While a college education is helpful in obtaining a job at a newspaper, experience is also seen as a plus.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that finding employment at a newspaper will grow more and more competitive, especially in larger markets or at metropolitan and national newspapers. With declining readership and strong competition from online media, many newspaper companies are cutting their workforce rather than adding to it. However, small publications and online newspapers and magazines continue to provide opportunities for those looking to break into the newspaper industry.
Instructions
1. Earn a bachelor's degree in journalism and mass communications or a related field such as English. Take writing and journalism classes at your local college or technical school. While a college degree isn't always necessary, it is very helpful in getting your foot in the door.
2. Study the AP Stylebook and Briefing on Media Law. Most newspaper applicants are tested during the interview process on the basics of AP style, a collection of guidelines on grammar, spelling, punctuation and usage specific to newspapers. Test yourself on sections of the stylebook, such as the proper use of abbreviations in street names, dates and measurements. Write sample stories and edit them using the stylebook to help train yourself on proper usage.
3. Get experience. Volunteer or apply for a position at your student newspaper or any outlet that produces newsletters, magazines, yearbooks or other written publications. Observe the news-gathering process in those more experienced on the staff, and learn as much about the production process as possible.
4. Apply for an internship. The best way to get experience at a real newspaper is by completing an internship at one. Ask your professor or mentors for referrals to available internships, and apply for all that are accepting applications. Once accepted, learn as much as possible about the inner workings of a newsroom and request assignments to show a willingness to grow.
5. Learn diverse and versatile skills. Newspaper reporters today must also know do more than write. They also know upload content to websites, take photography and design pages. Call and ask the newspaper at which you'd like to apply what software programs it uses and take additional classes to learn them.
6. Apply for a non-reporting position. Respond to "help wanted" ads for any open position at a newspaper. This can also help you get your foot in the door and provide you the opportunity to make valuable contacts in your new co-workers.
