Career Opportunities with a Major in Journalism
Many jobs require a college educated individual. College graduates can use their education in a wide variety of occupations.
The study of Journalism and Public Relations prepares students for careers as reporters and editors at newspapers and magazines; as freelance writers; in desktop publishing; in corporate, agency and non-profit public relations; and in corporate communications, among others. In addition, the internet has opened up a wealth of opportunities for careers in on-line publications.
SKILLS RELATED TO JOURNALISM
- Ability to read and write articulately and analytically
- Comprehensive command of grammar and vocabulary
- Good listening, clarifying, questioning, and responding skills
- Ability to work well under pressure
- Ability to conduct and clearly explain research results
- Ability to concentrate for long periods of time
The following list is a representative sample of job titles for individuals with a Journalism major. The list represents some, but certainly not all, careers which Journalism majors may consider.
Some of these jobs also require education beyond a bachelor's degree.
| Advertising Copywriter/Account Executive | Announcer, TV/radio | Bookstore Manager/Owner |
| Community Relations Director | Consumer Advocate | |
| Editor | Freelance Writer | Fund Raiser |
| Greeting Card Writer | Information Scientist | Insurance Agent/Broker |
| Interpreter/Translator | Journalist | Lawyer |
| Librarian | Linguist | Lobbyist |
| News Analysts, Reporters | Playwright | Publisher |
| Proofreader | Public Relations | Photographer / Photojournalist |
| Researcher | Resume Writer | Sales Representative |
| Screen/TV Scriptwriter | Speechwriter | Teacher |
| Technical Writer | TV/Film Production and Directing | Travel Writer |
| Webmaster | Writers / Editors |
EMPLOYERS IN JOURNALISM
- Advertising Agencies
- Bookstores
- Colleges/Universities
- Communication Firms
- Film Companies
- Fund-Raising Firms
- Government Agencies
- Insurance Companies
- Magazines
- Newspapers
- Personnel Departments
- Professional Journals
- Public Relations Firms
- Publishing Firms
- Radio/TV Industry
- Research/Development Firms
- Telecommunication Companies
- Travel Agencies
WEB SITES RELATED TO JOURNALISM
Metro State Journalism Department Website
- Columbia Journalism Review
- J-Jobs Journalism Job Bank
- Jobs in Journalism
- JournalismJobs
- Literary Resources on the Net
- Television and Radio News Research
PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS IN THIS FIELD
- American Society of Journalists and Authors
www.asja.org -
American Society of Newspaper Editors
www.asne.org -
Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communications
www.aejmc.org -
Denver Press Club
denver.rockymountainnews.com/denverpressclub/ -
National Federation of Press Women
www.nfpw.org -
National Press Photographers Association
www.nppa.org -
National Society of Newspaper Columnists
columnists.com
-
Society of Environmental Journalists
www.sej.org -
Society of Professional Journalists
www.spj.org
The above information is collected from alumni surveys of numerous colleges, professional associations, and multiple print and online resources.