essay on journalism as a career

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Is Journalism the Right Career for You?

Six journalists share their advice.

Research shows that journalists have lost the trust of the public. The profession is in need of young journalists eager to help rebuild this lost trust through fair and comprehensive reporting. A career in journalism, however, isn’t right for everyone. To figure out if it’s for you, consider these traits of great journalists.

• You must be inherently curious. Curiosity is a make-or-break quality for journalists. You must be ready to question everything, even trusted institutions. You must have persistence and keep yourself from getting discouraged when hunting for information. And you must be willing to step out of your comfort zone to get to the bottom of things.
• You must have humility and a thick skin. As a journalist, you must remember and embrace the fact that you don’t know everything. You must also be ready to have your work analyzed and critiqued, not just by your colleagues, but by the world. You will have to be humble, willing to learn, and eager to challenge your own assumptions.
• You must have empathy, for your sources and yourself. Being a diligent investigator doesn’t mean that you have to be cold with people. Journalists cover stories that impact human people, so not having respect and empathy for humanity can be detrimental. You must also have empathy for yourself — journalism can be a time-consuming and challenging job. Knowing how to set expectations and boundaries for yourself is a must.

“The whole ecosystem of journalism is built on trust,” said Charles W. Stevens . He reported and edited at The Wall Street Journal for 16 years and edited at Bloomberg for 22. “If trust breaks, the whole institution of journalism breaks down.”

• EN Evelyn Nam is a graduate of Harvard Kennedy School, Columbia Journalism School, and Harvard Divinity School. She has reported on business and Asian American affairs. Currently, she is an assistant editor at Harvard Business Publishing.

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Does Journalism Have a Future?

The wood-panelled tailgate of the 1972 Oldsmobile station wagon dangled open like a broken jaw, making a wobbly bench on which four kids could sit, eight legs swinging. Every Sunday morning, long before dawn, we’d get yanked out of bed to stuff the car’s way-back with stacks of twine-tied newspapers, clamber onto the tailgate, cut the twine with my mother’s sewing scissors, and ride around town, bouncing along on that bench, while my father shouted out orders from the driver’s seat. “Watch out for the dog!” he’d holler between draws on his pipe. “Inside the screen door!” “Mailbox!” As the car crept along, never stopping, we’d each grab a paper and dash in the dark across icy driveways or dew-drunk grass, crashing, seasonally, into unexpected snowmen. “Back porch!” “Money under the mat!” He kept a list, scrawled on the back of an envelope, taped to the dashboard: the Accounts. “They owe three weeks!” He didn’t need to remind us. We knew each Doberman and every debt. We’d deliver our papers—Worcester Sunday Telegrams —and then run back to the car and scramble onto the tailgate, dropping the coins we’d collected into empty Briggs tobacco tins as we bumped along to the next turn, the newspaper route our Sabbath.

The Worcester Sunday Telegram was founded in 1884, when a telegram meant something fast. Two years later, it became a daily. It was never a great paper but it was always a pretty good paper: useful, gossipy, and resolute. It cultivated talent. The poet Stanley Kunitz was a staff writer for the Telegram in the nineteen-twenties. The New York Times reporter Douglas Kneeland, who covered Kent State and Charles Manson, began his career there in the nineteen-fifties. Joe McGinniss reported for the Telegram in the nineteen-sixties before writing “The Selling of the President.” From bushy-bearded nineteenth-century politicians to baby-faced George W. Bush, the paper was steadfastly Republican, if mainly concerned with scandals and mustachioed villains close to home: overdue repairs to the main branch of the public library, police raids on illegal betting establishments—“ Worcester Dog Chases Worcester Cat Over Worcester Fence ,” as the old Washington press-corps joke about a typical headline in a local paper goes. Its pages rolled off giant, thrumming presses in a four-story building that overlooked City Hall the way every city paper used to look out over every city hall, the Bat-Signal over Gotham.

Most newspapers like that haven’t lasted. Between 1970 and 2016, the year the American Society of News Editors quit counting, five hundred or so dailies went out of business; the rest cut news coverage, or shrank the paper’s size, or stopped producing a print edition, or did all of that, and it still wasn’t enough. The newspaper mortality rate is old news, and nostalgia for dead papers is itself pitiful at this point, even though, I still say, there’s a principle involved. “I wouldn’t weep about a shoe factory or a branch-line railroad shutting down,” Heywood Broun, the founder of the American Newspaper Guild, said when the New York World went out of business, in 1931. “But newspapers are different.” And the bleeding hasn’t stopped. Between January, 2017, and April, 2018, a third of the nation’s largest newspapers, including the Denver Post and the San Jose Mercury News , reported layoffs. In a newer trend, so did about a quarter of digital-native news sites. BuzzFeed News laid off a hundred people in 2017; speculation is that BuzzFeed is trying to dump it. The Huffington Post paid most of its writers nothing for years, upping that recently to just above nothing, and yet, despite taking in tens of millions of dollars in advertising revenue in 2018, it failed to turn a profit.

Even veterans of august and still thriving papers are worried, especially about the fake news that’s risen from the ashes of the dead news. “We are, for the first time in modern history, facing the prospect of how societies would exist without reliable news,” Alan Rusbridger, for twenty years the editor-in-chief of the Guardian , writes in “ Breaking News: The Remaking of Journalism and Why It Matters Now .” “There are not that many places left that do quality news well or even aim to do it at all,” Jill Abramson , a former executive editor of the New York Times , writes in “Merchants of Truth: The Business of News and the Fight for Facts.” Like most big-paper reporters and editors who write about the crisis of journalism, Rusbridger and Abramson are interested in national and international news organizations. The local story is worse.

First came conglomeration. Worcester, Massachusetts, the second-largest city in New England, used to have four dailies: the Telegram , in the morning, and the Gazette , in the evening (under the same ownership), the Spy , and the Post . Now it has one. The last great laying waste to American newspapers came in the early decades of the twentieth century, mainly owing to (a) radio and (b) the Depression; the number of dailies fell from 2,042 in 1920 to 1,754 in 1944, leaving 1,103 cities with only one paper. Newspaper circulation rose between 1940 and 1990, but likely only because more people were reading fewer papers, and, as A. J. Liebling once observed, nothing is crummier than a one-paper town. In 1949, after yet another New York daily closed its doors, Liebling predicted, “If the trend continues, New York will be a one- or two-paper town by about 1975.” He wasn’t that far off. In the nineteen-eighties and nineties, as Christopher B. Daly reports in “ Covering America: A Narrative History of the Nation’s Journalism ,” “the big kept getting bigger.” Conglomeration can be good for business, but it has generally been bad for journalism. Media companies that want to get bigger tend to swallow up other media companies, suppressing competition and taking on debt, which makes publishers cowards. In 1986, the publisher of the San Francisco Chronicle bought the Worcester Telegram and the Evening Gazette , and, three years later, right about when Time and Warner became Time Warner, the Telegram and the Gazette became the Telegram & Gazette , or the T&G , smaller fries but the same potato.

Next came the dot-coms. Craigslist went online in the Bay Area in 1996 and spread across the continent like a weed, choking off local newspapers’ most reliable source of revenue: classified ads. The T&G tried to hold on to its classified-advertising section by wading into the shallow waters of the Internet, at telegram.com, where it was called, acronymically, and not a little desperately, “ TANGO !” Then began yet another round of corporate buyouts, deeply leveraged deals conducted by executives answerable to stockholders seeking higher dividends, not better papers. In 1999, the New York Times Company bought the T&G for nearly three hundred million dollars. By 2000, only three hundred and fifty of the fifteen hundred daily newspapers left in the United States were independently owned. And only one out of every hundred American cities that had a daily newspaper was anything other than a one-paper town.

Then came the fall, when papers all over the country, shackled to mammoth corporations and a lumbering, century-old business model, found themselves unable to compete with the upstarts—online news aggregators like the Huffington Post (est. 2005) and Breitbart News (est. 2007), which were, to readers, free. News aggregators also drew display advertisers away from print; Facebook and Google swallowed advertising accounts whole. Big papers found ways to adapt; smaller papers mainly folded. Between 1994 and 2016, years when the population of Worcester County rose by more than a hundred thousand, daily home delivery of the T&G declined from more than a hundred and twenty thousand to barely thirty thousand. In one year alone, circulation fell by twenty-nine per cent. In 2012, after another round of layoffs, the T&G left its building, its much reduced staff small enough to fit into two floors of an office building nearby. The next year, the owner of the Boston Red Sox bought the newspaper, along with the Boston Globe , from the New York Times Company for seventy million dollars, only to unload the T&G less than a year later, for seventeen million dollars, to Halifax Media Group, which held it for only half a year before Halifax itself was bought, flea-market style, by an entity that calls itself, unironically, the New Media Investment Group.

The numbers mask an uglier story. In the past half century, and especially in the past two decades, journalism itself—the way news is covered, reported, written, and edited—has changed, including in ways that have made possible the rise of fake news, and not only because of mergers and acquisitions, and corporate ownership, and job losses, and Google Search, and Facebook and BuzzFeed . There’s no shortage of amazing journalists at work, clear-eyed and courageous, broad-minded and brilliant, and no end of fascinating innovation in matters of form, especially in visual storytelling. Still, journalism, as a field, is as addled as an addict, gaunt, wasted, and twitchy, its pockets as empty as its nights are sleepless. It’s faster than it used to be, so fast. It’s also edgier, and needier, and angrier. It wants and it wants and it wants. But what does it need?

The daily newspaper is the taproot of modern journalism. Dailies mainly date to the eighteen-thirties, the decade in which the word “journalism” was coined, meaning daily reporting, the jour in journalism. Early dailies depended on subscribers to pay the bills. The press was partisan, readers were voters, and the news was meant to persuade (and voter turnout was high). But by 1900 advertising made up more than two-thirds of the revenue at most of the nation’s eighteen thousand newspapers, and readers were consumers (and voter turnout began its long fall). “The newspaper is not a missionary or a charitable institution, but a business that collects and publishes news which the people want and are willing to buy,” one Missouri editor said in 1892. Newspapers stopped rousing the rabble so much because businesses wanted readers, no matter their politics. “There is a sentiment gaining ground to the effect that the public wants its politics ‘straight,’ ” a journalist wrote the following year. Reporters pledged themselves to “facts, facts, and more facts,” and, as the press got less partisan and more ad-based, newspapers sorted themselves out not by their readers’ political leanings but by their incomes. If you had a lot of money to spend, you read the St. Paul Pioneer Press; if you didn’t have very much, you read the St. Paul Dispatch .

Unsurprisingly, critics soon began writing big books, usually indictments, about the relationship between business and journalism. “When you read your daily paper, are you reading facts or propaganda?” Upton Sinclair asked on the jacket of “ The Brass Check ,” in 1919. In “ The Disappearing Daily ,” in 1944, Oswald Garrison Villard mourned “what was once a profession but is now a business.” The big book that inspired Jill Abramson to become a journalist was David Halberstam’s “ The Powers That Be ,” from 1979, a history of the rise of the modern, corporate-based media in the middle decades of the twentieth century. Halberstam, who won a Pulitzer Prize in 1964 for his reporting from Vietnam for the New York Times , took up his story more or less where Villard left off. He began with F.D.R. and CBS radio; added the Los Angeles Times , Time Inc., and CBS television; and reached his story’s climax with the Washington Post and the New York Times and the publication of the Pentagon Papers, in 1971.

Halberstam argued that between the nineteen-thirties and the nineteen-seventies radio and television brought a new immediacy to reporting, while the resources provided by corporate owners and the demands made by an increasingly sophisticated national audience led to harder-hitting, investigative, adversarial reporting, the kind that could end a war and bring down a President. Richard Rovere summed it up best: “What The Los Angeles Times, The Washington Post, Time and CBS have in common is that, under pressures generated internally and externally, they moved from venality or parochialism or mediocrity or all three to something approaching journalistic excellence and responsibility.” That move came at a price. “Watergate, like Vietnam, had obscured one of the central new facts about the role of journalism in America,” Halberstam wrote. “Only very rich, very powerful corporate institutions like these had the impact, the reach, and above all the resources to challenge the President of the United States.”

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There’s reach, and then there’s reach. When I was growing up, in the nineteen-seventies, nobody I knew read the New York Times , the Washington Post , or the Wall Street Journal . Nobody I knew even read the Boston Globe , a paper that used to have a rule that no piece should ever be so critical of anyone that its “writer could not shake hands the next day with the man about whom he had written.” After journalism put up its dukes, my father only ever referred to the Globe as “that Communist rag,” not least because, in 1967, it became the first major paper in the United States to come out against the Vietnam War.

The view of the new journalism held by people like my father escaped Halberstam’s notice. In 1969, Nixon’s Vice-President, Spiro Agnew, delivered a speech drafted by the Nixon aide Pat Buchanan accusing the press of liberal bias. It’s “good politics for us to kick the press around,” Nixon is said to have told his staff. The press, Agnew said, represents “a concentration of power over American public opinion unknown in history,” consisting of men who “read the same newspapers” and “talk constantly to one another.” How dare they. Halberstam waved this aside as so much P.R. hooey, but, as has since become clear, Agnew reached a ready audience, especially in houses like mine.

Spiro who? “The press regarded Agnew with uncontrolled hilarity,” Arthur Schlesinger, Jr., observed in 1970, but “no one can question the force of Spiro T. Agnew’s personality, nor the impact of his speeches.” No scholar of journalism can afford to ignore Agnew anymore. In “ On Press: The Liberal Values That Shaped the News ,” the historian Matthew Pressman argues that any understanding of the crisis of journalism in the twenty-first century has to begin by vanquishing the ghost of Spiro T. Agnew.

For Pressman, the pivotal period for the modern newsroom is what Abramson calls “Halberstam’s Golden Age,” between 1960 and 1980, and its signal feature was the adoption not of a liberal bias but of liberal values: “Interpretation replaced transmission, and adversarialism replaced deference.” In 1960, nine out of every ten articles in the Times about the Presidential election were descriptive; by 1976, more than half were interpretative. This turn was partly a consequence of television—people who simply wanted to find out what happened could watch television, so newspapers had to offer something else—and partly a consequence of McCarthyism . “The rise of McCarthy has compelled newspapers of integrity to develop a form of reporting which puts into context what men like McCarthy have to say,” the radio commentator Elmer Davis said in 1953. Five years later, the Times added “News Analysis” as a story category. “Once upon a time, news stories were like tape recorders,” the Bulletin of the American Society of Newspaper Editors commented in 1963. “No more. A whole generation of events had taught us better—Hitler and Goebbels, Stalin and McCarthy, automation and analog computers and missiles.”

These changes weren’t ideologically driven, Pressman insists, but they had ideological consequences. At the start, leading conservatives approved. “To keep a reporter’s prejudices out of a story is commendable,” Irving Kristol wrote in 1967. “To keep his judgment out of a story is to guarantee that the truth will be emasculated.” After the Times and the Post published the Pentagon Papers, Kristol changed his spots. Journalists, he complained in 1972, were now “engaged in a perpetual confrontation with the social and political order (the ‘establishment,’ as they say).” By 1975, after Watergate, Kristol was insisting that “most journalists today . . . are ‘liberals.’ ” With that, the conservative attack on the press was off and running, all the way to Trumpism—“the failing New York Times,” “CNN is fake news,” the press is “the true enemy of the people”—and, in a revolution-devouring-its-elders sort of way, the shutting down of William Kristol’s Weekly Standard , in December. “The pathetic and dishonest Weekly Standard . . . is flat broke and out of business,” Trump tweeted. “May it rest in peace!”

What McCarthy and television were for journalism in the nineteen-fifties, Trump and social media would be in the twenty-tens: license to change the rules. Halberstam’s Golden Age, or what he called “journalism’s high-water mark,” ended about 1980. Abramson’s analysis in “Merchants of Truth” begins with journalism’s low-water mark, in 2007, the year after Facebook launched its News Feed, “the year everything began to fall apart.”

“ Merchants of Truth ” isn’t just inspired by “The Powers That Be”; it’s modelled on it. Abramson’s book follows Halberstam’s structure and mimics its style, chronicling the history of a handful of nationally prominent media organizations—in her case, BuzzFeed, Vice, the Times , and the Washington Post —in alternating chapters that are driven by character sketches and reported scenes. The book is saturated with a lot of gossip and glitz, including details about the restaurants the powers that be frequent, and what they wear (“Sulzberger”—the Times ’ publisher—“dressed in suits from Bloomingdale’s, stylish without being ostentatiously bespoke, and wore suspenders before they went out of fashion”), alongside crucial insights about structural transformations, like how Web and social-media publishing “unbundled” the newspaper, so that readers who used to find a fat newspaper on their front porch could, on their phones, look, instead, at only one story. “Each individual article now lived on its own page, where it had a unique URL and could be shared, and spread virally,” Abramson observes. “This put stories, rather than papers, in competition with one another.”

This history is a chronicle of missed opportunities, missteps, and lessons learned the hard way. As long ago as 1992, an internal report at the Washington Post urged the mounting of an “electronic product”: “The Post ought to be in the forefront of this.” Early on, the Guardian started a New Media lab, which struck a lot of people as frivolous, Rusbridger writes, because, at the time, “only 3 per cent of households owned a PC and a modem,” a situation not unlike that at the Guardian’s own offices, where “it was rumored that downstairs a bloke called Paul in IT had a Mac connected to the internet.” A 1996 business plan for the Guardian concluded that the priority was print, and the London Times editor Simon Jenkins predicted, “The Internet will strut an hour upon the stage, and then take its place in the ranks of the lesser media.” In 2005, the Post lost a chance at a ten-per-cent investment in Facebook, whose returns, as Abramson points out, would have floated the newspaper for decades. The C.E.O. of the Washington Post Company, Don Graham, and Mark Zuckerberg shook hands over the deal, making a verbal contract, but, when Zuckerberg weaseled out of it to take a better offer, Graham, out of kindness to a young fella just starting out, simply let him walk away. The next year, the Post shrugged off a proposal from two of its star political reporters to start a spinoff Web site; they went on to found Politico. The Times , Abramson writes, declined an early chance to invest in Google, and was left to throw the kitchen sink at its failing business model, including adding a Thursday Style section to attract more high-end advertising revenue. Bill Keller, then the newspaper’s editor, said, “If luxury porn is what saves the Baghdad bureau, so be it.”

