Journalism

The Good Careers Guide states that a journalist writes and edit news reports, commentaries, feature articles and blogs for newspapers, magazines, radio, television and websites, including online publications.  Journalists usually start as cadets and report routine events. In newspapers and on radio and television, most reporters are expected to be 'generalists' who are able to cover almost any topic of interest.  With experience, and sometimes further training, journalists may perform a variety of tasks according to their area of specialisation.  There are so many specialised roles within the journalism industry, some of which include – 

Columnist

A columnist writes a regular segment within their particular interest category (creative arts, politics or technology, for example), often incorporating a personal view or opinion.

Feature Writer

A feature writer writes detailed stories or presents commentaries on specific news topics.

Leader Writer

A leader writer discusses news topics in the editorial columns of newspapers or magazines.

News Reporter

A news reporter reports on day-to-day news events (crime, education, health or sport, for example).

Roundsperson

A roundsperson reports on and discusses a specialised area (politics, economics or education, for example).

There is a useful UK website - Careers Advice - What can I do with a Journalism Degree? – and students will find links to interesting careers including – 

• Broadcast journalist
• Editorial assistant
• Magazine features editor
• Magazine journalist
• Political risk analyst
• Web content manager

Journalism is offered by a number of universities, often as a major in an Arts degree, but there are also more focussed media and communication degrees available to students.