So you're getting a journalism degree, have worked at your student newspaper and maybe have an internship under your belt. Or maybe you're changing careers and want to break into the news business.
Whatever your situation, the key to finding a job in the news business these days is versatility. The more different kinds of skills you have, the more employable you are. So here are five marketable skills you can acquire to give yourself an edge in the job hunt.
1. Layout
More and more, newsroom jobs are being consolidated. Editors who once only had to edit copy and write headlines are now being asked to do computerized layout as well. The two most widely used layout programs are QuarkXpress and InDesign.
2. Digital Photography
At small papers where most journalists get their start, reporters often must shoot photos as well as write. And the name of the game in photojournalism today is digital photography - the old days of developing prints in the darkroom are over. So learn everything you can about digital photography and if you can, buy an inexpensive digital camera and starting shooting pictures at the events you cover.
3. Blogging
Reporters are increasingly being asked to run blogs on newspaper websites, so why not start one of your own now? Many blog services are free and just take a few minutes to set up. You can learn more about blogging here.
4. Web Design
This one's a no-brainer. Virtually every news outlet on the planet now has its own website, so the advantages of learning as much as you can about web design are obvious. Here is where you can find out more.
5. Digital Video
If you're going into broadcast journalism this one's obvious, but these days even print reporters are being sent out on stories not just with a notebook and pen but with a digital video camera. They shoot the video, then upload it to their paper's website. Here is more information.
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