More alarming than what the Times and the Post failed to do was how so much of what they did do was determined less by their own editors than by executives at Facebook and BuzzFeed. If journalism has been reinvented during the past two decades, it has, in the main, been reinvented not by reporters and editors but by tech companies, in a sequence of events that, in Abramson’s harrowing telling, resemble a series of puerile stunts more than acts of public service.

Who even are these people? “Merchants of Truth” has been charged with factual errors, including by people Abramson interviewed, especially younger journalists. She can also be maddeningly condescending. She doffs her cap at Sulzberger, with his natty suspenders, but dismisses younger reporters at places like Vice as notable mainly for being “impossibly hip, with interesting hair.” This is distracting, and too bad, because there is a changing of the guard worth noting, and it’s not incidental: it’s critical. All the way through to the nineteen-eighties, all sorts of journalists, including magazine, radio, and television reporters, got their start working on daily papers, learning the ropes and the rules. Rusbridger started out in 1976 as a reporter at the Cambridge Evening News , which covered stories that included a petition about a pedestrian crossing and a root vegetable that looked like Winston Churchill. In the U.K., a reporter who wanted to go to Fleet Street had first to work for three years on a provincial newspaper, pounding the pavement. Much the same applied in the U.S., where a cub reporter did time at the Des Moines Register , or the Worcester Telegram , before moving up to the New York Times or the Herald Tribune. Beat reporting, however, is not the backstory of the people who, beginning in the nineteen-nineties, built the New Media.

Jonah Peretti started out soaking up postmodern theory at U.C. Santa Cruz in the mid-nineteen-nineties, and later published a scholarly journal article about the scrambled, disjointed, and incoherent way of thinking produced by accelerated visual experiences under late capitalism. Or something like that. Imagine an article written by that American Studies professor in Don DeLillo’s “ White Noise .” Peretti thought that watching a lot of MTV can mess with your head—“The rapid fire succession of signifiers in MTV style media erodes the viewer’s sense of temporal continuity”—leaving you confused, stupid, and lonely. “Capitalism needs schizophrenia, but it also needs egos,” Peretti wrote. “The contradiction is resolved through the acceleration of the temporal rhythm of late capitalist visual culture. This type of acceleration encourages weak egos that are easily formed, and fade away just as easily.” Voilà, a business plan!

Peretti’s career in viral content began in 2001, with a prank involving e-mail and Nike sneakers while he was a graduate student at the M.I.T. Media Lab. (Peretti ordered custom sneakers embroidered with the word “sweatshop” and then circulated Nike’s reply.) In 2005, a year the New York Times Company laid off five hundred employees and the Post began paying people to retire early, Peretti joined Andrew Breitbart, a Matt Drudge acolyte, and Ken Lerer, a former P.R. guy at AOL Time Warner, in helping Arianna Huffington, a millionaire and a former anti-feminist polemicist, launch the Huffington Post. Peretti was in charge of innovations that included a click-o-meter. Within a couple of years, the Huffington Post had more Web traffic than the Los Angeles Times , the Washington Post , and the Wall Street Journal . Its business was banditry. Abramson writes that when the Times published a deeply reported exclusive story about WikiLeaks, which took months of investigative work and a great deal of money, the Huffington Post published its own version of the story, using the same headline—and beat out the Times story in Google rankings. “We were learning that the internet behaved like a clattering of jackdaws,” Rusbridger writes. “Nothing remained exclusive for more than two minutes.”

Pretty soon, there were jackdaws all over the place, with their schizophrenic late-capitalist accelerated signifiers. Breitbart left the Huffington Post and started Breitbart News around the same time that Peretti left to focus on his own company, Contagious Media, from which he launched BuzzFeed, where he tested the limits of virality with offerings like the seven best links about gay penguins and “YouTube Porn Hacks.” He explained his methods in a pitch to venture capitalists: “Raw buzz is automatically published the moment it is detected by our algorithm,” and “the future of the industry is advertising as content.”

Facebook launched its News Feed in 2006. In 2008, Peretti mused on Facebook, “Thinking about the economics of the news business.” The company added its Like button in 2009. Peretti set likability as BuzzFeed’s goal, and, to perfect the instruments for measuring it, he enlisted partners, including the Times and the Guardian , to share their data with him in exchange for his reports on their metrics. Lists were liked. Hating people was liked. And it turned out that news, which is full of people who hate other people, can be crammed into lists.

Chartbeat, a “content intelligence” company founded in 2009, launched a feature called Newsbeat in 2011. Chartbeat offers real-time Web analytics, displaying a constantly updated report on Web traffic that tells editors what stories people are reading and what stories they’re skipping. The Post winnowed out reporters based on their Chartbeat numbers. At the offices of Gawker, the Chartbeat dashboard was displayed on a giant screen.

In 2011, Peretti launched BuzzFeed News, hiring a thirty-five-year-old Politico journalist, Ben Smith, as its editor-in-chief. Smith asked for a “scoop-a-day” from his reporters, who, he told Abramson, had little interest in the rules of journalism: “They didn’t even know what rules they were breaking.” In 2012, BuzzFeed introduced three new one-click ways for readers to respond to stories, beyond “liking” them—LOL, OMG, and WTF—and ran lists like “10 Reasons Everyone Should Be Furious About Trayvon Martin’s Murder,” in which, as Abramson explains, BuzzFeed “simply lifted what it needed from reports published elsewhere, repackaged the information, and presented it in a way that emphasized sentiment and celebrity.” BuzzFeed makes a distinction between BuzzFeed and BuzzFeed News, just as newspapers and magazines draw distinctions between their print and their digital editions. These distinctions are lost on most readers. BuzzFeed News covered the Trayvon Martin story, but its information, like BuzzFeed’s, came from Reuters and the Associated Press.

Even as news organizations were pruning reporters and editors, Facebook was pruning its users’ news, with the commercially appealing but ethically indefensible idea that people should see only the news they want to see. In 2013, Silicon Valley began reading its own online newspaper, the Information, its high-priced subscription peddled to the information élite, following the motto “Quality stories breed quality subscribers.” Facebook’s goal, Zuckerberg explained in 2014, was to “build the perfect personalized newspaper for every person in the world.” Ripples at Facebook create tsunamis in newsrooms. The ambitious news site Mic relied on Facebook to reach an audience through a video program called Mic Dispatch, on Facebook Watch; last fall, after Facebook suggested that it would drop the program, Mic collapsed. Every time Facebook News tweaks its algorithm—tweaks made for commercial, not editorial, reasons—news organizations drown in the undertow. An automated Facebook feature called Trending Topics, introduced in 2014, turned out to mainly identify junk as trends, and so “news curators,” who tended to be recent college graduates, were given a new, manual mandate, “massage the algorithm,” which meant deciding, themselves, which stories mattered. The fake news that roiled the 2016 election? A lot of that was stuff on Trending Topics. (Last year, Facebook discontinued the feature.)

BuzzFeed surpassed the Times Web site in reader traffic in 2013. BuzzFeed News is subsidized by BuzzFeed, which, like many Web sites—including, at this point, those of most major news organizations—makes money by way of “native advertising,” ads that look like articles. In some publications, these fake stories are easy to spot; in others, they’re not. At BuzzFeed, they’re in the same font as every other story. BuzzFeed’s native-advertising bounty meant that BuzzFeed News had money to pay reporters and editors, and it began producing some very good and very serious reporting, real news having become something of a luxury good. By 2014, BuzzFeed employed a hundred and fifty journalists, including many foreign correspondents. It was obsessed with Donald Trump’s rumored Presidential bid, and followed him on what it called the “fake campaign trail” as early as January, 2014. “It used to be the New York Times , now it’s BuzzFeed,” Trump said, wistfully. “The world has changed.” At the time, Steve Bannon was stumping for Trump on Breitbart. Left or right, a Trump Presidency was just the sort of story that could rack up the LOLs, OMGs, and WTFs. It still is.

In March, 2014, the Times produced an Innovation Report, announcing that the newspaper had fallen behind in “the art and science of getting our journalism to readers,” a field led by BuzzFeed. That May, Sulzberger fired Abramson, who had been less than all-in about the Times doing things like running native ads. Meanwhile, BuzzFeed purged from its Web site more than four thousand of its early stories. “It’s stuff made at a time when people were really not thinking of themselves as doing journalism,” Ben Smith explained. Not long afterward, the Times began running more lists, from book recommendations to fitness tips to takeaways from Presidential debates.

The Times remains unrivalled. It staffs bureaus all over the globe and sends reporters to some of the world’s most dangerous places. It has more than a dozen reporters in China alone. Nevertheless, BuzzFeed News became more like the Times , and the Times became more like BuzzFeed, because readers, as Chartbeat announced on its endlessly flickering dashboards, wanted lists, and luxury porn, and people to hate.

The Guardian , founded as the Manchester Guardian in 1821, has been held by a philanthropic trust since 1936, which somewhat insulates it from market forces, just as Jeff Bezos’s ownership now does something similar for the Post . By investing in digital-readership research from the time Rusbridger took charge, in 1995, the Guardian became, for a while, the online market leader in the U.K. By 2006, two-thirds of its digital readers were outside the U.K. In 2007, the Guardian undertook what Rusbridger calls “the Great Integration,” pulling its Web and print parts together into a single news organization, with the same editorial management. It also developed a theory about the relationship between print and digital, deciding, in 2011, to be a “digital-first organization” and to “make print a slower, more reflective read which would not aspire to cover the entire waterfront in news.”

Rusbridger explains, with a palpable grief, his dawning realization that the rise of social media meant that “chaotic information was free: good information was expensive,” which meant, in turn, that “good information was increasingly for smaller elites” and that “it was harder for good information to compete on equal terms with bad.” He takes these circumstances as something of a dare: “Our generation had been handed the challenge of rethinking almost everything societies had, for centuries, taken for granted about journalism.”

Has that challenge been met? The Guardian’s own success is mixed. As of 2018, it was in the black, partly by relying on philanthropy, especially in the U.S. “Reader revenue,” in the form of donations marked not as subscriptions but as voluntary “memberships,” is expected to overtake advertising revenue before long. Raising money from people who care about journalism has allowed the Guardian to keep the Web site free. It’s also broken some big stories, from the Murdoch-papers phone-hacking scoop to the saga of Edward Snowden, and provided riveting coverage of ongoing and urgent stories, especially climate change. But, for all its fine reporting and substantive “Long Reads,” the paper consists disproportionately of ideologically unvarying opinion essays. By some measures, journalism entered a new, Trumpian, gold-plated age during the 2016 campaign, with the Trump bump, when news organizations found that the more they featured Trump the better their Chartbeat numbers, which, arguably, is a lot of what got him elected. The bump swelled into a lump and, later, a malignant tumor, a carcinoma the size of Cleveland. Within three weeks of the election, the Times added a hundred and thirty-two thousand new subscribers. (This effect hasn’t extended to local papers.) News organizations all over the world now advertise their services as the remedy to Trumpism, and to fake news; fighting Voldemort and his Dark Arts is a good way to rake in readers. And scrutiny of the Administration has produced excellent work, the very best of journalism. “ How President Trump Is Saving Journalism ,” a 2017 post on Forbes.com, marked Trump as the Nixon to today’s rising generation of Woodwards and Bernsteins. Superb investigative reporting is published every day, by news organizations both old and new, including BuzzFeed News.

By the what-doesn’t-kill-you line of argument, the more forcefully Trump attacks the press, the stronger the press becomes. Unfortunately, that’s not the full story. All kinds of editorial decisions are now outsourced to Facebook’s News Feed, Chartbeat, or other forms of editorial automation, while the hands of many flesh-and-blood editors are tied to so many algorithms. For one reason and another, including twenty-first-century journalism’s breakneck pace, stories now routinely appear that might not have been published a generation ago, prompting contention within the reportorial ranks. In 2016, when BuzzFeed News released the Steele dossier, many journalists disapproved, including CNN’s Jake Tapper, who got his start as a reporter for the Washington City Paper . “It is irresponsible to put uncorroborated information on the Internet,” Tapper said. “It’s why we did not publish it, and why we did not detail any specifics from it, because it was uncorroborated, and that’s not what we do.” The Times veered from its normal practices when it published an anonymous opinion essay by a senior official in the Trump Administration. And The New Yorker posted a story online about Brett Kavanaugh’s behavior when he was an undergraduate at Yale, which Republicans in the Senate pointed to as evidence of a liberal conspiracy against the nominee.

There’s plenty of room to argue over these matters of editorial judgment. Reasonable people disagree. Occasionally, those disagreements fall along a generational divide. Younger journalists often chafe against editorial restraint, not least because their cohort is far more likely than senior newsroom staff to include people from groups that have been explicitly and viciously targeted by Trump and the policies of his Administration, a long and growing list that includes people of color, women, immigrants, Muslims, members of the L.G.B.T.Q. community, and anyone with family in Haiti or any of the other countries Trump deems “shitholes.” Sometimes younger people are courageous and sometimes they are heedless and sometimes those two things are the same. “The more ‘woke’ staff thought that urgent times called for urgent measures,” Abramson writes, and that “the dangers of Trump’s presidency obviated the old standards.” Still, by no means is the divide always or even usually generational. Abramson, for instance, sided with BuzzFeed News about the Steele dossier, just as she approves of the use of the word “lie” to refer to Trump’s lies, which, by the Post’s reckoning, came at the rate of more than a dozen a day in 2018.

The broader problem is that the depravity, mendacity, vulgarity, and menace of the Trump Administration have put a lot of people, including reporters and editors, off their stride. The present crisis, which is nothing less than a derangement of American life, has caused many people in journalism to make decisions they regret, or might yet. In the age of Facebook, Chartbeat, and Trump, legacy news organizations, hardly less than startups, have violated or changed their editorial standards in ways that have contributed to political chaos and epistemological mayhem. Do editors sit in a room on Monday morning, twirl the globe, and decide what stories are most important? Or do they watch Trump’s Twitter feed and let him decide? It often feels like the latter. Sometimes what doesn’t kill you doesn’t make you stronger; it makes everyone sick. The more adversarial the press, the more loyal Trump’s followers, the more broken American public life. The more desperately the press chases readers, the more our press resembles our politics.

The problems are well understood, the solutions harder to see. Good reporting is expensive, but readers don’t want to pay for it. The donation-funded ProPublica, “an independent, nonprofit newsroom that produces investigative journalism with moral force,” employs more than seventy-five journalists. Good reporting is slow, good stories unfold, and most stories that need telling don’t involve the White House. The Correspondent, an English-language version of the Dutch Web site De Correspondent, is trying to “unbreak the news.” It won’t run ads. It won’t collect data (or, at least, not much). It won’t have subscribers. Like NPR, it will be free for everyone, supported by members, who pay what they can. “We want to radically change what news is about, how it is made, and how it is funded,” its founders state. Push-notifications-on news is bad for you, they say, “because it pays more attention to the sensational, exceptional, negative, recent, and incidental, thereby losing sight of the ordinary, usual, positive, historical, and systematic.” What will the Correspondent look like? It will stay above the fray. It might sometimes be funny. It’s slated to début sometime in 2019. Aside from the thing about ads, it sounds a lot like a magazine, when magazines came in the mail.

After we’d shoved the last, fat Worcester Sunday Telegram inside the last, unlatched screen door, we’d head home, my father taking turns a little too fast, so that we’d have to clutch at one another and at the lip of the tailgate, to keep from falling off. “Dad, slow down!” we’d squeal, not meaning it. Then he’d make breakfast, hot chocolate with marshmallows in the winter, orange juice from a can of frozen concentrate in the summer, and on my plate I’d make wedges of cantaloupe into Viking ships sailing across a sea of maple syrup from the Coast of Bacon to Pancake Island. After breakfast, we’d dump the money from the tobacco tins onto the kitchen table and count coins, stacking quarters and nickels and dimes into wrappers from the Worcester County Institution for Savings, while my father updated the Accounts, and made the Collection List.

Going collecting was a drag. You had to knock on people’s doors and ask your neighbors for money—“ Telegram! Collecting!”—and it was embarrassing, and, half the time, they’d ask you in, and before you knew it you’d be helping out, and it would take all day. “So long as you’re here, could you hold the baby while I take a quick shower?” “Honey, after this, could you bring my mail down to the post office on that cute little bike of yours?” I came to understand that the people who didn’t leave the money under the mat hadn’t forgotten to. They just liked having a kid visit on Sunday afternoon.

The death of a newspaper is sometimes like other deaths. The Mrs. and the Miss, a very, very old woman and her very old daughter, lived in a crooked green house on top of a rise and wore matching housecoats and slippers. The Miss followed the Mrs. around like a puppy, and, if you found them in the parlor reading the paper, the Mrs. would be poring over the opinion pages while the Miss cut pictures out of the funnies. “The Miss can’t think straight,” my father said. “Her head’s scrambled. So be gentle with her. Nothing to be afraid of. Be sure to help them out.” Once when I biked over there, the Miss was standing, keening, noise without words, sound without sense. The Mrs. wasn’t moving, and she wasn’t ever going to move again. I called for help and held the Miss’s hand, waiting for the wail of sirens. I didn’t know what else to do. ♦

An earlier version of this story misstated the subtitle of Christopher B. Daly’s book “Covering America.” It also misstated the Huffington Post’s advertising revenue.

Essay on Journalism

Students are often asked to write an essay on Journalism in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Journalism

Understanding journalism.

Journalism is the activity of gathering, assessing, creating, and presenting news and information. It’s a way to keep people informed about the world around them.

Types of Journalism

There are different types of journalism, like investigative, news, reviews, and feature stories. Each type has its own purpose and style.

Role of Journalists

Journalists play an important role in society. They help people understand complex issues, hold powerful people accountable, and share inspiring stories.

Challenges in Journalism

Journalism faces challenges like fake news and bias. It’s important for journalists to be fair, accurate, and truthful in their reporting.

250 Words Essay on Journalism

Introduction, the pillars of journalism.

The pillars of journalism, truth and accuracy, independence, fairness and impartiality, humanity, and accountability, form the bedrock of this profession. Journalists strive to report the truth, corroborating their facts from multiple sources to ensure accuracy. Independence from influence, whether political or commercial, allows journalists to maintain impartiality and fairness in their reporting.

Journalism encompasses several types, including investigative, news, reviews, and feature writing. Investigative journalism delves into issues of public interest, often uncovering scandals or corruption. News journalism, the most common type, reports daily happenings. Reviews and feature writing offer in-depth analyses of topics, ranging from books and movies to societal trends.

