Logo

Reporters


Outlook

Employment Prospects

Employers

Of the approximately 52,000 reporters and correspondents employed in the United States, more than 46 percent work for newspapers, periodical, book, and directory publishers. About 38 percent work in radio and television broadcasting.

Starting Out

Jobs in this field may be obtained through college career services offices or by applying directly to the personnel departments of individual employers. If you have some practical experience, you will have an advantage; you should be prepared to present a portfolio of material you wrote as a volunteer or part-time reporter, or other writing samples.

Most journalism school graduates start out as general assignment reporters or copy editors for small publications. A few outstanding journalism graduates may be hired by large city newspapers or national magazines. They are trained on the job. But they are the exception, as large employers usually require several years' experience. As a rule, novice reporters cover routine assignments, such as reporting on civic and club meetings, writing obituaries, or summarizing speeches. As you become more skilled in reporting, you will be assigned to more important events or to a regular beat, or you may specialize in a particular field.

Advancement Prospects

Reporters may advance by moving to larger newspapers or press services, but competition for such positions is unusually keen. Many highly qualified reporters apply for these jobs every year.

A select number of reporters eventually become columnists, correspondents, editorial writers, editors, or top executives. These important and influential positions represent the top of the field, and competition is strong for them.

Many reporters transfer the contacts and knowledge developed in newspaper reporting to related fields, such as public relations, advertising, or preparing copy for radio and television news programs.

Tips for Entry

In high school, work as a reporter or editor on your school newspaper.

Keep up with the news online and in print every day to stay on top of current events and learn how news is reported.

Apply to a college that offers a journalism major.

Work with your college career office to locate job openings for reporters.