Guest Post from BrainTrack.com about Journalism Jobs!

Will There be Jobs for Journalism Majors?

Just like most college students, journalism majors are wondering what's the job outlook for them. The media industry has been going through huge changes as more people are getting their news from the Internet. Yes indeed, the Internet has provided keen competition to traditional newspapers. Many newspapers have either shut down or or are now providing news via their websites. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that competition will be fierce for positions in large metropolitan and national newspapers, magazines and broadcast stations. Probably not a surprise.

Employment Opportunities

A survey taken by the University of Georgia showed that 55% of graduates majoring in journalism obtained jobs in online writing and editing. The BLS states the best opportunities will be with small publications, small local newspapers and broadcast stations and online newspapers and magazines. There may be freelancing opportunities for beginning newspaper reporters, especially with media websites. Some journalist graduates become freelancers and write about topics they have expertise in. Having a niche can be helpful in finding work.

Employment Projections

The BLS has forecasted a six percent decline between 2008 and 2018 for employment of new analysts, reporters and correspondents. On the bright side, advances in technology may lead to more employment growth by opening up areas of work including online and mobile news divisions. The BLS has projected that science journalists will have good job prospects. Also, some reporter positions will be available due to people leaving the profession.

In 2008 there were about 69,000 news analysts, reporters and correspondent jobs. By the way, in 2008 the median annual earnings for reporters and correspondents was $34,850. The median annual earnings for reporters and correspondents working in radio and television broadcasting in 2008 was $37,710.

Other Career Fields for Journalism Majors

What other types of occupations can journalism majors pursue? Journalism graduates have the background to work in related fields such as advertising, marketing, new analysis and research, media relations, communications and public relations.

Many large companies hire journalism majors for their crisis management division. Due to corporate scandals and other bad news corporations need specialists who have the ability to keep rumors from spreading and putting on a friendly face for embattled companies.

Employers' Preferences

Most employers prefer to hire people that have a bachelor's degree in journalism or mass communications that also have gained experience at school newspapers or broadcasting stations or via internships with news organizations. While in college and/or after graduating journalism majors can bolster their resume by providing quality articles, for free to websites.

Some large-city newspapers and broadcasting stations prefer to hire reporters who have a degree in a subject-matter specialty such as political science, economics, science or business. Journalism majors may want to take some classes in one of these subjects to bolster their resume.

Journalism graduates can expect tough competition for jobs. The Internet offers a variety of possibilities. Practical experience, even from non-paying positions is vital.

Brian Jenkins writes about topics related to careers and education for BrainTrack.com. He has contributed to the website's sections on careers in writing and reporting.