The Impact of Digitalization

The advent of digitalization has revolutionized journalism. It has facilitated real-time reporting and expanded the reach of journalists, transcending geographical limitations. However, it has also given rise to challenges such as fake news and clickbait journalism, undermining the credibility of this profession.

In conclusion, journalism is a dynamic field that continually evolves to meet societal needs. Despite the challenges posed by digitalization, the core principles of journalism remain unchanged. As we navigate through an era of information overload, the importance of journalism in disseminating reliable and accurate information cannot be overstated.

500 Words Essay on Journalism

Journalism, a profession of unveiling truth and shaping public opinion, stands as a pillar of modern democratic society. It plays a crucial role in the dissemination of information, ensuring that society remains informed about significant events, ideas, and trends. This essay will explore the nature of journalism, its evolution, and its impact on society.

The Nature of Journalism

Evolution of journalism.

Over the years, journalism has evolved significantly. The advent of print media in the 15th century marked the beginning of modern journalism. However, the 20th century brought about a revolution in the field with the introduction of radio and television. These mediums expanded the reach of news, making it more accessible to the public.

The 21st century ushered in the era of digital journalism. The Internet has transformed the way news is produced, distributed, and consumed. Social media platforms and blogging sites have democratized journalism, allowing anyone with an Internet connection to share news and views. This has led to the rise of citizen journalism, which has both enriched and complicated the journalistic landscape.

Impact of Journalism on Society

However, journalism also has its challenges. The rise of fake news and misinformation, particularly on social media, has raised questions about the credibility of journalism. The line between fact and opinion is often blurred, leading to biased reporting and public distrust.

In conclusion, journalism plays a pivotal role in society. It has evolved significantly over the centuries, adapting to technological advancements and societal changes. Despite its challenges, journalism remains a vital institution. It is a powerful tool that can be used to educate, inform, and influence. As we navigate the digital age, the importance of ethical, responsible journalism cannot be overstated. Through it, we can ensure that truth prevails, and democracy thrives.

Apart from these, you can look at all the essays by clicking here .

Happy studying!

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Journalism careers guide

Do you want to be a journalist? Our journalism careers guide is packed full of information, tips and advice on how to get into one of the most exciting careers around.

Sponsored by the Financial Times, our journalism careers guide is sent to secondary schools and colleges across the UK.

Find out about the different training routes available and hear from alumni about the different paths they took into successful careers.

The guide also features easy-to-navigate listings of all NCTJ-accredited courses, which are a cut above the rest.

The cover star is Emily Davison, a visually-impaired student who is now in her dream journalism job as a reporter for Newsquest’s  News Shopper  after bespoke NCTJ training offered by Ability Today’s Academy for Disabled Journalists.

It's amazing that I finally have my dream job.

Also in the guide:

• The characteristics of a journalist
• The art of storytelling
• Building bonds with communities
• A day in the life of an ITV production journalist
• Choose the right route for you
• NCTJ-accredited course listings

…and much more!

Keep in touch

Sign up to receive the NCTJ’s eJournalism newsletter. Sent once a month, it will keep you up to date with the latest news and developments in journalism training.

• New releases
• Work with us
• Give feedback
• Meet the team
• Our impact and credibility
• Our mistakes

On this page:

• Introduction
• 1.1 How many people are actually reading news articles?
• 1.2 Some examples of high-impact journalism
• 2 Why having a positive impact in journalism might be challenging
• 3 Tips for picking high-impact stories
• 4.1 Getting started
• 4.2 Pay and industry prospects
• 4.3 Some key roles in journalism
• 4.4 How to pitch your first piece
• 4.5 Changing paths
• 4.6 What is journalism like day to day?
• 5.1 Learn more about journalism careers

In a nutshell: For the right person, becoming a journalist could be very impactful. Good journalists help keep people informed, positively shape public discourse on important topics, and can provide a platform for people and ideas that the public might not otherwise hear about.

But the most influential positions in the field are highly competitive, and journalists face a lot of mixed incentives that may detract from their ability to have a positive impact.

• The opportunity to spread important ideas to a large audience and shape public debate and opinion
• Developing a strong network, versatile skills, and an understanding of the media that significantly increase your career capital
• Involves creativity and learning about a variety of areas
• Competitive for most influential roles
• Shrinking industry in US, somewhat poor outlook
• Relatively low pay (and sometimes little job security)
• Fast pace with constant deadlines

Key facts on fit

• Ability to write engaging pieces for a large audience very quickly
• Comfort navigating an uncertain job market
• Willingness to work long hours and in a competitive environment
• A bachelor’s degree from a top university is useful but not required

Sometimes recommended — personal fit dependent

This career will be some people's highest-impact option if their personal fit is especially good.

Review status

Based on a medium-depth investigation 

Table of Contents

Why journalism could be a high-impact career

Some of the most promising ways to have a positive impact with a career in journalism include:

• A single article or reporter is unlikely to be solely responsible for a given policy change, but they can play a significant role in influential coverage.
• Public officials and figures can be forced out of their positions as a result of news reporting, and fear of exposure might have a chilling effect on bad acts. 1
• Inspiring readers to take specific high-impact actions, like making donations or changing their careers to work on pressing problems
• Helping to promote positive values , such as respect for the interests of nonhuman animals
• Also, you can potentially strengthen ideas and communities you agree with by subjecting them to analysis and criticism.
• Instilling better reasoning skills in readers — often by acting as a model — and keeping the public informed to promote good decision-making
• Though note that sometimes drawing attention to an important topic can backfire . 2

We believe the most neglected yet important problems in the world are those that involve existential risks or impact future generations . So we’d be particularly excited to see journalists who could eventually help us make progress as a society toward preserving the potential for a bright and flourishing future by, for example, prioritising coverage of the threats from nuclear war, pandemic disease, artificial intelligence, climate change, and the possible decline of liberal democracy. We discuss some of the potential for this kind of impact in our review of communications careers .

Despite the potential, though, much of journalism probably has minimal impact (and, as discussed below, some is actively harmful ). Based on my experience in the industry, a lot of journalistic work is duplicative, and news outlets often compete in zero-sum contests to see whose story can rank the highest on Google search results. Even many prestigious outlets prioritise breaking news stories faster than their competitors, despite there being little to no benefit to the news consumer. For instance, journalists might race to be the first to report who a presidential candidate has picked to be their running mate, even though there’s actually little or no benefit to readers knowing this information a day or two before it’s officially announced.

But the news industry as a whole tends to reward these priorities.

If you plan to prioritise helping others, though, there is clearly the possibility of having a big influence — with the right role and the right content.

How many people are actually reading news articles?

This piece primarily focuses on the potential for impact in print and online news, though many of the points apply more broadly. As a reference point, Vox ’s Kelsey Piper told us in 2019 that the median story she might write would get roughly between 15,000 and 20,000 readers. Getting 100,000 readers would constitute a very successful article. Some less popular articles may get as few as 2,000 views, she said — but even that lower amount can be worth it if the right person reads it. (Note: Other outlets may have benchmarks that vary widely on either side — but these figures give an idea of the size of the audience you can reach at a publication like Vox.)

Some journalists do have considerable discretion in what they write about, though they often need to spend several years to get into this position.

Journalists who work for nonprofits like ProPublica can have more freedom to write about important issues due to the smaller role that market pressures play in these organisations. Future Perfect , a subsection of Vox , was launched with funding from the Rockefeller Foundation (though it now has separate sources of funding ) to tell stories about big and neglected problems in the world.

And even within for-profit journalism, there are many examples of journalists writing about important causes. Vox journalist Dylan Matthews, before founding Future Perfect in 2018, was already writing about topics like immigration policy and effective giving .

There have been more opportunities in recent years for journalists with an interest in effective altruism , longtermism , and related topics. In addition to Future Perfect, outlets such as BBC Future , Works in Progress , and the newly founded Asterisk magazine present exciting opportunities for writers who want to publish on these kinds of ideas. There may be even more opportunities like these in the coming years, given some funders’ interests in impactful writing.

But even if there are more opportunities like these, the specific area of journalism focused on the issues that we think are most pressing is likely to remain quite small in the broader media landscape. And if you’re successful in journalism, there might be greater opportunities for impact within traditional news outlets.

One path we’d be particularly excited to see some readers take is to establish themselves as credible reporters in the areas of science and technology, especially because emerging technologies are related to many of the problems we think are most pressing .

You don’t necessarily need technical expertise to excel in this way — and in fact, if you have technical skills related to some of the world’s most pressing problems, there are likely more promising career opportunities for you outside of journalism. But you’ll need to develop a sophisticated understanding of the field and a set of critical thinking skills to assess complicated claims and degrees of evidence. Otherwise, you may fall into the trap of perpetuating overly sensationalist and sometimes misleading science journalism, which some incentives in the industry encourage.

Some examples of high-impact journalism

One strong reason to believe journalism can be a high-impact career is that there seem to be many examples of journalism causing concrete benefits and harms for the world. By considering some examples, you can get a sense of how journalism can have an impact — and how it might go wrong.

A note of caution: It’s inevitably contentious to make historical claims of causation, so there’s likely no example on this list that is beyond dispute. Assessing the practical difference made by a single article or reporter, or even a group of stories, is difficult, and we have struggled to find systematic studies of the impact of journalism. 3 (Please let us know if you have any!) It’s completely possible, for example, that positive effects that appear to be attributable to a given work of journalism would have come about regardless.

But it still seems quite likely that journalism does often have an impact, and it’s worth examining some plausible cases, such as:

• Ben Smith later wrote for the same newspaper : “The C.D.C. changed its tune in April, advising all Americans above the age of 2 to wear masks to slow the spread of the coronavirus. Michael Basso, a senior health scientist at the agency who had been pushing internally to recommend masks, told me Dr. Tufekci’s public criticism of the agency was the ‘tipping point.'”
• This seems like a very big deal. It’s unclear, though, how impactful Tufekci’s piece was. Was the CDC on a clear path to recommending masks regardless? Did she only speed up the trajectory by a few days or weeks? Though it’s also possible she was more influential than that — other health agencies in the world were very slow to adopt masking recommendations. And in general, it seems good to have incisive writers applying critical scrutiny to public health pronouncements.
• Trudy Lieberman , a public health professor and a journalist, wrote for USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism: “In many ways, the law is also a victory for the media since it was their sustained coverage that spurred public outrage. In particular, I would say it was the product of a continued focus on surprise medical bills by Sarah Kliff, now at The New York Times but who started collecting such outrageous bills when she was at Vox, and Kaiser Health News and NPR, whose joint bill of the month series beginning in 2018 kept the focus on this insidious practice.”
• Of course, any election is probably dramatically influenced by the media coverage of the relevant events and candidates. And no one person or even one outlet is wholly responsible for the general pattern of how an issue is covered. But this case does point to decisions made in the news media that plausibly contributed to an extremely significant course change in American politics.
• While the resignation was very plausibly an effect of the reporting on Pruitt’s scandals, one can question the impact of the reporting, because he was replaced by someone who was ideologically similar.
• In 2009, then-President Barack Obama referenced her arguments about the need for such protection.
• Obama later signed into law the Dodd–Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, which, in part, created the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau that Warren had envisioned.
• While this may have seemed at the time to be a narrow story about a single figure in the entertainment industry, it helped spur a wider movement that exposed patterns of sexual harassment and abuse in many different industries.
• Anecdotally, we’ve heard of several policy advocates who’ve found the existence of highly accessible, mainstream coverage of issues they think are important to be very useful for showing policymakers what the issue is all about and why people might care.

Journalism might also have a more diffuse impact, though these effects will be even harder to directly measure and assess. For example, Naina Bajekal wrote a cover story for TIME in August 2022 about the effective altruism community, which likely introduced many people to a number of ideas that we think are important, and which could have a profound impact on what they choose to do in their lives (she even mentioned 80,000 Hours in the article!).

A lot of important journalism might have its biggest impacts in this way — by influencing a large number of people in ways that are small at the individual level but add up to being a substantial impact on the world.

And sometimes, the highest-impact decision a news outlet can make is not to publish a story. For instance, in 2006, Bill Keller, then an editor at The New York Times , revealed that his paper had withheld stories “that, if published, might have jeopardised efforts to protect vulnerable stockpiles of nuclear material.”

Why having a positive impact in journalism might be challenging

Because they rely on ad revenue or paid subscriptions, many news outlets are most motivated to maximise the engagement of their readers. This leads to a focus in a lot of the news media on dramatic current events and contentious hot-button issues. While some of this coverage is surely important, much of it is not, and a lot of it may be actively harmful.

Examples of generally harmful types of journalism include:

• Hyper-partisan journalism
• Unnecessarily inflammatory coverage
• Misleading reporting or outright misinformation
• Journalism that promotes or embodies bad values, such as racist stereotyping
• Overly credulous reporting
• Reporting that distracts from more important issues
• Reporting that reveals information that is dangerous for the public to know (e.g. private personal information or national security secrets)

Unfortunately, even well-intentioned and thoughtful journalism may end up being harmful . Consider, for instance, the following possibilities:

• The story draws attention to an important cause, but it creates more backlash than support.
• Policymakers react to address a problem highlighted in a story, but they overcorrect and create a new problem.
• Critical mistakes in the reporting spread falsehoods.

One now-infamous and concrete example of harmful reporting is The New York Times 2002 story “ US Says Hussein Intensifies Quest for A-Bomb Parts ,” about Iraq’s supposed effort to create weapons of mass destruction. This report, which relied heavily on anonymous sources in the Bush administration, was found to be based on dubious claims , and the idea that Saddam Hussein was building a nuclear weapon in the run-up to the 2003 invasion was discredited .

Historian Daniel Strieff noted that many other media outlets played a role in pushing the narrative, but this story played an outsized role in pro-war rhetoric. 4

For a more hypothetical example, consider that some people who are concerned about potential risks from artificial intelligence worry that coverage that focuses on the impressive capabilities of AI systems could help inspire an arms race in the technology, potentially increasing the dangers.

In general, you might care a lot about avoiding harmful journalism. But once you have a job, you’ll likely face a lot of incentives that distort your priorities. You might work for an editor who assigns you stories, and you may have little say in what you get to write about or what the final product looks like. In many cases, journalists have complained that they have no say over misleading headlines that top their articles — a particularly troubling situation, since many more people will see the headline than will read the content of the story. 5

Even if you get more autonomy, you’ll be aware that keeping your job is often contingent on keeping readers engaged.

And indeed, having an impact is often contingent on keeping readers engaged. A story that few people read is less likely, in most cases, to have much influence on the real world. So even in the ideal scenario, you’ll have to find a balance between writing stories that grab readers’ attention and those that share important information. Sometimes doing so is easy — other times, it’s much harder. And navigating these mixed incentives may distort your assessment of what really matters in your work.

Striking the balance between important writing and writing stories that people want to read is an extremely valuable skill, and if you think you’d be good at it, you should definitely consider becoming a journalist (or some other kind of communicator ). But if you think you’d feel uncomfortable in this position, or find it too difficult to weigh up these competing priorities, it may be a challenging career path for you to pursue.

It may be quite difficult on the whole to be confident you’re having a positive impact with a career as a journalist. But we also think the world would be better off for having more people in journalism who are motivated to work on the most pressing problems.

Tips for picking high-impact stories

Two of the most critical types of decisions a journalist makes in their work are which story to write and what angle they write it from.

The ‘angle’ of a story refers to the specific focus, framing, and context the journalist uses to convey the facts they’re reporting. For example, a journalist writing about the launch of a new phone app could choose from a wide range of angles to focus on in the story, such as:

• The technical breakthrough a developer achieved to create the app
• The positive experiences users are having with the app
• The negative experiences users are having with the app
• Externalities created by the app that impact third parties (such as if a delivery app creates a surge in downtown traffic)

In terms of the impact the reporting has, the angle a story takes can be at least as important as the topic the journalist is covering. This is especially true since the angle is likely to dictate the headline, and many more readers will ever read the headline than will actually read the body of any article.

And this is one way in which journalists’ discretion can be very influential, even as they aim to be impartial observers. Articles with each of the angles listed above about the hypothetical app could all include the same basic facts, just with different orderings, tone, and emphases, but the impression readers walk away with — whether the app is good or bad, brilliant or short-sighted — could be quite different based on the journalist’s choices.

Depending on the role they have, their level of seniority, and the institution they work for, journalists will have widely varying degrees of discretion over the stories they cover and the angles they use to cover them. Typically, as you advance in seniority, you’ll have more discretion. Freelancers, though, have a lot of autonomy, but they may struggle to publish frequently, especially if they’re not willing to conform their story ideas to particular outlets’ niches.

Assuming you have some autonomy over the stories you write and how you write them, how can you pick a topic and angle to have a positive impact? The decision criteria will vary a lot, based on factors like what kind of audience you’re writing for and how frequently you’re expected to publish. (And of course journalists typically aim to write stories that their readers will find interesting, because if they can’t do this, they likely won’t have a job for very long.)

But within these constraints, journalists aiming to have an impact could apply the ITN framework to choosing stories. Under this framework, you would aim to write stories that are:

• Important : involve impact to the wellbeing of a significant number of individuals
• Tractable : are about a problem that could potentially be solved or mitigated with more attention
• Neglected : are getting insufficient attention relative to their importance and solvability

These are very rough heuristics, and we don’t think they’ll apply to every story. Sometimes a journalist will cover a story just because it would seem like a huge omission to their audience if they ignored it — like a local news outlet failing to report a major celebrity came to town to shoot a movie.

And it might be worth covering stories that don’t clearly meet all the ITN criteria. For example, a journalist might cover a deadly conflict in a war zone that, at least from all appearances, seems intractable to solve. Or reporters might find themselves, as many journalists did in April 2020, writing about a major story like the coronavirus pandemic, even though it was getting covered in every outlet, and it was hardly neglected. (It was arguably neglected as a story in early February 2020, though!)

But even in these cases, it could be particularly impactful and advantageous for reporters to look for angles on the story that do more closely match the ITN framework.

For example, while conflict in the war zone may be intractable, there may be solutions to certain problems within the conflict, such as a lack of medical supplies, that could be tractable if more attention were paid to them. Or if you’re covering a pandemic that is already widely talked about in the news, you might be able to apply the framework by avoiding discussion of the day-to-day controversies and instead drawing attention to policies that would reduce the longer-term risk of similar pandemics arising.

How to pursue a career in journalism

Getting started.

