Journalism | Crimson Career Guide

INDUSTRY OVERVIEW

JOURNALISM

The journalism industry is an ever-essential field committed to informing the public about current events, uncovering stories that shape society, and holding truth to power. Journalism today encompasses a wide range of media, from traditional print, radio, and television reporting to platforms for digital, podcasting, and multimedia storytelling. College students can enter the field in countless ways: writing for campus publications like The Crimson or Independent, working internships in newsrooms around the country, and rotational fellowships after graduation all provide crucial hands-on experience in writing, editing, design, and production. Successful journalists are curious, with a penchant for critical thinking and the ability to adapt to a rapidly changing news cycle. Newsrooms today also increasingly rely on data analysis, visual tools, and social media to reach diverse audiences, and new entrants into the field should be prepared to think creatively across platforms. Students with strong writing and communication skills, as well as a passion for meaningful storytelling, are positioned well to succeed in journalism today.

RECRUITING TIMELINE

STEP ONE

FRESHMAN—JUNIOR YEAR

Careers in journalism often do not require a distinct academic path, and students interested in journalism pursue academic majors that range from history and political science to economics, statistics, and mathematics. Still, valuable courses may be ones that offer exposure to expository writing, media law and ethics, and multimedia storytelling. Connect with relevant alumni — through extracurricular activities or independently — who may work in the media industry, and learn about their career trajectories. Secure internships in newsrooms, whether local or national, and maintain relationships with past employers.

STEP TWO

SENIOR YEAR

Research potential employers. If possible, create a portfolio of past academic work and published writing to strengthen job applications. Stay in touch with past employers or alumni connections. Apply for jobs as deadlines approach throughout the year, from entry-level journalism roles to fellowships or training programs. Keep active in journalism networks and professional organizations, pitch articles to a variety of outlets, and construct a network of editors and fellow journalists who may be helpful throughout your career.

01 REPORTER/CORRESPONDENT

Pathway Overview

A reporter (or correspondent) gathers, investigates, and reports news stories for newspapers, websites, magazines, or television news outlets. This role requires strong writing and research skills, the ability to work with people of all races and classes, and proficient interviewing skills. Reporters must often work on quick deadlines with tight turnaround times, and may be tasked with breaking news within minutes or hours of its release. Reporters are fundamental to journalism, and they are responsible for reporting news and keeping the public informed with updated and accurate information. The scope of a reporter’s work often depends on the publication for which they work. At larger, national or regional newspapers, they may be assigned to cover specific topics or individuals. Within a smaller, local paper, they may report on much broader topics at hand.

02 DIGITAL CONTENT PRODUCER

Pathway Overview

A digital content producer makes and manages online content for websites, social media, and other digital platforms. This role requires strong digital media skills, familiarity with Search Engine Optimization and online analytics software, and the ability to share compelling and updated stories through various multimedia formats. With the rise of digital media, digital content producers are essential for reaching and engaging online audiences, adapting traditional journalism to modern platforms, and ensuring content is optimized for search engines and social sharing.

03 BROADCAST JOURNALIST

Pathway Overview

Broadcast journalists report news on television or radio, often live from the scene of events. They require significant communication skills, the ability to think swiftly, and a strong presence on camera. This role offers dynamic, high-visibility opportunities, allowing journalists to deliver news directly to the public in real-time, making it a vital and on-the-spot position in the media industry.

04 NEWSROOM FELLOWSHIPS

Pathway Overview

Newsroom fellowships, though far less common than traditional roles, offer new graduates or young journalists the opportunity to work, for a limited time, in a media company or newsroom. Prominent fellowships or associate programs include opportunities at outlets such as The New York Times, CBS, WBUR, and CNBC. Fellows may rotate through several departments within a larger company, gaining experience in each one, or be assigned to one office for a longer period of time.

INDUSTRY SPOTLIGHT

"The key is simple: ‘to tell good stories, to write them,’ Newcomer says. ‘Getting original stories and hustling for stuff that readers want to consume is, ultimately, the power.’"

Eric P. Newcomer '12

Read about Eric's story:

Shortly after moving to Macon, Georgia as a child, Eric P. Newcomer ’12 realized that his elementary school had a television station that allowed students to join. “I realized you got to get out of class,” Newcomer said, as well as “ask anybody anything.” He quickly became an anchor and, as it turns out, started a career in journalism that has spanned the United States’ most storied newsrooms, to the cutting edge of technology journalism and a news company he founded himself.

A Philosophy concentrator at Harvard College, Newcomer’s first real exposure to journalism was at The Harvard Crimson. He cut his teeth as a beat reporter, breaking news of a shooting in Kirkland House and writing in-depth stories on student life across Harvard. “I was much more invested in writing stories for The Crimson than my classes,” Newcomer admitted. Newcomer followed what he calls the “old-school way” to journalism. Stints at a series of regional newspapers across the country — The Macon Telegraph, his hometown newspaper; the Sun-Sentinel, in Florida; the Tampa Bay Times — culminated in an internship with The New York Times.