By now it's clear - the internet is where it's at as far as the news business. So if you're an aspiring journalist, the time to establish an online presence for yourself is now. Many employers Google the names of job applicants, and the more good stuff that shows up, the better. In fact, if an employer Googles your name and nothing appears, they'll probably wonder what you've been doing for the last four years.
And while showing off your writing is important, don't forget multimedia skills. If you know how to shoot digital or create online slideshows, do it. There's nothing the news business values more right now than versatility.
So here are five things you can do now to establish an online presence for yourself.
1. Work For Someone With a Website
Whether it's writing stories for your online student newspaper, freelancing for the local newspaper's website or creating an online slideshow for, say, a local company, it's important to get your work online where people - and more specifically, potential employers - can see it.
2. Start Your Own Website
Can't land a job working for someone else's site? Start your own. Starting a website may seem complicated but with just a little money and know-how it's not hard at all. And there's nothing more impressive in terms of an online presence than having your own website. You can use it to shine a spotlight on your journalism work and skills, or focus on something that's a particular interest of yours.
3. Start a Blog
Starting a blog is even easier than starting a website - you can create one for free in just minutes. Again, use it to showcase your work or write about what interests you.
4. Establish a Facebook or Myspace Page
Social networking sites like Facebook and Myspace are hot right now. Like blogs, they're free and just take minutes to set up. Use your page to show off anything and everything that will make you appealing to a prospective employer.
But keep it clean and respectable. Employers check these sites, and they're not crazy about applicants who have posted risque or suggestive material.
5. Start Twittering
Twitter allows you to post short messages online. It's free and easy to set up. Use it to promote your other online work. For instance, if you post a new story on your blog, send out a tweet telling everyone about it.
Again, whether it's an online article, a blog entry or a Twitter message, the idea is to use the web to showcase your skills and your work. Think of it as an online job application that you're continually updating.