Many journalists in print or online media start off as interns or entry-level reporters . It typically helps to have a bachelor’s degree, though it doesn’t need to be in journalism 6 — and you may be fine without one if you demonstrate an ability to get published or bring a highly valuable knowledge base.

If you’re just starting your career out of university or college, experience at a student newspaper can be valuable for getting your foot in the door.

For certain roles, such as legal or financial reporting, employers often seek job candidates with some level of subject matter expertise.

Master’s degrees in journalism are rarely if ever required, and getting them can be extremely costly — it’s probably better to learn on the job. This is especially true because many jobs in journalism aren’t particularly high-paying — so having a lot of student debt might be a big problem.

Pay and industry prospects

The median American journalist made $48,370 a year in 2021, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics . In that year, there were an estimated 47,100 people employed in these jobs, and the Bureau expects the industry to shrink by 9% by 2031. Still, it also estimated that there will be an average of 4,900 job openings for news analysts, journalists, and reporters each year for the rest of the decade.

Some data suggests that in the UK, the prospects for the news industry look comparatively brighter. In 2020, there were an estimated 96,000 journalists in the country, according to the media trade magazine Press Gazette . That’s more than double the amount in the US, despite having roughly one-fifth of the total population; however, this fact also makes us doubt the figures in each country are calculated using comparable methodologies.

Nevertheless, the trendlines for employment are particularly encouraging in the UK. The industry has grown rapidly in recent years, up from around 78,000 reportedly employed in journalism in 2018. Press Gazette also calculated that the average salary posted for UK journalism job listings on Indeed was £35,244.

If you’re not looking for an entry-level position or internship, and you don’t have any publishing experience, it makes sense to start by writing articles part-time to build up a personal library of content you can link to on a personal blog ( Medium is quick and easy to set up) or Substack . Substack can allow you to charge your readers for access to your posts, but that’s probably only a viable business strategy after you’ve already developed a large audience.

Once you’ve gotten in the habit of blogging, try getting pieces published in existing media outlets. Your first instinct may be to go for well-known names like The Guardian or Vox , or even more prestigious newspapers, but you’ll likely have an easier time publishing at smaller outlets or local publications. You’ll be able to use your blog posts as writing samples.

Some writers even get noticed for having a strong Twitter presence. It’s not unheard of to have a story solicited based only on your tweets. If you’re able to impress people in the news industry with thoughtful and insightful posts on social media, you may have a leg up on those who avoid Twitter. (But be warned: there are many risks to spending too much time on Twitter, and careers can be ruined at least as easily as they can be started by a tweet. So post carefully.)

Getting your first piece published is often the hardest step. If you do a good job, it will be much easier to publish with that same publication and editor in the future. Having been published by a mainstream outlet will make your future pitches much more likely to succeed, or at least be seriously considered, and you may be able to use your published work to get a full-time job.

Newer journalists typically don’t get to choose what they cover, particularly at large organisations, and are instead assigned stories by editors. However, even new journalists can sometimes earn more autonomy if they become successful at pitching stories that they want to write to their editor.

This is most likely to happen if you successfully carve out a “beat” for yourself — a specialty subject that you’re deeply familiar with. Once an editor trusts that you know the area well, they may come to rely on you to shape the course of your outlet’s reporting on the topic. You’ll likely still be subject to the same incentives that drive the rest of the media, but you’ll have more discretion in deciding how to navigate competing demands.

Some key roles in journalism

Investigative reporters are highly prestigious, and there are many cases in history of them having a positive impact. 7 But it may be difficult to optimise for impact in these roles, because the goal of investigative reporters is to uncover exciting and newsworthy facts — which isn’t necessarily correlated with having a positive impact. (Though one potentially underexplored route to impact would be an investigative journalist who specialises in scrutinising charities.)

When journalists establish themselves in the industry, they sometimes progress to roles in which they have more freedom to choose what topics they write about, as well as add opinion, perspective, and more complex analysis. These include columnists , who write opinion pieces, and correspondents , who cover various locations distant from their main workplace (e.g. the White House) while adding their perspective on the news.

Opinion columnists may have the most latitude of anyone to pursue whatever stories they think are important, and we’d be excited to see more people interested in effective altruism take these roles at prestigious media outlets. However, precisely because these roles are so valuable and influential, they’re among the most competitive positions in the industry.

Senior roles are usually as editors or producers , who coordinate the work of other journalists. These too might be among the most impactful roles in journalism, because they can shape the coverage of a much wider range of stories. But even editors, producers, and publishers are subject to the financial incentives of the news business (unless they are philanthropically funded), so they’re not typically free to focus completely on having a positive impact.

Freelance journalists aren’t employed full-time by a news outlet but instead get paid a set amount for each article or column that an editor agrees to publish. Sometimes they have arrangements with outlets to contribute a certain number of stories or columns on a regular basis.

Usually, freelancers submit story pitches to editors, who will decide whether they want to pay for the story. In theory, anyone can submit a pitch and get something published — but editors are most likely to accept submissions from experienced writers, experts, or people with unique experiences. Sometimes editors will reach out to an established journalist or writer to solicit a story that hasn’t been pitched.

It’s difficult to make a living as a full-time freelance journalist. But freelance writing can be a productive way to start out a journalism career, and it may be financially sustainable when supplemented with income from other sources.

Training for Good has launched the Tarbell Fellowship , which provides financial support to early-career journalists who are looking to have a positive impact. There may be other opportunities for funding from philanthropists who are eager to support this kind of writing.

How to pitch your first piece

We asked Garrison Lovely , a freelance journalist, how he’d recommend pitching to publications. He said:

1. Use pitch guides. Many publications have guides that explain what they’re looking for and how they want the pitch formatted. Generally, you can Google “how to pitch [publication name].” Pay attention to the format they ask for — publications may reject an otherwise good pitch just because you didn’t follow directions. 2. Aim low at first. Start by pitching smaller, less well-known outlets before trying The New York Times . Some well-known outlets publish a lot (e.g. HuffPost ) and may be easier to get published in than less well-known outlets that publish less frequently (e.g. N+1 ). Big publications often don’t want to take risks on someone unproven, especially when it comes to reported pieces and features. 3. Think about what you bring to the table. If you have some unique and interesting perspective on the world, try to use that for your first pitch. 4. Be timely if possible — i.e. at least reference current events. This applies most to op-eds. Some pieces, like print magazine features, are more likely to be ‘evergreen,’ though these are harder for first-time writers to get than shorter articles or op-eds. 5. Get to know other journalists and editors. Relationships drive a lot of decision making. Personally knowing an editor won’t guarantee you will get published, but it will make it much more likely your pitches will be seriously considered. 6. Don’t write full drafts. It’s rare that editors will want a full draft as a first pitch (again, check the pitch guide). They often want to weigh in on the direction of the piece before you write the whole thing, so writing full drafts wastes your time and makes you less likely to succeed. 7. Don’t worry about your first piece having a big positive impact. When you’re first starting out, it’s more important that you get publications under your belt than to make sure that each piece is optimised for helping make the world better. As with many other careers, you’ll have most of your impact later on, once you’ve built up career capital — credibility and a track record with publishers. 8. Don’t get discouraged. Publications typically reject the vast majority of pitches that they receive (they often don’t even reply). Unsurprisingly, the more prestigious the publication, the less likely you are to be accepted. Don’t be discouraged by this. Plenty of very successful journalists were rejected dozens of times before having a breakthrough piece.

Changing paths

One of the benefits of journalism is that you can explore it as a career option without investing in an advanced degree, which makes it easier to keep your options open while testing your fit. If you have a clear idea of how you want to have an impact as a journalist, and you have an aptitude for it, it may well be worth trying your hand at it for a few years.

(A caveat to this point, however, is that you should expect anything you publish will be accessible forever. Publicly taking controversial stances on hot-button issues may limit some of your career options down the road.)

You can try freelancing as a side gig and see how it goes, or if you’re early in your career, you may just try getting an entry-level job in the industry. If, after a few years, you find it’s not working out as you hoped, you should still have other options open to you. For example, roles in communications , research , policy , and advocacy can make good use of skills developed in journalism.

What is journalism like day to day?

The day-to-day activities of journalists vary by industry, role, and level of seniority, but almost all journalist jobs involve researching stories and interviewing people, preparing content for publication, and staying up to date with the area they cover.

Here’s how Kelsey Piper of Future Perfect described her typical day when she spoke with us in 2019:

Vox has a very fast pace, which was definitely something I was a little apprehensive about going in. Like can I write that much? But it’s been very good for me because I think the push to think about something you want to tell people every day just keeps you moving. On most days I will try and send my editor about three story ideas. Things that I’ve thought of that I want to write about, things that I have a lead on, things that I saw in the news that I felt like we needed a Future Perfect take on. My editor will get back to me with the one or two that he’s most excited about and say, Yeah, go ahead and write this story. So, then I’ll email people who I want to talk to. I’ll try and get introductions. I’ll research for the piece. I’ll have those conversations and phone calls. I’ll try and write the piece. I’ll try and file it before I go home. Then often at the same time, my editor and I will be going back and forth with edits on yesterday’s story to get it to a state where we’re both proud of it and confident of it and ready to put it on the site. Now, in practice, some pieces take longer to come together. Or they come partway together and then we realise there’s not a good story here. Or the situation is confusing enough that our initial take on it didn’t work. A fair number of stories get scrapped. In practice, I think I end up publishing four things a week. But yeah, the goal is certainly to have a week where every day we put out a new story.

She also added:

It’s amazing to call people up and just ask about their research or ask about what they’re doing. I feel like I’ve learned a ton about lots of fields, just by having the luxury of spending a day talking to five experts. Then doing a lot of reading and trying to put together an accurate, if limited, picture of something I didn’t know much about before.

How to assess your fit for journalism

To assess if this path might be a good fit for you, consider these questions:

• Are you a fast writer? One of the most distinctive things about journalism jobs is they tend to have very rapid deadlines following current events and a very regular publication schedule.
• Are you an excellent communicator? The key skill you need to have is writing stories that get a big audience — and/or good speaking skills for working in podcasts, radio, or television — plus comfort with interviewing people.
• Do you have experience working for a college newspaper or an internship, or a portfolio of published work? If you do have journalism experience, did you enjoy it?
• Are you willing to work long hours, including nights and weekends? This is common in journalism careers, though some positions offer reasonable hours. 8
• How important is a high salary to you? It’s hard to get paid work early on, and even after you get a full-time paid position, the average salary for a journalist is relatively low.
• Have you written a blog? Do you find it relatively easy to produce large amounts of content?
• Don’t forget that most public communicators have honed their craft for years, often long before they were famous.

Want one-on-one advice on pursuing this path?

If you think this path might be a great option for you, but you need help deciding or thinking about what to do next, our team might be able to help.

We can help you compare options, make connections, and possibly even help you find jobs or funding opportunities.

APPLY TO SPEAK WITH OUR TEAM

Learn more about journalism careers

• Historian Daniel Strieff has compiled a list of more than 20 highly influential pieces of journalism in US history
• Podcast: Ezra Klein on covering the most important topics in journalism (or watch on our YouTube channel )
• Podcast: Kelsey Piper on what this kind of journalism is like day to day
• Podcast: Annie Jacobsen on what would happen if North Korea launched a nuclear weapon at the US
• Podcast: Alison Young on how top labs have jeopardised public health with repeated biosafety failures
• Podcast: Matthew Yglesias on avoiding the pundit’s fallacy and how much military intervention can be used for good
• What do journalists say about journalism as a high-impact career? — interviews with Dylan Matthews, Derek Thompson, and Shaun Raviv

Read next:  Learn about other high-impact careers

Want to consider more paths? See our list of the highest-impact career paths according to our research.

Plus, join our newsletter and we’ll mail you a free book

Join our newsletter and we’ll send you a free copy of The Precipice — a book by philosopher Toby Ord about how to tackle the greatest threats facing humanity. T&Cs here .

Special thanks to Roman Duda and Arden Koehler for their contributions to this article.

Notes and references

• For example, former New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman resigned hours after news broke that multiple women accused him of sexual assault. ↩
• For example, several years ago, advocates hoping to increase support for permissive immigration policies publicly defended the philosophical and practical case for open borders in the press. While it’s hard to say confidently what the effect of this advocacy was, the term “open borders” is now commonly used in the press as a derogatory term by anti-immigration critics, suggesting the advocates may have created more backlash than support for their cause. ↩
• We did find a white paper funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation analysing the impact of ProPublica . ↩
• “But this story, which was later cited by Condoleezza Rice, Dick Cheney, and Colin Powell, ended up playing a critical role in the Bush administration’s justification to launch the war,” he wrote . “This represents perhaps the greatest geopolitical blunder of the young 21st century and, subsequently, has caused a massive humanitarian crisis and hundreds of thousands, if not millions, have died as a direct and indirect result of the invasion and its aftermath.” ↩
• Working journalists should consider pushing back against this practice. If you’re diligent about reporting on the facts of a story and getting them right, you should be equally insistent that the headline accurately reflects the article. Some editors may resist this feedback, but with enough pressure from working journalists and with the ongoing transition from space-constrained printed newspapers to space-unconstrained digital publication, the industry standards may shift for the better. ↩

But you might also benefit from the factual knowledge and skills learned in other disciplines, such as history, political science, or philosophy, and this training may give you an edge over some of your competition. Without a journalism degree, though, you may have to do a bit more work to establish your interest in journalism before you get hired for your first full-time job, by, for instance, publishing op-eds. ↩

• For example, the reporting around the Watergate scandal and the subsequent investigations led to a number of good government reforms in the US. Upton Sinclair’s book The Jungle inspired reforms in the meatpacking industry. And The Boston Globe ‘s reporting on sexual abuse in the Catholic Church forced officials who had covered up the crimes out of their positions and led to a much wider reckoning. ↩
• “The work is often fast paced, with constant demands to meet deadlines and to be the first reporter to publish a news story on a subject. Reporters may need to work long hours or change their work schedule in order to follow breaking news. Because news can happen at any time of the day, journalists may need to work nights and weekends.” Bureau of Labor Statistics, US Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2014-15 Edition, Reporters, Correspondents, and Broadcast News Analysts ↩

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Journalism Personal Essays

Cultural reporting and criticism.

The Cultural Reporting and Criticism (CRC) program in Journalism requires applicants to submit a personal essay that will be judged both as a piece of writing and as an indication of whether your aspirations, abilities, interests, and experience are suited to CRC.

The essay should be specific and detailed enough to give the admissions committee a concrete sense of who you are as a potential cultural reporter and critic. It should address the following questions: What do you expect to get from CRC? What do you think you can contribute to it? What aspects of your background and experience are most relevant to your interest in the program? What kind of writing have you done and what do you aspire to do? Which cultural issues and phenomena most engage you? What publications do you read regularly and why? Which cultural journalists do you admire, which do you dislike, and which have influenced you? Feel free to include any other ideas you consider relevant to your application.

CRC places most emphasis on letters of recommendation from professors or editors with whom you have worked directly and who can assess your intellectual abilities and the quality of your writing.

Please append to your essay a brief statement of your plans for financing your graduate work. This statement must be included, whether or not you are applying for financial aid. 

Global and Joint Programs

Africana studies | east asian studies | european and mediterranean studies | french studies | international relations | latin american and caribbean studies | near eastern studies | russian and slavic studies.

Journalism requires applicants to write a personal essay. The essay is an extremely important part of the application, so treat it accordingly. The essay should be 1,000 to 1,500 words in length. In addition, all applicants must submit at least three samples of their work, whether published or not.

The goal of the essay is to give the Admissions Committee a concrete sense of who you are as someone who aspires to a career as a professional journalist, writing and reporting for print, online or broadcast media. It should address the following questions: What do you expect to get from the program? What aspects of your experience are most relevant to your interest in journalism? Tell us about your background--your academic degree, intellectual interests, work experience, life experience, and other sources of inspiration--and explain how this background informs what you want to do as a journalist.

Applicants should also describe their existing "body of work" as a journalist, critic or just someone who writes. We are mostly interested in published work, but if you have yet to break into print, then tell us what kind of writing you have done. What have been your major themes? What issues and phenomena most engage you? What publications do you read regularly and why? Which journalists do you admire, which do you dislike, and which have influenced you?

In addition, for the non-Journalism field of study  (Africana Studies, East Asian Studies, French Studies, Latin American and Caribbean Studies, Near Eastern Studies, or Russian and Slavic Studies), please briefly describe your past and present work as it relates to your intended field of study, and your reasons for choosing your field of study.

In addition, for International Relations : the program in International Relations (IR) trains individuals who wish to make a difference on international affairs either through continued academic study or via the actual practice of international affairs in government, the non-governmental or private sectors. Please explain, in a brief and concise manner, how your past studies and work experience relate to a course of study at the graduate level in international relations at NYU. You should include how your educational objectives will help you to achieve your future career goals, and should briefly outline where you see yourself 10 years after graduating from NYU. Please also explain why you chose to apply to study in the IR Program at NYU and how NYU specifically will help you to advance your personal and professional objectives.

European and Mediterranean Studies  does not not require an additional statement. Only the Journalism personal essay is required.

Please append to your essay a brief statement of your plans for financing your graduate work. This statement must be included, whether or not you are applying for financial aid.

Journalism and Religion

Journalism requires applicants to write a personal essay. The essay is an extremely important part of the application, so treat it accordingly. The essay should be 1,000 to 1,500 words in length. In addition, applicants must submit at least two samples of their work, whether published or not.

As part of your personal essay, please include a discussion that provides the Admissions Committee with a sense of who you are as someone who aspires to a career in journalism, writing and reporting about important matters in the news and analysis of religious issues.

Two different writing samples are required. One should be an example of your strongest academic writing, preferably a paper written for an undergraduate course that demonstrates your ability to construct a coherent argument. It should not exceed 25 double-spaced pages. The second should represent your aptitude for journalism. A clip from your college newspaper, a personal essay, and an academic research paper are all acceptable.

Literary Reportage

Literary Reportage requires applicants to answer the following questions. We will judge both the style and content of your writing.

• Describe the project you want to pursue. Tell us about the stories you want to write, in as much detail as possible. Big ideas, themes and questions are essential, but just as essential are specific stories—real names, real places—through which you explore them. We expect your work to evolve while at NYU, so you are not committing to your agenda now.
• Who/what have you read and been inspired by? What, to your mind, are the similarities and differences between creative writing and creative nonfiction? How can "literary technique" be applied to the practice of long-form journalism? What do reporters do? What do you envision “Literary Reportage” to be?
• Tell us about your academic degree(s), intellectual interests, work/life experiences, and explain how they inform your project. Describe your "body of work" as a journalist, blogger, or just someone who writes. What are your strengths and weaknesses as a writer? What do you expect to get from Literary Reportage?
• Describe how you plan to use the city and the university’s vast resources. We welcome projects of national or international scope, but only if they can be reported effectively from the city and its environs (with the usual extensions of email and telephone) during the school term.
• You may answer the above questions separately, or in a single essay.

