitudes do I need for this occupation?

Be able to write clearly and concisely, and in an interesting way
Be accurate and unbiased
Be curious and creative
Have initiative
Have persistence to investigate records and to interview and probe unremittingly
Be able to mix well with all kinds of people
Have a feeling for the kind of story that interests the general public
Have a typing ability
Have the ability to write in shorthand
Good health and physical stamina

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Employment Opportunities

Low

Market Competitiveness

Moderate

Income Potential

Moderate

Self-Employment Options

High

International Employment Market

Moderate

Possible Employers

Big private companies - Newspapers, magazines, Television
Medium or small Companies
Self-employed: Contractor, consultant, own practice, freelance

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Relevant Contact Details

Department of Journalism, Stellenbosch University
http://bit.ly/1OdsyAr

School of Journalism and Media Studies, Rhodes University
http://www.ru.ac.za/jms/

Department of Journalism, Tshwane University of Technology
http://bit.ly/1R2JTwG

Career Progress and Path

Experience in specific field
Work performance
Experience in related fields
Do presentations, seminars, publish articles and so forth

Possible Career Paths

Specialist career in the specific field
Management positions in the specific field
Consultant/ contractor/ own practice/ freelance

Employment Stability

Moderately stable

Reasons to consider this career

To start my own business
To work with languages
To face intellectual challenges
To focus on a specific field
To work on my own