11 Crucial Things One Should Know Before Majoring in Journalism

Mick Dolores
Jul 20, 2017 · 5 min read

“You are not done with Math — if that’s what you are thinking — Sorry.”

Photo credits: huffingtonpost.com

Many says Journalism will start to vanish in few years. I beg to disagree. I believe that as long as the world has news to report and requires someone to report it, it will never ever die.

At most cases, even if we don’t admit it, the digital age perhaps be hurting journalism in its traditional form, but something unequivocally better may be on the verge. So for those young lads who have doubts about thrusting yourself into the wild and wonderful world of journalism, look no further to end your questioning.

As a Journalism graduate myself, let me share with you the things I considered when I enrolled and started majoring in Journalism — might be quite helpful to those who are still confused and undecided. Here we go!

Photo credits: oureducation.com
  1. First!

First thing to think about and consider if you really want to be part of the “chosen few”, you should have this skill which hears about things right when they happen. In other words, you hear before everyone else — #Braggingrights. Every Journalist is always updated — they know what happened, why it happened and who caused it. So, if you’ve always wondered why things are the way they are or the backstory that the general public doesn’t know, Journalism might be fit for you.

2. Eager to learn new things.

As an aspiring journalist, you have to be open to learn what really works, what doesn’t and why. Know that discoveries are around every corner and it also teaches introspection. My advise? You challenge yourself, discover your fears and desires, and learn about yourself and your role in the world. That’s it!

3. You are not done with Math nor Science.

To be honest, one of the things I really considered before I submit my application form is that in Journalism I wouldn’t have to deal anymore with numbers and other complicated formulas, but I am absolutely wrong!

These craziness will still haunt us even if we are majoring in Journalism not unless you took credits in high school that count toward graduation, which is quite impossible, so you don’t have any choice, you still have to take general arts and science classes. Apparently, they include Math and Science. Better to get rid of them as early as you can so you have a lot of space for fun electives later.

4. Being a good writer isn’t enough.

This is the reason why you are seeing different courses/subjects on your curriculum. In real world, to get hired, you need to understand all aspects of what makes a good story: photos, videos, graphics, and more. It’s great to have a concentration in writing, but don’t let that be the only thing you’re good at. You may need to use those other skills on other platforms, and having them makes you a better writer and editor, at the same time.

5. You’re not as good at writing as you think you are.

I am telling you, if you only know how to write essays or poems or short stories, be prepared to unlearn everything you’ve ever been taught in grade school or in high school. Know that it takes a lot of late nights, a lot of practice, and lots of big edits on your stories to get good at writing in a journalistic manner. Of course, no one is perfect, so better be prepared for criticisms, get comfortable with that and don’t take anything too personally.

6. Letting anyone make you feel like you’re not talented is a big No No.

Yes, in the world of Journalism, no two people have the exact same writing style. At some point, this is bound to make you clash with your professor and or your classmate. Because sometimes you feel like what they think sounds good won’t always be what you think sounds good. Admit it!

Most of the time, you’ll find yourself putting up a fight with your professor about sentence structure — grammar, diction (choice of words) and some other lame reasons, but, always remember that they’ve been in this business for way longer than you and apparently, they know what works and how it should work. It is better to just take their advice(s) and figure out how to work their suggestions while still keeping your unique voice and it’ll be less complicated, indeed.

8. Joining campus or college publication.

One of the initial plans that you have to have is to immerse in everything. When I say immerse in everything, you could either be part of your college newspaper/publication, the TV and radio stations, photography club, all of it! Get a little bit of experience in every field you can. Being involve with these will have a huge impact when you start to look for a company during your internship.

I’ve been there, done that and i’m proud to say that I’ve been part of our very own college publication for three years — “awww, I miss the Community.”

9. Don’t be shy!

Just a heads up, if you’re still not aware, in Journalism, it requires you to talk to strangers — a lot of strangers. From interviewing people on the streets to pitching ideas to editors, you have to be very persistent, all the time! Follow up, and don’t be afraid to be annoying. Get used to asking tough questions now. You should have the confidence and the guts to excel in this field.

10. Get used and be comfortable with deadlines and sleepless nights.

Most of the time, you’ll ask yourself if you are still a human or a robot, LOL! That was the question I once asked to myself — during our thesis days along with the deadlines we need to beat on our college publication.

You’ll be at the school paper until the wee hours of the morning getting everything together for the newest issue or you could be at your friends’ house, staying awake all night — not for sleepovers — but you are writing the most important piece of your college life — thesis.

And yes, once these are all done, you passed your thesis defense, you and your co-writers got to publish and see your latest issue come to life, it totally pays off all the sacrifices, agonies and all the hard works you’ve invested all throughout— I can attest to that.

11. People will tell you that you’re making the biggest mistake of your life.

You will always hear these things, believe me or not. “Are you sure you want to go into Journalism?” “Newspapers are dying! Everything is going digital!” Be prepared and do not ever ever feel degraded or demotivated just because of these. Have your answers ready. “Yes, I’m sure!” “Everything is going digital, isn’t that great? So many opportunities!” Awesome come back, eh?

At some point, they’re going to convince you and make you feel like you should rethink your career choice, but you have to trust yourself enough with what you chose and what you really want.

Be confident in every direction you’re going to take, and relax.

Break a leg! :)

JargonHub

Creativity, Happiness, Deep Thoughts

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Mick Dolores

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Sapiosexual | Writer | Tattooed

JargonHub

JargonHub

Creativity, Happiness, Deep Thoughts

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