News and Documentary

The News and Documentary Program in Journalism requires applicants to write a personal essay. The essay is an extremely important part of the application, so treat it accordingly. The essay should be 1,000 to 1,500 words in length. In addition, all applicants must submit at least three samples of their work. This can be print or video clips or scripts.

The goal of the essay is to give the Admissions Committee a sense of who you are as someone who aspires to a career as a professional journalist/documentary filmmaker. It should address the following questions: What aspects of your experience are most relevant to your interest in journalism? Tell us about your background—your academic degree, intellectual interests, work experience, life experience, and other sources of inspiration—and explain how this background informs what you want to do as a journalist. What do you expect to get from the program?

Applicants should also describe their existing "body of work." This can be print, video, radio or documentary work you’ve already done. Video experience is not a prerequisite at all so if this is the case, your body of work might be volunteering somewhere, working with an NGO, teaching etc. We’d also like to know what publications you read and news or documentary programming you like, and why. Which journalists do you admire, and which have influenced you?

Please also address what motivates you to pursue the documentary long form in particular. In your third semester, you will be creating a capstone piece of journalism--a half-hour documentary. What might this project be about and how would you approach it? Although experience in documentary is not required, your ideas are.

Podcasting and Audio Reportage

Your personal essay is an opportunity for you to reveal more about who you are and for you to connect your goals for attending this program with your background and qualifications. The Admissions Committee will be looking for your voice in your writing style, as well as paying close attention to the evidence you provide in the case you are making for why you should be selected. While many students aim for 1,000-1500 words in length, writing for audio requires efficiency and clarity, therefore shorter essays may also be effective. In addition, applicants are asked to submit 3 work samples, which can be links to audio or multimedia work. Work samples do not need to be published work, but we suggest choosing work which demonstrates your journalism, narrative storytelling or audio production skills. 

In your essay, please address the following questions:

• Why are you applying to this program and what do you hope to gain from your graduate studies?
• Why audio? What is it about this medium and what in your background or experience has motivated you to pursue this field of study? What is your experience with audio production? What experience do you have in journalism?
• Audio Journalism is a medium that values voice. Whose voices have you been inspired by and whose voices do you imagine we would hear in your work?
• Tell us about your interests and background. What life experiences, intellectual pursuits, educational or creative pursuits or other sources of inspiration inform your desire to create audio journalism?    

Please append to your essay a statement of your plans for financing your graduate work. This statement must be included, regardless of any request for financial assistance.

All Other Programs

American journalism | magazine and digital storytelling | reporting new york | reporting the nation | business and economic reporting | science, health and environmental reporting .

The goal of the essay is to give the Admissions Committee a concrete sense of who you are as someone who aspires to a career as a professional journalist, writing and reporting for print, online or broadcast media. It should address the following questions: What do you expect to get from the program and the specific concentration to which you are applying? What aspects of your experience are most relevant to your interest in journalism? Tell us about your background--your academic degree, intellectual interests, work experience, life experience, and other sources of inspiration--and explain how this background informs what you want to do as a journalist.

Is Journalism a Good Career?

We explore the commonly asked questions: is journalism a good career and offer some tips for wannabe reporters and journalists.

Journalism is a highly rewarding career option, but it is not without its challenges. It is an excellent career for many. But, to succeed, you need passion and skills for the news, current affairs, and media. If your interest is in print media, then you should have a good base of writing skills before embarking on this career.

If you see yourself more in broadcast journalism and multimedia is your passion, then your on-camera communication skills should be top-notch. It also helps to have a clear understanding of modern news values .

Most importantly, to work in any field of journalism, you will have to demonstrate a strong work ethic, a ‘nose for a story’, and put in the hours to learn this ever-evolving trade.

Why Is Journalism Important?

Journalism today, what makes a good journalist, how do i get a journalism job, what are the challenges of being a journalist, resources for journalists, is a career in journalism worth it, is journalism an in-demand career, what is the highest-paying journalism job.

Journalists fill an important role within any democratic society. As gatekeepers to information, they hold those in power accountable for their actions. As the BBC puts it ,

“…journalism serves as a public ‘watchdog’ by monitoring the political process in order to ensure that politicians carry out voters’ wishes, and that they don’t abuse their positions”.

Of course, this doesn’t apply to all journalism. For instance, the above can hardly be applied to some reporting within the likes of entertainment, business, or sports journalism.

However, that brings us to another reason why it is an important vocation; journalists allow the public to make informed decisions. It also collates and distributes information equally, so one portion of society isn’t more informed than another and it acts as an important record of history.

In short, mass communication keeps the public informed and an informed public is better equipped to make the right decisions.

As was reiterated on the BBC’s website, “if the media was not allowed to facilitate open and free discussion, the views and concerns of ordinary people might not be heard”.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics , there are over 45,000 people employed in this sphere throughout the US.

There was a time when most journalists got their start from gaining an internship and working their way up through media companies.

However, nowadays, the more usual way into the industry is to study journalism, gain a journalism degree and get a graduate job in a media organisation.

If you are in high school and considering this career, it is never too early to prepare. If you start writing for your school newspaper now, you will learn more about the job, but you will also have a portfolio to present when you apply to journalism school.

Today, the media places a stronger emphasis on digital channels than it ever did before. However, many of the interests and skillsets a good journalist requires are still the same.

For instance, many people who have had success in this career choice have a strong interest in current affairs. That is as true now as it was 50 years ago.

Also, typically people who enjoy writing and are good communicators are drawn to the profession.

Other timeless trends include that those who have an eye for detail are often drawn to photojournalism, while avid readers often end up in the editing department proofreading. However, in truth, journalism is a huge industry, where the people involved are as varied as you could imagine.

Tip: Using the right tools can give you an edge over other journalists. We’ve rounded up the best apps for journalists . Check that out!

The world of journalism is constantly changing, with new media and digital platforms offering new opportunities for those who are interested in spreading the news.

If you are looking to start the media industry, you should consider going to journalism school and getting a degree. If you are already in a job, or have graduated in a different area, then a master’s degree might be the option for you.

There are many options out there, including the more traditional approach of internships and local journalist job opportunities. A lot of people who are now working in the national media got their start in local media.

You probably shouldn’t think that your first job will be with a massive organisation. Most people don’t start in the New York Times. If you are serious about being a journalist, you should pick up work experience and build working relationships with news editors.

Of course, there is a huge amount of competition for journalism roles out there. Therefore, if you do decide to follow this career, you should have a passion for the news and an unrivaled work ethic. To get started, read our guide to the best writing jobs .

Journalists today are working in an ever-changing industry, with media trust, an unstable job market, and balancing the digital landscape amongst the most prominent issues. A recent survey by BusinessWire showed that almost half of journalists saw a lack of trust in the media as the biggest issue for the profession. As Raisa Acloque put it, this worry has its roots in other issues that exist within the industry. She wrote:

“The “fake news” narrative (has fed) on crisis of confidence in the journalism industry… This distrust in media is also attached to various unsolved industry difficulties – the increased pressure on journalists for an on-demand, 24/7 news cycle, newsrooms facing a shortage of revenues and resources, and the discourse of disinformation and misinformation on social media.”

There is little doubt that there is a battle around misinformation and ‘fake news’ within the digital media. Many excellent journalists are part of this battle and are doing their best to restore lost faith within the industry.

For example, Danish publication TjekDet is conducting important investigative work to check stories for factual accuracy.

We are stating this because this career path has its issues, but there are brilliant people within it who are doing their utmost to solve them.

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FAQs About Is Journalism A Good Career

Journalism is a worthwhile career, as you keep the public informed on the issues that matter to them and keep those in power in check.

If you are getting into this career for purely financial reasons, there are more lucrative options. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimated that the median pay for journalists is around $48,370 per year.

Journalism jobs are more varied than ever before, with many graduates also going into public relations and content writing positions. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2020 there were approximately 46,700 people employed as news analysts, reporters, and journalists.

Working for high-profile national organisations will garner a higher salary than working in local news. However, these jobs are not plentiful. The median hourly wage for a journalist in 2020 was $23.26 per hour.

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Reasons Journalism Is a Great Career

If you’re looking for a career that’s fulfilling and guarantees interesting stories everywhere you go, journalism might be the right choice for you. Journalism is a fast-paced career with a high volume of job security. It’s a great career that will continuously challenge your mind and help you develop new skills. This article looks at the reasons why journalism is a great career choice.

Journalism School

Journalism is a great career choice for people interested in the news, current events, and writing. It’s also a good choice for those passionate about storytelling.

Journalism schools offer students the opportunity to learn about journalism from professional journalists and instructors with practical experience in the field. Journalism programs include classes on how to write for newspapers and magazines, how to create photo essays, how to work in television newsrooms, and how to produce radio broadcasts. Journalism programs also offer internships that give students hands-on experience working at local media outlets.

Journalism schools prepare students for careers in all areas of print, broadcast, and online journalism. Most journalism schools offer courses that cover traditional forms of media such as newspapers and magazines and newer forms such as blogs and podcasts.

Journalism Career Paths

Journalism careers are available in many different areas of the media, including newspapers, magazines, radio and television stations, advertising agencies, and public relations firms. Many different jobs within journalism require different skills. The following are some examples of typical journalism careers:

• Reporter – Reporters gather information and write articles based on their research. They often travel to interview people or attend events to gather material for their stories.
• Editor – Editors decide which stories will be published and how they will be presented in print or online editions of a newspaper or magazine. Editors may also oversee reporters’ work and suggest changes before publication.
• Photographer – Photographers take pictures for newspapers, magazines, and websites so that readers can better understand what’s happening in their communities or around the world.
• Newscaster: Helps viewers learn about current events by reading news stories on television or radio. May also host talk shows or interview guests on news programs.

There are many reasons why journalism is one of the best career choices for people who want to work in the media. Here are some of them:

Lots of Opportunities for Advancement

As a journalist, you’ll never run out of opportunities to advance your career — especially if you’re willing to travel or relocate for work! Many jobs within the industry allow growth and personal development, from reporting and writing to editing, photography, and videography to social media management and marketing roles. And there’s always room for advancement into management or executive positions if that’s something you’re interested in pursuing down the road.

You Can Make a Difference

Journalism allows you to share information that helps people make better decisions about their lives and communities. You can be an advocate for better policies or report on issues that need attention from government officials or business leaders. Many think they can make a difference as employees working behind closed doors. Yet, journalists have an open forum to speak out about injustice or wrongdoing without fear of retribution from employers or authorities.

You Get to Interact With New People

Journalism may not be as glamorous or exciting as you think. It can be hard work, but it is worth it when you meet new people and talk to interesting people on the job. You will meet many different personalities and learn how they feel about different issues. You will learn how to communicate with them respectfully while still getting your story out there.

You Get Paid to Learn, Grow and Change

Journalism is an ever-changing field. The skills you learn in journalism school can help you make a career out of this field. You will learn how to research and write compelling stories, interview people and take pictures that tell a story. Your skills will always be relevant, no matter how technology changes.

It Is a Creative Field

Journalists are constantly looking for new ways to tell stories. They must think outside the box to find the most interesting angle on any given topic. Journalists must communicate clearly with their readers using words, pictures, or videos. These skills can be applied in many industries when you graduate from college.

You Keep People Informed

Journalism is a great career because you’re keeping people informed. When you report on the news, you’re informing people about what’s happening around them. This can have a huge impact on their lives, whether it’s helping them avoid danger or helping them make better decisions for themselves and their families.

You See the Results of Your Hard Work

Another reason journalism is a great career is that you instantly see the results of your hard work. When someone reads an article you wrote, they’ll either love it or hate it. Either way, they’ll let you know through comments and social media shares, which will let you know if what you wrote was worth it or not. This doesn’t happen with most jobs where there isn’t such a direct connection between what workers do and how much customers like it.

It Is an In-Demand Job

There are many reasons why being a journalist is a good career choice. One of them is because it is an in-demand job. Journalism jobs are always available because there is always something going on in the world, and people want to know about it. There will always be news stories to cover or write about, so you never run out of work. This makes journalism a very stable career choice since there will always be work available for you.

The Job Satisfaction of a Journalist Is High

Journalists have a strong sense of purpose and mission. They feel they are making a difference in the world. They feel they are providing an important public service.

The work is interesting and varied, with plenty of variety and challenge. There are many different stories to cover and write about, from hard news to sports to entertainment, business, politics, and more. Most journalists also get involved in investigative reporting at some point in their careers. This is because it’s rewarding when you uncover something that no one else has known about. Journalism is an exciting field that requires plenty of travel at times. It can be intellectually challenging and physically demanding, but it is rewarding to succeed at something difficult!

In summary, journalism school is a great choice all-around if you’re passionate about writing and reportage. You’ll be able to exercise your communication skills while getting valuable experience at a fast-paced news organization. The field is wide-open; there are plenty of opportunities for ambitious newcomers willing to put in the hard work necessary to become successful journalists.

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Writing a Personal Statement

Preparing to Write

Brainstorming, don't forget, sample prompts.

A personal statement is a narrative essay that connects your background, experiences, and goals to the mission, requirements, and desired outcomes of the specific opportunity you are seeking. It is a critical component in the selection process, whether the essay is for a competitive internship, a graduate fellowship, or admittance to a graduate school program. It gives the selection committee the best opportunity to get to know you, how you think and make decisions, ways in which past experiences have been significant or formative, and how you envision your future. Personal statements can be varied in form; some are given a specific prompt, while others are less structured. However, in general a personal statement should answer the following questions:

• Who are you?
• What are your goals?
• How does this specific program/opportunity help you achieve your goals?
• What is in the future?

A personal statement is not:

• A variation of your college admissions essay
• An academic/research paper
• A narrative version of your resume
• A creative writing piece (it can be creative, though)
• An essay about somebody else

Keep in mind that your statement is only a portion of the application and should be written with this in mind. Your entire application package will include some, possibly all, of the materials listed below. You will want to consider what these pieces of the application communicate about you. Your personal statement should aim to tie everything together and fill in or address any gaps. There will likely be some overlap but be sure not to be too repetitive.

• Personal Statement(s)
• Transcripts
• Letters of recommendations
• Sample of written work
• Research proposal

For a quick overview of personal statements, you might begin by watching this "5 Minute Fellowships" video!

If you are writing your first personal statement or working to improve upon an existing personal statement, the video below is a helpful, in-depth resource.

A large portion of your work towards completing a personal statement begins well before your first draft or even an outline. It is incredibly important to be sure you understand all of the rules and regulations around the statement. Things to consider before you begin writing:

• How many prompts? And what are they? It is important to know the basics so you can get your ideas in order. Some programs will require a general statement of interest and a focused supplementary or secondary statement closely aligned with the institution's goals.
• Are there formatting guidelines? Single or double spaced, margins, fonts, text sizes, etc. Our general guideline is to keep it simple.
• How do I submit my statement(s)? If uploading a document we highly suggest using a PDF as it will minimize the chances of accidental changes to formatting. Some programs may event ask you to copy and paste into a text box.
• When do I have to submit my statement(s)? Most are due at the time of application but some programs, especially medical schools, will ask for secondary statements a few months after you apply. In these instances be sure to complete them within two weeks, any longer is an indication that you aren't that interested in the institution.

Below is a second 5 Minute Fellowships video that can help you get started!

Before you start writing, take some time to reflect on your experiences and motivations as they relate to the programs to which you are applying. This will offer you a chance to organize your thoughts which will make the writing process much easier. Below are a list of questions to help you get started:

• What individuals, experiences or events have shaped your interest in this particular field?
• What has influenced your decision to apply to graduate school?
• How does this field align with your interests, strengths, and values?
• What distinguishes you from other applicants?
• What would you bring to this program/profession?
• What has prepared you for graduate study in this field? Consider your classes at Wellesley, research and work experience, including internships, summer jobs and volunteer work.
• Why are you interested in this particular institution or degree program?
• How is this program distinct from others?
• What do you hope to gain?
• What is motivating you to seek an advanced degree now?
• Where do you see yourself headed and how will this degree program help you get there?

For those applying to Medical School, if you need a committee letter for your application and are using the Medical Professions Advisory Committee you have already done a lot of heavy lifting through the 2017-2018 Applicant Information Form . Even if you aren't using MPAC the applicant information form is a great place to start.

Another great place to start is through talking out your ideas. You have a number of options both on and off campus, such as: Career Education advisors and mentors ( you can set up an appointment here ), major advisor, family, friends. If you are applying to a graduate program it is especially important to talk with a faculty member in the field. Remember to take good notes so you can refer to them later.

When you begin writing keep in mind that your essay is one of many in the application pool. This is not to say you should exaggerate your experiences to “stand out” but that you should focus on clear, concise writing. Also keep in mind that the readers are considering you not just as a potential student but a future colleague. Be sure to show them examples and experiences which demonstrate you are ready to begin their program.

It is important to remember that your personal statement will take time and energy to complete, so plan accordingly. Every application and statement should be seen as different from one another, even if they are all the same type of program. Each institution may teach you the same material but their delivery or focus will be slightly different.

In addition, remember:

• Be yourself: You aren’t good at being someone else
• Tragedy is not a requirement, reflection and depth are
• Research the institution or organization
• Proofread, proofread, proofread
• How to have your personal statement reviewed

The prompts below are from actual applications to a several types of programs. As you will notice many of them are VERY general in nature. This is why it is so important to do your research and reflect on your motivations. Although the prompts are similar in nature the resulting statements would be very different depending on the discipline and type of program, as well as your particular background and reasons for wanting to pursue this graduate degree.

