Always having your finger on the pulse, knowing the latest news first and sharing it with others – this is how many people imagine being a journalist. In fact, this job offers you the opportunity to travel the world, meet people and explore topics that have always interested you. But what requirements do you have to meet to become a journalist and what training options are there? Below we provide you with answers to these questions and recommend three information portals that you should consult before applying. Finally, there is a renowned address where you can apply as a trainee.
How do you become a journalist?
Basically anyone can call themselves a journalist, as this is not a protected job title. But journalists usually have completed training in the form of a traineeship, a degree or a combination of both.
Since study places are usually very limited, a very good Abitur average is often considered mandatory. Furthermore, selection tests and interviews are often carried out and texts are commissioned to be written on a given topic. Practical experience that you gained through internships or through freelance work for a newspaper, TV or radio station is also often considered a prerequisite for admission.
A traineeship is also not that easy to get hold of: although it is the most common route to becoming a journalist, it is just as popular as studying. So that you can still achieve your career goal, we have three web addresses where you can get extensive information and prepare for your application.
Things worth knowing about volunteering
If you are interested in traditional training, you should find out more about volunteering to become an editor on the information portal. There you will find out briefly and concisely everything you need to know about what awaits you as a volunteer: What are the selection criteria? What do you have to pay attention to when it comes to application documents? How does a traineeship work and what do you earn? The website sheds a clear light on this type of training and helps you make the decision for or against a traineeship.
From print to web – online journalism
Anyone who wants to specialize in online journalism - which is undoubtedly a future-oriented career choice - should take a close look at the contents of the information portal for training in online journalism . What are the fields of work like, what is the daily work like and what training options are there to become an online journalist? You will find answers here that are clearly structured and understandable.
Journalism via distance learning
Are you a specialist in independent learning and don't want to study at a university depending on your location? Then you should definitely consider distance learning: You can find everything you need to know about distance learning in journalism on this useful homepage. It is particularly helpful to find out what advantages and disadvantages distance learning offers and how it is structured.
Become a trainee at the journalism school
Finally, we would like to give you a specific address where you can apply for journalism training. The German Journalists' College is the journalism school of the German Specialist Journalists Association and is considered a promising alternative to traineeships. The journalism school is characterized by a practice-oriented curriculum and has a multiple award-winning excellence profile. You can find out more about the application process on the homepage.
The dream of being a journalist can be realized in various ways, but first research all the options before making a final decision. After all, it's about your future and your professional happiness!
How do you become a successful journalist and what training options are there?
