What is a journalism degree?
A journalism degree is an academic qualification focused on the principles, practices, and ethics of journalism. It typically covers a range of topics including news reporting, writing, editing, investigative journalism, digital media, multimedia storytelling, and media law and ethics.
Journalism degrees often include hands-on experience through internships, practical assignments, and opportunities to work for student publications or media outlets. Graduates may pursue careers in various media-related fields such as print, broadcast, online journalism, digital media production, public relations, and corporate communications.
What can you do with a journalism degree?
There are various possibilities once you get a journalism degree. You can work for the radio, newspapers, and even for the television news channels. You can work in marketing and communications. Nowadays, there is an increasing demand for digital media so you can try that as well. You learn storytelling skills and communication skills with the journalism degree. Working for newspaper periodicals, radio and television can be so much fun. The media outlets are integral for a journalist.
Why Pursue A Career In journalism?
There are various jobs for journalism majors. The journalism students can tap into broadcast journalism or even work as technical writers. If you have the potential, you can even try for a corporate communication specialist career.
If you’re looking for a job after getting a degree in journalism, consider using Teal's Job Application Tracker to manage your job search. Teal’s job searching platform is totally free and can help you land a job faster.
The best careers for journalism majors
1. Content Writer
With a journalism degree, you can easily try your hand at content writing. It’s relevant and you can even work remotely. As a content writer, you have to develop content such as blog posts, social media posts, articles, and so much more! As a content writer, you can tap into learning about content strategy. You can work with the marketing leaders and take part in important branding sessions at the company. You must know how to follow the basic guidelines. In the beginning, you have entry-level experience, but gradually you can earn more with new skills and expertise. You have to be able to follow tight deadlines.
As a content writer, you can work as a freelancer too. The average salary of a content writer in the United States is $18.52 (as of November 2021).
2. Staff Writer
With a journalism degree, it’s also possible to work as a staff writer. As a staff writer, you will be producing content for news reports, features, reviews, and a lot more. You are expected to work with other writers, content strategists, editors, and many other professionals. It could be an office-based job. A bachelor degree can help you open opportunities, but with a master's degree you can learn even more new skills.
The average base salary of a staff writer in the United States is $42,781 per year (as of Nov 2021).
3. Copywriter
With a journalism degree, you can also try your hand at copywriting. It’s an interesting field that you may enjoy a lot. As a copywriter, you also need to know the art of persuasion. Because of your communication skills, you know how to communicate with your potential audience.
You can write blogs, emails, brochures, advertising campaigns, and a lot more. The average base salary of a copywriter in the United States is $52,148 per year. Bear in mind that you need to follow strict deadlines as a copywriter! Plus, you’ve to be creative and understand the jargon of your potential audience.
4. Freelance Writer
With a journalism major, it’s even possible to become a freelance writer in the age of information technology. You can easily earn from the comfort of your home. You can create a writer's website and start a blog. You can work for companies and other people! Your writing can be inspiring and it may have the potential to change the world. You can even learn to write press releases and so much more.
The average base salary of a freelance writer in the United States is $23.42 per hour. You can work from home, but again you need to follow strict deadlines. It’s important to be punctual when you are a freelance writer.
5. Journalist
With a journalism degree under your belt, you can become a journalist. A journalist prepares a news story for the online or print media. You can work as a journalist on television. You have to research, develop a story based on your information, and interview people. You can even find interesting stories to present to the world.
The average base salary of a journalist in the United States is $50.03 per hour.
6. Editor
If you have an eye for details, you can use your journalism degree for becoming an editor. You can check the mistakes in writing and make the content as presentable as possible. You can even work as a freelance editor from the comfort of your home.
An editor’s average base salary in the United States is $50,851 per year.
7. Digital Marketing
Because of your Journalism major and classes, you can tap into the field of digital marketing. You have great communication skills, writing skills, and storytelling skills. You can entice the customers of the modern age with such skills. You just need to learn how to analyze the data so that you can use it to write compelling content for your audience.
The average base salary of a digital marketer in the United States is $61,033 per year.
8. Public Affairs Specialist
You can also become a public affairs specialist with a journalism degree. You will be responsible for maintaining the brand image of your company. As a public affairs specialist, you will also be keeping an eye on the current trends that can impact the brand image in any way. If you are interested you can look into the career of a public relations specialist.
The average base salary of a public affairs specialist is $53,663 per year in the USA.
9. Author
It’s even possible to become an author with a journalism major. In fact, if you have some special life experience, that can translate well into your book. You can share your life story or write a book about basically anything you have an interest in. Your degree in journalism may help with non-fiction writing as well since you understand how to report facts.
In the United States, the authors earn $17.93 per hour on average.
Final Words
A journalism major opens doors of opportunities for you. You can work as a social media manager and a blog writer. There are a variety of options. People are switching to YouTube and modern means of earning, you can also try that!
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