• This statement should illustrate your academic background and experiences and explain why you would excel in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering (UMass Amherst - M.S. in Civil Engineering).
• Describe your academic and career objectives and how the Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies can help you achieve them. Include other considerations that explain why you seek admissions to the Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies and your interests in the environmental field (Yale - Master of Environmental Management).  
• Please discuss your academic interests and goals. Include your current professional and research interests, as well as your long-range professional objectives. Please be as specific as possible about how your objectives can be met at Clark and do not exceed 800 words (Clark University - M.A. in International Development and Social Change).
• Write a 500- to 700-word statement that describes your work or research. Discuss how you came to focus on the medium, body of work, or academic area you wish to pursue at the graduate level. Also discuss future directions or goals for your work, and describe how the Master of Fine Arts in Studio (Printmedia) is particularly suited to your professional goals (School of the Art Institute of Chicago - MFA in Studio, Printmaking).
• Your statement should explain why you want to study economics at the graduate level. The statement is particularly important if there is something unusual about your background and preparation that you would like us to know about you (University of Texas at Austin - Ph.D in Economics).
• Your personal goal statement is an important part of the review process for our faculty members as they consider your application. They want to know about your background, work experience, plans for graduate study and professional career, qualifications that make you a strong candidate for the program, and any other relevant information (Indiana University Bloomington - M.S.Ed. in Secondary Education).
• Your autobiographical essay/personal statement is a narrative that outlines significant experiences in your life, including childhood experiences, study and work, your strengths and aspirations in the field of architecture, and why you want to come to the University of Oregon (University of Oregon - Master of Architecture).
• Personal history and diversity statement, in which you describe how your personal background informs your decision to pursue a graduate degree. You may refer to any educational, familial, cultural, economic or social experiences, challenges, community service, outreach activities, residency and citizenship, first-generation college status, or opportunities relevant to your academic journey; how your life experiences contribute to the social, intellectual or cultural diversity within a campus community and your chosen field; or how you might serve educationally underrepresented and underserved segments of society with your graduate education (U.C. Davis - M.A. in Linguistics).
• A Personal Statement specifying your past experiences, reasons for applying, and your areas of interest. It should explain your intellectual and personal goals, why you are interested in pursuing an interdisciplinary degree rather than a more traditional disciplinary one, and how this degree fits into your intellectual and personal future (Rutgers University - Ph.D in Women’s and Gender Studies).
• Your application requires a written statement to uploaded into your application and is a critical component of your application for admission. This is your opportunity to tell us what excites you about the field of library and information science, and what problems you want to help solve in this field. Please also tell us how your prior experiences have prepared you for this next step toward your career goals and how this program will help you achieve them (University of North Carolina Chapel Hill - Master of Science in Library Science).
• After watching the video, please describe what strengths and preferences as a learner you have that will facilitate your success in this innovative curriculum. What challenges in our curriculum do you anticipate and what strategies might you use to address these challenges? (MGH Institute of Health Professions PT - They recently redesigned their curriculum)
• Your personal goal statement should briefly describe how you view the future of the field, what your goals are to be part of that future, and what brought you to pursue an advanced education degree in your chosen field. You may include any other information that you feel might be useful. (Northeastern PT)
• Personal Statement: In 500 words or less, describe a meaningful educational experience that affected your professional goals and growth and explain how it impacted you. The educational experience does not need to be related to this degree. Focus on the educational experience and not why you think you would be a good professional in this field. (Simmons PT)
• Personal Statement (500 word minimum): State your reasons for seeking admission to this program at this institution. Include your professional goals, why you want to pursue a career in this field and how admission to this program will assist you in accomplishing those goals. (Regis College Nursing)
• “Use the space provided to explain why you want to go to this type of program.” (AMCAS)
• Address the following three questions(Though there is no set limit, most statements are 1–2 pages, single-spaced.): What are your reasons for pursuing this degree? Why do you wish to pursue your degree at this institution? How do you intend to leverage your degree in a career of this field? (Boston University MPH)
• Please submit a personal statement/statement of purpose of no more than 500 words for the department/degree of choice. Professional degree essays require a clear understanding of the _______ field and how you hope to work within the field. Be sure to proofread your personal statement carefully for spelling and grammar. In your statement, be sure to address the following: what interests you in the field of _____ what interests you in a specific degree program and department at this institution and what interests you in a particular certificate (if applicable). Please also describe how you hope to use your ________ training to help you achieve your career goals. (Columbia PhD in Public Health - Epidemiology)
• Because each Home Program requires significant original research activities in fulfillment of the requirements for the degree, we are interested in obtaining as much information as possible about your previous research experiences. Those who already have such experience are in a better position to know whether they are truly interested in performing ______ research as part of a graduate program. Please include specific information about your research experience in your Statement of Purpose. You may also use the Statement to amplify your comments about your choice of Home Program(s), and how your past experiences and current interests are related to your choice. Personal Statements should not exceed two pages in length (single spaced). Make sure to set your computer to Western European or other English-language setting. We cannot guarantee the ability to access your statement if it is submitted in other fonts. (Stanford Biosciences PhD)
• Your statement of purpose should describe succinctly your reasons for applying to the Department of ____ at ___ University. It would be helpful to include what you have done to prepare for this degree program. Please describe your research interests, past research experience, future career plans and other details of your background and interests that will allow us to evaluate your ability to thrive in our program. If you have interests that align with a specific faculty member, you may state this in your application. Your statement of purpose should not exceed two pages in length (single spaced). (Stanford Bioengineering PhD)
• Statement of purpose (Up to one page or 1,000 words): Rather than a research proposal, you should provide a statement of purpose. Your statement should be written in English and explain your motivation for applying for the course at this institution and your relevant experience and education. Please provide an indication of the area of your proposed research and supervisor(s) in your statement. This will be assessed for the coherence of the statement; evidence of motivation for and understanding of the proposed area of study; the ability to present a reasoned case in English; and commitment to the subject. (Oxford Inorganic Chemistry - DPhil)

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Examples of Scholarship Essays for the “Career Goals” Question

Emily Wong is a writer at Scholarships360. She’s worked as a social media manager and a content writer at several different startups, where she covered various topics including business, tech, job recruitment, and education. Emily grew up and went to school in the Chicago suburbs, where she studied economics and journalism at Northwestern University.

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Maria Geiger is Director of Content at Scholarships360. She is a former online educational technology instructor and adjunct writing instructor. In addition to education reform, Maria’s interests include viewpoint diversity, blended/flipped learning, digital communication, and integrating media/web tools into the curriculum to better facilitate student engagement. Maria earned both a B.A. and an M.A. in English Literature from Monmouth University, an M. Ed. in Education from Monmouth University, and a Virtual Online Teaching Certificate (VOLT) from the University of Pennsylvania.

Writing an essay is often the trickiest part of the scholarship application, not to mention the most time-consuming. However, the essay section also allows room for creativity and individuality. If you can communicate effectively, you can use the essay portion to stand out from the crowd. Let’s go over some tips for writing, as well as a couple of scholarship essay examples about career goals.

How to write a scholarship essay 

At this point, you’ve probably gained plenty of experience writing papers for school. However, it may still take a couple of tries to nail the scholarship essay. Since scholarship teams often have to get through a lot of applications, it’s important to stand out while staying concise. Here are some simple guidelines for writing scholarship essays.

See also: How to write a winning scholarship essay (with examples!)

Take five minutes to brainstorm

Before you even start your essay, take some time to gather your thoughts. Think about what you’ll want the paper to focus on. Why did you choose to pursue your career path in the first place? Where do you want to be in five years? How would this scholarship help you further your studies and work toward your goals?

Once you’ve jotted down a few ideas, choose one or two to center your essay on. Identifying the focus of your paper, it’ll make it easier to keep your thoughts organized. In turn, it’ll make it easier for the reader to follow.

Related : How to start a scholarship essay (with examples!)

Stay within the word limit

Unlike the four-page essays that you may have written in English class, scholarship essays are often only a paragraph or two. In order to respect the selection committee’s time, be wary of going too far about the specified word count. A general rule of thumb is to stay within 20 words above or below the limit. That may entail a few rounds of edits to get the wording just right.

Stay positive!

Feel free to use part of your essay to talk about your life’s challenges. After all, the selection committee often wants to give the award to a candidate who needs it. However, make sure your anecdote doesn’t devolve into a sob story. If you’re going to bring up hardships you’ve endured, try to balance it by talking about how you’ve overcome them. By demonstrating resilience, you can show readers how you would use the scholarship to succeed in your current situation.

Leave time to proofread

Especially for a short scholarship essay, proofreading can take as little as 5-10 minutes. Still, it can be tempting to just hit “submit” after your first draft. However, being too impulsive can leave your essay riddled with typos and grammatical errors.

Try to avoid unnecessary mistakes by finishing your draft at least 24 hours before the scholarship deadline. That way, you can proofread it with fresh eyes before you submit it.

If you’re struggling to close out your essay, read how to end a scholarship essay in five steps .

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“A Helping Hand” Scholarship

How to write a 100-word “career goals” essay.

When writing a 100-word essay, you’ll have to choose your content carefully. Since space is limited, you’ll want to identify the most important details to include beforehand.

First and foremost, make sure to clearly communicate your current pursuits. Talk about your academic and extracurricular activities related to your career goals. Additionally, it’s important to be specific about what you plan to do in the future. Then, if you have extra room, you can talk about how the scholarship will help you reach your goals.

My name is Alison MacBride, and I’m a sophomore at the University of Illinois. I’m currently pursuing a major in Journalism with a minor in Natural Resource Conservation. After completing my program, I plan to combine my areas of interest to become an environmental journalist.

During high school, I volunteered at an eco-conscious farm, where I learned about how our actions affect the earth. Since then, I’ve been set on raising awareness for the environment. This scholarship would go a long way in helping me finish my degree with the skills I need to investigate and report about critical issues.

Word count: 100

How to write a 250-word “career goals” essay

For the 250-word essay, you can go into more detail. Give the readers some context by talking about how you first got interested in your chosen career. Storytelling can be especially effective in engaging your audience. Try to capture their attention by choosing one or two concrete examples and relaying them vividly.

Additionally, you can spend more time talking about the scholarship and how it’ll make a difference in your studies. Go into more detail about how and why you need the award, but remember to keep it positive! For more help, check out how to write a 250 word essay . 

I first decided that I wanted to pursue a career in environmentalism in early high school. The summer after my freshman year, I joined a volunteer program at an eco-conscious farm in my community. In addition to helping out with the operations, I learned about current environmental issues related to farming and other consumer industries.

After learning about the agricultural industry’s impact on the planet, I was inspired to make a difference. The next year, I started a monthly earth magazine at my high school in which we broke down environmental issues and offered tips on how to be more eco-friendly. When I started college, I founded an on-campus publication with the same mission.

In recent years, I’ve been troubled to see how some media outlets downplay the gravity of issues like climate change and deforestation. I’ve admired reporters who publish trustworthy and comprehensible information about environmental issues, and I aim to follow in their footsteps.

When I entered college, I was initially concerned that I wouldn’t have enough money to finish my degree. Fortunately, I’ve been able to cover most of my tuition using merit scholarships and paychecks from my part-time job on campus. Receiving this scholarship would allow me more time to focus on acing my classes and pursuing environmental advocacy work on campus.

Word count: 261

Final thoughts

Planning is essential in making your “career goals” essay clear and concise. Hopefully, these scholarship essay examples about career goals can be your guide to writing a scholarship-winning essay. Good luck!

Additional resources

Maybe you need to write a longer scholarship essay? We can help with our writing a 500 word essay guide ! Be prepared and learn how to write essays about yourself and how to craft an impressive personal statement . Learn the differences between a personal statement and a statement of purpose as the terms might come up on college websites. If you haven’t decided on a college already, check out our guide on how to choose a college . No matter where you are in your educational journey, make sure that you apply for all the scholarships you qualify for!

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Accepted Admissions Blog

Everything you need to know to get Accepted

February 29, 2024

• Writing Your Career Goals Essay

Check out all the blog posts in this series:

• Identifying the Ingredients of a Winning Essay
• Finding a Theme for Your Statement of Purpose
• Revise and Polish Your Application Essays

Your career goals essay demands a laser-like focus. A personal statement, by contrast, allows for some flexibility in its content, though you can – and often should – discuss your career goals. But a career goals essay has a particular and packed agenda. In fact, the prompt for a career goals essay could actually include multiple questions, and in such cases, you want to make sure you address each of them.

For example, in 2022, Kellogg asked applicants to its one-year program to respond to the following prompt: “Please discuss your post-MBA career goal, the current experience you will leverage to support the transition, and the Kellogg 1Y opportunities that will help you reach this goal.” 

This prompt has three parts: (1) What do you want to do post-MBA ? (2) Why is the 1Y program appropriate for you? And (3) what experience has so far prepared you to succeed in your target role? 

So, always pay close attention to your target school’s prompt to ensure that you answer all the questions within its “single” question. 

Three elements of a successful career goals essay

In addition to having a distinct theme , your career goals essay should achieve the following:

• Highlight specific career achievements. Choose from your most notable or defining experiences. These could be related to your work, community involvement, or extracurricular activities. The experiences you select should showcase your leadership skills , creative thinking, collaborative abilities, and personal reflections about what you learned or gained.
• Explain why your experiences and influences make your career goal a logical and wise choice.
• Demonstrate why you are suited to a particular field as a result of your education, experience, abilities, and enthusiasm. Ideally, the material you choose to include will also allow you to prove your knowledge about industry trends and suggest how your abilities and strengths can help you contribute to that field.

It’s a very tall order to achieve all this.

Putting these elements together to create your goals essay

Let’s take a look at a sample MBA Goals Essay and see how these three key elements are incorporated.  

You should be able to easily recognize why the writer’s opening is attention-getting for all the right reasons. The writer introduces herself as the supremely busy executive she visualizes becoming in the future. She trades large amounts of stock, rushes off to a Zoom conference, hurries downstairs, flags down a taxi, then hops on a plane. As she describes this whirlwind of activity, we can practically feel her heart pumping.

After establishing her voice and personality in this opening, she offers context for her MBA goal. Notice that in writing about her work as an accountant for a major firm, she provides relevant details, including how many years she has been in the field, her bilingualism, and her specialty area as an auditor. This information is her springboard to explain why she is pursuing an MBA: she’s bursting out of her limited role as an accountant. Her eyes and ambition are set on a larger playing field as an international investment manager.

Write an essay, not a list or CV

Outstanding career goals essays are not lists of an applicant’s roles and achievements. Instead, they have a narrative flow and arc that convey the candidate’s palpable excitement about their career choice. This writer’s enthusiastic, dreamy first paragraph achieves this, and she returns to that image at the end, where she paints her idealized (if frantically busy) future. She also proves her seriousness by noting that she registered for the CFA exam.

Connect your career goals to your reasons for choosing a particular program

Many essay questions, especially those for MBA programs , will ask why you have chosen the school you’re applying to. Be prepared to respond knowledgeably and enthusiastically. And the only way to become knowledgeable – and enthusiastic – is by visiting campus in-person or virtually, attending student recruitment meetings, participating in forums, reading student blogs, watching videos of students speaking about their experiences, communicating directly with students and/or recent alumni, and otherwise doing your homework. As part of your research, make sure you have familiarized yourself with the courses and specializations that are relevant to your goals.

Summary Tips

• Focus on answering each and every question asked in a career goals essay prompt. Often, there is more than one.
• Highlight specific achievements vividly and in a way that shows that your career choice is logical for you.
• Do the research so you can write about why the school is a good fit for you and do so with genuine enthusiasm.

In the next post in this series , we’ll explain how to take all this advice and apply it to create an exemplary first draft.

Work one-on-one with an expert who will walk you through the process of creating a slam-dunk application. Check out our full catalog of application services . Our admissions consultants have read thousands of essays and know the exact ingredients of an outstanding essay.

By Judy Gruen, former Accepted admissions consultant. Judy holds a master’s in journalism from Northwestern University. She is also the co-author of Accepted’s first full-length book, MBA Admission for Smarties: The No-Nonsense Guide to Acceptance at Top Business Schools . Want an admissions expert help you get accepted? Click here to get in touch!

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Essay on Journalism as a Career

The career of journalist is very interesting and full of vast opportunities and scope. It is gaining much importance and prestige in the modern society.

With the manifold increase in the circulation of newspapers and magazines as well as start of newspapers and journals, there is a great scope for the young men and women who want to join this profession.

There are hundreds of openings each year for the new entrants. The increase in the circulation of newspapers has created the need for the addition of more staff, both for the large and the smaller newspapers.

i.huffpost.com

The proliferation of magazines and periodicals has also led to the proliferation of jobs in the field of journalism. There is no doubt that an ambitious man or woman possessing the necessary qualifications can find suitable opening in the newspaper media.

The career of a journalist demands a wide range of qualities and skills. There is no doubt that this career is highly rewarding, but a journalist has to work very hard for this. He has to know something of everything.

The person who wants to reach the top has to master the techniques of journalism and go through the mill. He should also possess a flair for writing, sound judgement, personal integrity, earning for facts and an expert knowledge of all branches of journalism.

The persons, who work for newspapers, come from many backgrounds and are of many temperaments. Those in the editorial departments need a strong sense of curiosity about their fellow-beings and sympathy for them.

The other qualifications include a good command of language in which the paper is printed, an interest in politics and the government, a desire to know why things happen, high respect for accuracy and an aptitude for personal communication with other people in order to obtain news from them. A reporter must be both a willing listener and an alert poser of questions.

Now-a-days newspapers generally seek employees for all editorial and journalistic jobs, who have had at least some college education.

Many editors insist upon a graduation degree as the minimum educational requirement for all reporters they hire. The diploma in journalism is desirable, but is not absolutely essential.

Nevertheless, an applicant who is well trained in liberal arts, with emphasis on the language of the newspaper and political science, is welcome in most newspapers.

Some of those who join this career can also specialise in a particular branch of journalism like news reporting, editorial work, photography, feature writing, sports reporting, writing for TV and Radio, criticism, magazine writing etc.

Reporting and desk-work are two main divisions of news­room work. Reporting includes gathering and writing news and feature stories.

Desk-work includes the preparation for printing of the writing material and photographs submitted by the reporters, photographers and the news agencies.

The persons who do the desk-work are called the editors. Some men and women find their greatest satisfaction in being reporters all their lives probing for information, being close to event as they happen and mingling with the people who make news.

Few laymen have any concept of the inside workers of newspapers who really put the paper together. In fact, even the desk experience is quite necessary for the top jobs. Similarly, few desk men are successful unless they have had a thorough grounding in reporting. Only in this way they can know the problems a reporter faces on a story and can give him useful suggestions.

A beginner can start city hall beat reporter for small daily, he may also start as the telegraph editor handling the news wire and writing headlines. If he chooses the reporting path and sticks to reporting, then he may graduate eventually to a metropolitan reporting staff.

