5 Needed Skills To Be a Journalist in the Digital Age
If you enjoy writing, think about becoming a journalist. While you might not find a job working for a newspaper, there are still plenty of careers available online. Here are some skills you need to be a journalist in the digital age.
1. Develop Impeccable Writing Skills
Howard Mittman believes that the skill of writing is one that can never truly be mastered. You must work on it every day of your life. Take online courses to hone your grammar, and make it a point to write every day. The more you write, the faster you’ll get better and the clearer your writing will be.
Get into the habit of reading every day as well. By reading the work of other writers, you glean better ways to express thoughts and ideas. Attend writing workshops in your area to pick up other essential skills.
2. Master Skills in Social Media and Web Design
Journalists in the digital age need to have an online presence. Knowing your way around the various media platforms will make you invaluable to the companies you work for. If you know how to build a website and make it look attractive, you’ll be able to promote your services online and reach a large number of people.
3. Become a Research Ninja
Good quality journalism requires thorough research. You won’t be an authoritative voice unless you know the material thoroughly. Not only should you gather the critical information, but you need to understand it and all of its implications on the subject matter you’re writing about.
Doing the proper research gives you credibility, a value that’s crucial in the world of journalism. Should that credibility be lost, your reputation could be damaged for years, so always do your homework.
4. Get Your Work Out There
These days, having a resume isn’t enough to get a job. You need an online presence. It’s inevitable that prospective employers will do a web search before considering you for a position, so make sure you have a presence that’s positive. First impressions, especially of the digital type, are crucial.
Build your own website and post several articles that demonstrate your writing skill. Also, post on other social media such as Facebook and Twitter as well as Instagram. Avoid political issues and make your posts as uplifting as possible.
5. Edit Everything You Write
Every writer makes mistakes, and no one crafts a perfect story the first time around. It’s vital that you edit every article you write. Get it all down on paper and then walk away from what you’ve written for an hour or so. Come back to it and work on making the article as clear and concise as possible. Remove all of the unnecessary words and work on making your sentences simpler and easier to understand.
Writing is more than a skill. It’s a way of life and perfection is elusive when it comes to being a journalist. Be sure to write every day and edit what you’ve written. With practice and getting your work out there, your career will soar.