If he selects the editing path, he may advance to a large paper copy desk. Or, in either capacity, he may remain with the small daily and soon rise to the editorial management status.

Some persons prefer to become specialists and do their reporting in one specific field itself. The women’s page of a modern daily offers many opportunities for stimulating writing; the sports page has also been a great attraction for young reporters. Business news is also a specialities of many papers. Some big papers also offer opportunities to critical reviewers of film, television, the drama and books.

There are also many opportunities to specialise in one of the broader general news areas; politics, science, labour, religion, urban problems, social work, and public help.

Although news reporting is the most glamourous and best publicised part of newspapers work, there are many other opportunities available for young men and women on the editorial page, advertising and sales, copy-writing, circulation, photograph, promotion, public relations etc. in a newspaper.

Many young men and women join certain small newspapers or magazines even to do the subordinate or secretarial work.

After obtaining a foothold in the newspaper work they rise up to high posts due to their merits and qualifications, because after working in the offices of these newspapers and magazines they acquire a lot of practical experience in the field of journalism.

Some persons, while working in subordinate positions, increase their educational and professional qualifications by attending part time evening courses or through correspondence courses.

Although academic or professional education is not an essential requirement for a successful career in journalism yet some academic qualification is desirable as a minimum so that a person can write correctly and fluently.

Possession of a university degree may be quite advisable for those who want to achieve rapid progress in field of journalism or who want to reach the top jobs. Some newspapers also demand a minimum qualification of Bachelor degree or its equivalent for the new entrants.

A young man or woman who possesses the minimum educational qualification and the aptitude for journalistic work should apply for to some newspaper or magazine office. If a person has already done some writing work, it will be considered as an additional qualification.

There is no doubt that a brilliant person possessing a good educational qualification and an aptitude for writing work, will not find much difficulty in securing position or job in some newspaper or magazine office. Some newspapers may also offer the post of trainee or a junior reporter in the beginning for six months or one year. If a person wants to join this profession, he may accept even this offer.

To start with the salary offered may not be very high, but as a person gathers experience and proficiency in writing, he will be able to obtain rapid promotions and a good salary due to his ability and efficiency.

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113 Career Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

Inside This Article

Choosing a career path is a significant decision that can shape our lives. Whether you are a high school student exploring your options or a working professional considering a career change, writing a career essay can be a valuable exercise in self-reflection and goal-setting. To help you get started, here are 113 career essay topic ideas and examples that can inspire your writing:

Why I chose my current career path.

The influence of my family on my career choices.

Exploring unconventional career options.

The impact of technology on the job market.

The role of internships in career development.

How to navigate a successful career in a competitive industry.

Strategies for finding work-life balance in a demanding career.

The importance of professional networking for career growth.

Challenges faced by women in male-dominated industries.

The role of education in career success.

The pros and cons of freelance work.

How to turn a hobby into a career.

The future of remote work and its implications for careers.

The impact of automation on job opportunities.

The benefits of pursuing a career in the nonprofit sector.

The role of mentors in career development.

The importance of continuous learning in a rapidly changing world.

Exploring careers in the healthcare industry.

The challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship.

The impact of globalization on career opportunities.

The role of personal branding in career advancement.

The benefits of cross-cultural work experience.

The role of emotional intelligence in career success.

Exploring careers in the creative arts.

The challenges and rewards of a career in the military.

The impact of social media on career opportunities.

The importance of diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

The benefits of pursuing a career in science, technology, engineering, or math (STEM).

The challenges and rewards of a career in education.

The role of leadership skills in career advancement.

The impact of climate change on future career opportunities.

Exploring careers in the hospitality industry.

The benefits of pursuing a career in the environmental sector.

The challenges and rewards of a career in law enforcement.

The role of communication skills in career success.

The impact of artificial intelligence on job displacement.

The importance of financial literacy in career planning.

Exploring careers in the fashion industry.

The benefits of pursuing a career in public service.

The challenges and rewards of a career in the entertainment industry.

The role of resilience in overcoming career setbacks.

The impact of social entrepreneurship on career options.

The importance of work culture in career satisfaction.

Exploring careers in the sports industry.

The benefits of pursuing a career in the technology sector.

The challenges and rewards of a career in the aviation industry.

The role of adaptability in navigating a changing career landscape.

The impact of artificial intelligence on job creation.

The importance of work-life integration in career fulfillment.

Exploring careers in the tourism industry.

The benefits of pursuing a career in the financial sector.

The challenges and rewards of a career in healthcare administration.

The role of organizational skills in career success.

The impact of online learning on career development.

The importance of workplace diversity for innovation.

Exploring careers in the film industry.

The benefits of pursuing a career in engineering.

The challenges and rewards of a career in social work.

The role of negotiation skills in career advancement.

The impact of remote work on employee well-being.

The importance of emotional well-being in career satisfaction.

Exploring careers in the gaming industry.

The benefits of pursuing a career in marketing.

The challenges and rewards of a career in nonprofit management.

The role of time management in career success.

The impact of social media on personal branding.

The importance of cultural intelligence in global careers.

Exploring careers in the culinary industry.

The benefits of pursuing a career in journalism.

The challenges and rewards of a career in architecture.

The role of problem-solving skills in career advancement.

The impact of remote work on team collaboration.

The importance of work-life harmony in career fulfillment.

Exploring careers in the music industry.

The benefits of pursuing a career in psychology.

The challenges and rewards of a career in event planning.

The role of decision-making skills in career success.

The impact of artificial intelligence on job satisfaction.

The importance of mentorship in career development.

Exploring careers in the automotive industry.

The benefits of pursuing a career in entrepreneurship.

The challenges and rewards of a career in graphic design.

The role of creativity in career advancement.

The impact of remote work on organizational culture.

The importance of work-life boundaries in career satisfaction.

Exploring careers in the publishing industry.

The benefits of pursuing a career in human resources.

The challenges and rewards of a career in interior design.

The role of teamwork in career success.

The impact of artificial intelligence on job security.

The importance of self-reflection in career planning.

Exploring careers in the education technology industry.

The benefits of pursuing a career in healthcare research.

The challenges and rewards of a career in social media management.

The role of adaptability in overcoming career obstacles.

The impact of remote work on employee engagement.

The importance of work-life integration in career success.

Exploring careers in the renewable energy sector.

The benefits of pursuing a career in data analytics.

The challenges and rewards of a career in public relations.

The role of critical thinking skills in career advancement.

The impact of artificial intelligence on job recruitment.

The importance of lifelong learning in career growth.

Exploring careers in the e-commerce industry.

The benefits of pursuing a career in healthcare policy.

The challenges and rewards of a career in software development.

The role of adaptability in navigating a changing job market.

The impact of remote work on work-life balance.

The importance of personal development in career success.

Exploring careers in the renewable energy industry.

The benefits of pursuing a career in user experience design.

The challenges and rewards of a career in cybersecurity.

The role of emotional intelligence in career advancement.

These 113 career essay topic ideas and examples cover a wide range of industries, skills, and challenges. Whether you are passionate about a particular field or looking for inspiration, these topics can help you explore various aspects of careers and find your own unique path. Remember, writing a career essay is not only about showcasing your knowledge and skills but also about understanding yourself and the world of work. Good luck on your writing journey!

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9 High-Paying Writing Jobs for Word People: Editors, Writers, and Beyond

Thanks to the “starving artist” stereotype, most people don’t consider writing a lucrative career path. Outside of the few writers who luck out and make it big with a New York Times bestseller or an award-winning screenplay, people might picture a Dickensian peasant who can’t afford fingers for their gloves or, more modernly—someone like Nick from New Girl , forever mooching off his friends with quote-unquote real jobs and swearing that he’s working on his zombie novel. 

But the truth is, you don’t need to choose between your love of writing and a stable, profitable career. There are plenty of writing-centric jobs out there that pay well; you just need to know where to look.

We’ve compiled a list of nine high-paying jobs you should definitely consider if you love to write. For the purposes of this article, we’re defining a high-paying job as one where the average salary, based on data from the compensation resource PayScale , is above the median salary for all occupations in the U.S.—which, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics , was $55,068 in 2022. In many cases, the salary range and more senior roles along the same path mean your long-term earning potential is even higher.

Average salary : $57,164 Salary range: $38,000–$85,000

Editors oversee a piece of writing from inception to publication. Depending on the type of writing they’re editing (and the writer they’re working with), this can include honing the thesis, framing, and structure; ensuring the facts are accurate and the sources credible; making suggestions about how to improve the writing (for example, calling out inconsistencies in voice or tone); eliminating unnecessary sentences or paragraphs; and correcting grammar and spelling mistakes. Editors can work in a variety of settings, including for book publishers, media companies, magazines, newspapers, and any organization that produces written content or communications. 

Editors need to have an in-depth understanding of all things writing—including grammar, style, narrative, and structure. As such, most editors are writers themselves and/or hold a degree in a writing-related field (like English or journalism). The financial opportunity for editorial professionals increases as you progress in your career—with senior editors making an average of $75,646 per year and editorial directors pulling in an average of $100,936 annually.

Find editor jobs on The Muse

2. Content marketing manager

Average salary : $71,590 Salary range: $49,000–$104,000

Content marketing managers lead the charge when it comes to developing and executing content for a company. While some content marketing managers take a generalist approach, many specialize in creating and overseeing specific types of content—such as blog posts, ebooks, white papers, website content, and social media posts.

While content marketing managers do spend a significant amount of time creating content (including writing), they also spend a good amount of time on strategy—making this a great role if you love to write, but don’t want to spend all your time tapping at a keyboard. You’ll also have a chance to think about the bigger picture and figure out how content can support an organization’s overall mission and goals.

Some companies want their content marketing managers to hold degrees, but many are more interested in a candidate’s ability to strategize, create, and promote content—so as long as you’re a solid writer and understand the basics of content marketing, there are definitely opportunities to get into the field. Content marketing managers also have the opportunity for upward mobility (and the increased salary that goes with it)—with content marketing directors making an average of $103,327 per year.

Find content marketing manager jobs on The Muse

3. Communications manager

Average salary : $69,856 Salary range: $46,000–$109,000

Communications managers are, as you might guess, in charge of a company’s communications—often both internal and external. Responsibilities could include defining and developing the company’s voice, developing and managing the company’s communication strategy, writing internal guides and resources, managing client- and customer-facing communications (such as press releases, press conferences, or other media opportunities), and ensuring that all business communications, internal and external, are in line with the company’s mission and goals.

Because a communication manager is managing the company’s communication, a lot of writing and editing is involved—but there are also plenty of strategic responsibilities and opportunities to interact with colleagues and external partners to keep things interesting.

To get your foot in the door as a communications manager, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, or a related field. And while communications managers demand competitive salaries, the financial opportunities will only increase as you grow in your career—with senior communications managers making an average of $105,624 per year and VPs making an average of $156,617.

Find communications manager jobs on The Muse

4. Technical writer

Average salary : $63,929 Salary range: $46,000–$91,000

Technical writers are responsible for writing copy that translates complex technical ideas into something a general audience can read and understand—including for instruction manuals, tutorials, journal articles, and educational resources.

As the title implies, writing is the main part of any technical writing gig. But to succeed in this role, you’ll need more than writing chops; you’ll also need a deep understanding of tech-related concepts—and the ability to communicate those concepts using nontechnical language. As such, technical writers often have a degree in English, communications, journalism, or similar, along with background knowledge relevant to the subject matter they’ll be writing about, such as computer science, information technology, scientific research in a certain field, environmental policies, or manufacturing processes (although, depending on the role and company, a degree might not be required to land a job). For senior technical writers, the average salary jumps up to $86,122.

Find technical writer jobs on The Muse

5. Medical writer

Average salary : $78,571 Salary range: $60,000–$108,000

Similar to a technical writer, a medical writer takes extremely complex concepts and ideas and translates them into easier-to-digest copy—only medical writers have a particular focus on all things healthcare. Medical writers can work in a variety of environments, including businesses (for example, pharmaceutical companies, medical device companies, supplement companies, or health tech startups), medical associations, or healthcare providers. They may work on a number of project types, including medical articles, policy documents, or training and educational materials.

Because medical and scientific know-how is a must to succeed, most medical writers have an academic background in biology or other sciences and some have experience in the medical field (for example, as a nurse). However, depending on the role, having impeccable research skills and the ability to understand medical concepts and translate them for the target audience may be enough to get into the field. And while medical writers make a great salary from the get-go, there’s also room for growth—with senior medical writers making an average of $97,850 per year.

Find medical writer jobs on The Muse

6. PR manager

Average salary : $73,930 Salary range: $50,000–$108,000

Public relations managers (also commonly referred to as PR managers) are responsible for building brand awareness and driving positive brand sentiment for a person, company, product, or service. They might accomplish those goals by building relationships with the media, drafting press releases, developing and leading consumer-facing campaigns, and minimizing the impact of negative press—among other strategies.

PR managers may work for an independent business (like a restaurant), a business group or corporation (like a hotel chain or a book publisher), a nonprofit (like a food bank), an academic or other institution (like a university), or an individual (like a politician, celebrity, or author) and generally need a bachelor’s degree in public relations, communications, marketing, or a related field. And while PR managers enjoy a great average salary, candidates who prove they can drive brand awareness and positive press can typically demand higher compensation packages—and PR directors make an average of $100,660.

Find PR manager jobs on The Muse

7. Copywriter

Average salary : $56,592 Salary range: $40,000–$79,000

Copywriters are responsible for writing material that persuades the reader to take action—whether that’s in the form of an advertisement, a website landing page, or a sales letter. Ultimately, copywriters create the content that helps businesses drive sales—making them an incredibly valuable asset to companies looking to engage their customers and move the needle on conversions and revenue.

While some companies will require their copywriters to hold a degree, many are primarily concerned with their ability to write copy that drives results. It should be noted that while the average copywriter demands a solid salary, many companies out there are willing to pay big bucks for results—so if you’re gifted at writing sales copy, you’ll likely be able to demand a higher salary. A senior copywriter, for example, makes an average of $79,618.

Find copywriter jobs on The Muse

8. Research analyst

Average salary : $59,644 Salary range: $44,000 - $85,000

Research analysts are responsible for collecting, verifying, organizing, and analyzing data—and using it to reach key business conclusions and make data-backed recommendations to their employer. Research analysts can work in a variety of fields and departments (including finance, marketing, economics, and operations).

While much of a research analyst’s job has to do with data, another major part of their role is sharing their analysis and findings to stakeholders within the company—and that means writing detailed reports and preparing and giving presentations. So if you’re looking for a job that combines your love of research and data with your love of writing? This could be the opportunity for you.

Generally, you need at least a bachelor’s degree to get started as a research analyst, but once you’ve got your foot in the door, there’s serious opportunity for growth—with senior research analysts making an average of $71,185 per year and, for those who want to eventually take on more of a leadership role, research directors making an average of $108,966 per year.

Find research analyst jobs on The Muse

9. Curriculum developer

Average salary : $69,161 Salary range: $48,000–$98,000

Curriculum developers are responsible for researching and writing academic, educational, and/or training materials, including textbooks, digital and college course materials (such as outlines and syllabi), and other resources to aid in teaching and/or training. Depending on the type of curriculum they specialize in, curriculum developers may work for universities, research institutions, nonprofits, or corporations.

Most curriculum developers have at least a bachelor’s degree, top-notch research and writing skills, and in-depth knowledge in their area of focus (for example, a curriculum developer writing a textbook on math would need to have an in-depth understanding of the subject matter). Next steps on your career path might include curriculum director (with an average salary of $76,049) or training director (with an average salary of $92,412).

Find curriculum developer jobs on The Muse

APA Style for beginners

Then check out some frequently asked questions:

What is APA Style?

Why use apa style in high school, how do i get started with apa style, what apa style products are available, your help wanted.

APA Style is the most common writing style used in college and career. Its purpose is to promote excellence in communication by helping writers create clear, precise, and inclusive sentences with a straightforward scholarly tone. It addresses areas of writing such as how to

• format a paper so it looks professional;
• credit other people’s words and ideas via citations and references to avoid plagiarism; and
• describe other people with dignity and respect using inclusive, bias-free language.

APA Style is primarily used in the behavioral sciences, which are subjects related to people, such as psychology, education, and nursing. It is also used by students in business, engineering, communications, and other classes. Students use it to write academic essays and research papers in high school and college, and professionals use it to conduct, report, and publish scientific research .

High school students need to learn how to write concisely, precisely, and inclusively so that they are best prepared for college and career. Here are some of the reasons educators have chosen APA Style:

• APA Style is the style of choice for the AP Capstone program, the fastest growing AP course, which requires students to conduct and report independent research.
• APA Style helps students craft written responses on standardized tests such as the SAT and ACT because it teaches students to use a direct and professional tone while avoiding redundancy and flowery language.
• Most college students choose majors that require APA Style or allow APA Style as an option. It can be overwhelming to learn APA Style all at once during the first years of college; starting APA Style instruction in high school sets students up for success.

High school students may also be interested in the TOPSS Competition for High School Psychology Students , an annual competition from the APA Teachers of Psychology in Secondary Schools for high school students to create a short video demonstrating how a psychological topic has the potential to benefit their school and/or local community and improve people’s lives.

Most people are first introduced to APA Style by reading works written in APA Style. The following guides will help with that:

Many people also write research papers or academic essays in APA Style. The following resources will help with that:

Instructors will also benefit from using the following APA Style resources:

In addition to all the free resources on this website, APA publishes several products that provide comprehensive information about APA Style:

The APA Style team is interested in developing additional resources appropriate for a beginner audience. If you have resources you would like to share, or feedback on this topic, please contact the APA Style team . 

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Apa style monthly.

Subscribe to the APA Style Monthly newsletter to get tips, updates, and resources delivered directly to your inbox.

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Medical Writing and Editing

Career benefits, why earn a medical writing certificate at the university of chicago.

Drawing on resources and talent from one of the world’s top-ranked universities, our professional development certificates provide exceptional opportunities for those seeking to advance in their careers while growing their professional network. As industries evolve, so do our certificates. Our  instructors  continually optimize our curriculum so our students stay current with technology and best practices. There are many additional benefits of pursuing a professional certificate, including:

• Smaller Commitment, Higher Pay: Post-baccalaureate certificates are becoming increasingly desirable for students seeking to boost their skillset quickly.  Forbes referenced data from the Institute for College Access and Success revealing the number of people who hold graduate certificates has increased by more than 50% since 2005—and expected to grow rapidly during the next few years.
• Advancement Opportunities: In addition to the coursework, our programs offer instructional expertise, networking events , an individual resume review at the conclusion of the certificate program, and an extensive alumni community of certificate completers. If you find a career that you enjoy, deepening your understanding of your field by acquiring professional certificates can grant you the opportunity to advance your skills and fast-track your career.
• Competitive UChicago Edge: Competition in your industry can be fierce, which is why our online courses are designed to boost your skills quickly—in as little as nine months, part-time. You will gain the skills that will help you edge out your competition for a new job or promotion.
• Flexible Formats, Competitive Costs: With enrollments accepted throughout the year, and flexible online course formats, the University of Chicago’s Clinical Trial Management certificate works around your schedule. Graduates of our certificate programs also have the opportunity to take advantage of our Alumni Scholarship Program .

Invest In Your Career

Don’t wait to advance your career. With a flexible online format, expert instructors, and short course timelines, our program can get you on the fast track to advancement.

Choose a Career In Medical Writing

A career in medical writing and editing offers a unique opportunity to combine a passion for science with the art of communication. As a medical writer, you'll play a critical role in translating complex medical research into clear, accessible content that can impact patient care, advance scientific knowledge, and support healthcare innovation. With a growing demand for professionals who can effectively communicate medical information across diverse platforms—from scientific journals to patient education materials—this field provides a dynamic and rewarding career path with significant opportunities for growth and specialization.

Broaden Your Professional Opportunities

Program completers from the Medical Writing certificate are well-positioned for various roles within the medical and scientific community. This online certificate opens doors to career opportunities such as:

• Medical Writer : Work with pharmaceutical companies, contract research organizations (CROs), or healthcare agencies to produce high-quality, regulatory-compliant documents.
• Scientific Writer or Editor : Collaborate with researchers to publish journal articles, white papers, and other scientific literature.
• Regulatory Affairs Specialist : Focus on the development of regulatory documents required for drug approvals and clinical trials.
• Medical Communications Specialist : Create educational content for healthcare providers, patients, and the public.
• Freelance Medical Writer : Build a flexible, independent career providing medical writing services to a range of clients in the healthcare sector.

Networking and Professional Growth

By joining UChicago’s program, you’ll become part of a network of healthcare professionals, scientists, and writers who share your passion for medical communication. This network provides invaluable opportunities for mentorship, collaboration, and career advancement, connecting you with industry leaders and potential employers.

Distinguish Yourself in the Medical Writing Field

Earning the Medical Writing certificate from UChicago not only demonstrates your expertise but also distinguishes you in a competitive job market. The credibility and recognition associated with UChicago’s name enhance your professional profile, making you a more attractive candidate for top-tier positions in medical writing.

Flexible Online Learning for Busy Professionals

The online format of this program allows you to gain these valuable skills and credentials without interrupting your current career. Study at your own pace, apply your learning immediately in your current role, and achieve your career goals with the flexibility you need.

Average Salaries for Common Medical Writing Positions

What do early career medical writing professionals make.

The first several years of a medical writing career progress linearly. The Medical Writing certificate can take yours to the next level. 

A Medical Writer in the US can earn an average annual base salary of $86,958.

A Health Journalist in the US can earn an average annual base salary of $60,979.

A Medical Copywriter  in the US can earn an average annual base salary of $76,241.

Upgrade Your Skills, Your Network, and Your Career

Earning a non-credit certificate at the University of Chicago means being taught by the best—and those closest to the businesses doing the hiring. Learn how you can become part of a unique community dedicated to ethical practices, continuous learning, and professional growth.

Start Your Career Today

" I’d developed Skills That Helped Me Move Forward In My Career."

I never would have gotten my current position were it not for the Medical Writing certificate. After only six months, I’d developed skills that helped me move forward in my career. Mark Hagerty, Medical Writing and Editing Certificate Alumnus

Featured Faculty, Students, and Alumni

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James McBride at the NBF: “Love is the greatest … novel ever written.”

August 27, 2024

Posted by: Neely Tucker

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James McBride , winner of the Library’s 2024 Prize for American Fiction , took the main stage at the National Book Festival last weekend, delighting a rapturous crowd with anecdotes and observations about his bestselling books and his remarkable writing career.

A Washington Post journalist early on, and a professional musician for years, McBride did not write his first book until his mid-30s — and that was the “The Color of Water,” a memoir that has sold millions of copies all over the world.

“I like people, I listen to people,” he said at Saturday’s event. “… and I happen to look to the kindness in people. And when you look to the kindness in people, you see their depth.”

He pulled a small notebook from a pocket to show he always carries one to jot down names, ideas and quotes he overhears in everyday conversation, which he then uses or approximates in his fiction.

“People are just handing me money when they talk,” he said.

It was that kind of wry remark, delivered with perfect comic timing, that delighted the audience through his nearly hourlong presentation. Smart, insightful and thoughtful, McBride got his biggest laughs when being down to earth. When asked by moderator Michel Martin of NPR how he was handling being the Fiction Prize winner and the festival’s marquee attraction, McBride — seated, with his legs crossed, on a raised stage in front of nearly 3,000 people — looked down and said, “Well, I wish I’d worn some longer socks so that people can’t see my ankles.”

A 66-year-old native New Yorker and a distinguished writer-in-residence at New York University, McBride went to New York City public schools, studied music composition at Oberlin Conservatory of Music and got his master’s degree in journalism at Columbia University.

After an impressive music career — he composed songs for Anita Baker and toured as a saxophone player for jazz singer Jimmy Scott — the success of “Water” led him to pursue writing full time. He has written eight books, most of them fiction. “The Good Lord Bird,” winner of the 2013 National Book Award for Fiction, was a freewheeling retelling of John Brown’s raid on Harpers Ferry in 1859. His most recent novel, “The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store,” set in the Black section of a small Pennsylvania town in the 1930s, was awarded the 2023 Kirkus Prize for Fiction and named the 2023 Book of the Year by Barnes & Noble. His previous novel, “Deacon King Kong,” was an Oprah’s Book Club selection.

He was awarded the National Humanities Medal by President Barack Obama in 2015 for “for humanizing the complexities of discussing race in America.”

His books have “have pierced through American psyche and culture,” said Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden, introducing him on Saturday. “He connects diverse people in his thought-provoking and poignant art, taking us on an emotional joyride in his stories.”

“The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store” is vintage McBride, telling a small-town story about people whose actions are sometimes questionable but whose humanity is not.

The narrative centers around a modest store run by a Jewish woman in the Black community called Chicken Hill on the outskirts of Pottstown, Pennsylvania, in the 1930s. Hardworking Black and Jewish people, ignored or insulted by the town’s white founders and leaders, get by as best they can.

Community life takes a turn when a 12-year-old orphaned, nearly deaf Black boy is blamed for assaulting a white doctor who is, as everyone knows, a leader in the local Ku Klux Klan. The child is sent to a horrific asylum for the mentally ill, drawing the cast of characters together.

The book grew from McBride’s teenage experiences working as a summer counselor at a camp for neuro-divergent children. He learned, he said on Saturday, that “disabled” people were actually marvelous observers of life around them, as nearly everyone discounted and ignored them.

“It changed my life,” he said of the experience, adding later: “If your job is to find the humanity in people, look to the differently abled.”

McBride, as he wrote about so poignantly in his now-classic memoir, was mostly raised by his mother, a Jewish woman who passed herself off as “light skinned” in their Black neighborhood. As a child, when he asked her what color God was, she replied, “the color of water,” giving the book its title and McBride his concept of universal acceptance.

“Love is the greatest,” he said in closing. “It’s the greatest novel ever written.”

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Comments (4)

Thanks to Neely Tucker for introducing us to James McBride. The Color of Water is now on my must-read list.

It’s an excellent read!

Is there a way to hear this session on line?

Always check out our YouTube channel to see if the Library’s live events are taped for online broadcast (many are). Here’s a link to the main stage of Saturday’s Book Festival. The MeBride session starts around 2 hours, 8 mins. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IKbscwQ9lQY

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Las Vegas politician Robert Telles sentenced to life for journalist's murder: What drove the crime?

Topic: Courts and Trials

Robert Telles has been sentenced to a minimum of 20 years in prison after being convicted of murdering a journalist. ( AP: K.M. Cannon/Las Vegas Review-Journal )

A local politician in Las Vegas has been sentenced to life in prison after being convicted of the murder of an investigative journalist who wrote articles alleging misconduct in his office.

Robert Telles was found guilty on Wednesday, local time, of killing Las Vegas Review Journal reporter Jeff German in 2022 after three days of jury deliberation.

The case sent shock waves throughout the United States — but what happened? 

A stabbing in broad daylight

Telles is a former Democratic politician who represented the Las Vegas area and previously worked as a lawyer. 

In May and June of 2022, investigative reporter Mr German wrote a series of articles that described bullying at the Clark County administrative office, where Telles had held office since 2018, as well as an affair between the politician and an employee. 

After the articles were published in the  Las Vegas Review-Journal, Telles lost his primary election for a second term in office. 

On September 2, Mr German was stabbed in his backyard just after 11:15am, and died from multiple "sharp force injuries" in a case quickly ruled as a homicide. 

Telles was arrested days later after a public appeal for evidence yielded video evidence linking him to the location of Mr German's home. 

12 hours of deliberation

The two-week trial saw the prosecution give evidence that Telles blamed the murdered journalist for destroying his career, ruining his reputation and threatening his marriage.

Prosecutor Pamela Weckerly presented a timeline and videos showing Telles's maroon SUV leaving the neighbourhood near his home a little after 9am on September 2, 2022, and driving on streets near Mr German's home a short time later.

The SUV driver is seen wearing a bright orange outfit similar to one worn by a person captured on camera walking to Mr German's home and slipping into a side yard where the journalist was attacked.

The movements of Telles's orange SUV was used to show he had driven to Mr German's home before murdering him. ( AP/Pool: K.M. Cannon/Las Vegas Review-Journal )

A little more than two minutes later, the figure in orange emerged and walked down a sidewalk.

Evidence showed Telles's wife sent him a text message about 10:30am asking, "Where are you?" 

Prosecutors said Telles left his mobile phone at home so he couldn't be tracked, while Telles told the jury he took a walk and then went to a gym in the afternoon.

Prosecutor Christopher Hamner told jurors during closing arguments on Monday that finding Telles guilty would be like "connecting the dots" based on the overwhelming evidence they heard — including DNA that matched Telles found beneath Mr German's fingernails.

A life sentence for murder

Jurors deliberated for 12 hours before finding Telles guilty of the murder of Mr German. 

The former politician hung his head, shaking it slightly from side to side as the verdict was read out.

Telles received a life sentence for his crime, with 20 years before he can apply for parole.

The 47-year-old had been jailed without bail since his arrest in days after the homicide. 

"I am not the kind of person who would stab someone. I didn't kill Mr. German," Telles had told the jury last week from the witness stand.

 "And that's my testimony."

The defence indicated Telles would appeal the guilty verdict. 

The district attorney, Steve Wolfson, said Mr German "had a stellar reputation in this community" and called it "a crying shame, literally and figuratively that he's no longer with us".

He also dismissed as "ludicrous" Telles's claims that a broad conspiracy of people — including Mr Wolfson — framed him for blame for the reporter's killing in retaliation for his effort to root out corruption he saw in his office.

Killing of journalists 'not tolerated'

In their first public comments since the killing, Mr German's brother, Jay German, and two sisters, Jill Zwerg and Julie Smith, described him as a loving brother and uncle to their children.

"He was the older brother that we all leaned on," Jay German said. He called the murder "devastating".

Jeff German's family spoke about his life and legacy in final statements at the trial. ( AP: K.M. Cannon/Las Vegas Review-Journal )

Ms Zwerg said her oldest brother — a dedicated reporter and author who moved to Las Vegas from Milwaukee and loved his job — used to tell her why he rejected offers by other newspapers to move to other cities.

"'This is Las Vegas, Sin City,'" she said he told her. "'This is where I need to be.'"

Mr German, 69, had spent 44 years covering crime, courts and corruption in Las Vegas.

Katherine Jacobsen, the US, Canada, and Caribbean program coordinator at the Committee to Protect Journalists, issued a statement within minutes of the verdict being read.

It mourned Mr German's death and said the verdict "sends an important message that the killing of journalists will not be tolerated".

"It is vital that the murder of journalists should be taken seriously and perpetrators held accountable," Ms Jacobsen said.

Mr German was the only journalist killed in the US in 2022, according to the committee.

12 Tips for Answer Georgia College and State University Personal Essay Questions

Wednesday, August 28, 2024

Writing a strong personal essay is an essential component of the application process when you apply to Georgia College and State University (GCSU).  In the personal essay questions , the  themes of career goals, personal growth, and community service are often emphasised. The university asks the students to elaborate on why they are interested in a particular field of study or recount a challenging situation they went through and how they managed to resolve it. 

Students can demonstrate their skills, achievements, and values by using real-life experiences as examples. In addition, the university’s personal essay questions require students to strike a balance between self-reflection and storytelling. Students must also present clear knowledge of how their experiences and prospective goals relate to the institution’s values. 

However, some students do not have enough skills to effectively answer such questions while  applying to university. So, this guide is for such students. Here,  we will provide tips on  writing a personal statement and answering such essay questions in your university application. 

How to Answer Georgia College and State University Personal Essay Questions?

Georgia College aims to extend education outside of the classroom to support students' critical thinking abilities. Thus, they have incorporated such questions into the enrolment applications. Below are the 12 tips that will provide  assistance with your essay  questions and improve your chances of having your application accepted.

1. Know the Best Ideas for Your Essay

The personal essay questions Georgia College and State University are meant to add more insight into your application. In addition, the response to such personal essay topics helps the admission committee to know more about you. To write a strong essay, make sure that your thoughts are coherent and reflect your own experiences. 

Here, we are providing you with some tricks to come up with amazing ideas:

• Understand the prompt.
• Read the question carefully.
• Get the core ideas.

Ideas Brainstorming

• Recall life events that have shaped who you are today.
• Think about how your social, academic or cultural backgrounds have influenced you.
• Remember times when you overcame challenges or achieved milestones in life.
• Focus on strengths or areas of passion for you.

Your ideas must:

• Be relevant to the prompt.
• Be realistic.
• In line with what the university stands for.

2. Reflect on Your Experiences

As you prepare to apply to university, remember the experiences that have contributed to shaping you the way you are now. Your essay should show how these developments, interests, and objectives align with the university's mission and values.

Think about the following points while you reflect on your experiences:

Obstacles and Challenges

What barriers or hurdles have hindered your progress in the past, and what methods did you capitalise on to go beyond them? Which abilities were sharpened from these experiences? How did these experiences affect your outlook towards life and your goals?

Positions and Duties in Leadership

Retrace your steps and recount what you acquired. Restate lessons you learned from playing a leading role.

Academic Accomplishments and Interests

Reverse the positions, think about yourself, and concentrate on your various achievements in class. How did you develop an interest in these areas, and what have they done to help you reach your goals?

Development of the Self and Self-Awareness

Apart from considering one’s personal developments, consider the times when challenges or disappointments were faced and dealt with. When and how did you confront these challenges? What did you learn about yourself while doing so?

As you think about these events, think about the following questions:

• What skills did this encounter assist me in developing or improving?
• What changes has this encounter brought to my ambitions and goals?
• In what way does this experience relate to my aspirations and objectives?
• What values or principles did this experience instil or reinforce in me?
• What precise moments or stories can I draw on?

3. Don't Tell them a Story They Want; Tell them What You Want

When crafting your essays for applications, it is easy to get into the comfort zone of writing in a way that seems pleasant to the members of the admissions committee. This approach, however, often fails to showcase your point. Instead, it is advisable to be unapologetically bold and tell the story you want to tell, regardless of who it will appeal to. Understand that it is very important to be real in your essay.

When writing your personal statement, consider these points:

• Focus on how the engagement aspects of your essay have been drawn from your unique experiences. 
• Explain how being unique comes from expressing yourself on your own rather than what you believe the college would prefer to hear.
• Explain why authentic stories are more interesting as they are true and emotional.
• Argue that for your essay to capture attention, it is important to be free, vulnerable, and take risks in your narrative.
• Expressing your wishes reveals more about your true self, and that is what the college is looking for.

4. Be Authentic

Finding one’s values, beliefs, and passions is the heart of authenticity. This starts in the inner space where you try so hard to know yourself and decide which of your values are the most important. There is authenticity in overcoming the temptation to conform to other people’s expectations or remain true to one’s core beliefs. This offered a foundation of integrity and formed the basis of all other forms of honest living.

Here are some remarkable aspects of authenticity:

5. Keep it Concise

A well-developed statement is probably an important component of your university application. Therefore, this comprehensive guide is an opportunity to demonstrate your unique features, life history and aspirations to the admission committee.

Moreover, when it comes to providing an essay that stands out, there is a need to ensure that it is written interestingly and coherently and let it remain on topic. Here are some of the suggestions that can help you achieve this:

• Ensure that there is no room for ambiguity.
• Provide your readers with relevant examples.
• Avoid needless information.
• Choose simple and straight-to-the-point words.

6. Think Outside the Box!

Do not restrict yourself with commonly known details about yourself but be brave and include little more creativity in your paper.

Here are a few helpful hints that will assist you in doing so:

• Refusal may be miserable, but reluctantly tell the admissions committee your fabulous and unique achievements.
• In ways that are explosive to emotions or stretch one's imagination, draw a picture on the spare part of the essay and tell a story instead of better structuring it.

Most people approach the task of doing something different as a way of trying to succeed personally and professionally.

7. Use Proper Grammar and Spelling

In a personal statement, an applicant must pay attention to the structure of the essay, including spelling and grammatical conventions. To eliminate such mistakes, it is recommended to:

• Carry out a basic form to improve the writing of the essay.
• Utilise online resources for grammar and spell check.
• Seek feedback.

With these guidelines, students make sure that there will be no errors in answers to personal essay questions about grammar. It is also necessary to organise the document properly to be favourable to the admission board. In addition, you can also get samples from  legit essay writing firms in the UK   to understand the structure of personal essays for university applications. 

8. Revise Often and Edit

Here, we are going to look into the need to edit and revise the answers we have written for the personal essay questions. By following these strategies, you can make your essay stand out.

• Remove unnecessary elements and improve the organisation of your work.
• Make your arguments and their supporting evidence stronger.
• Improve grammatical errors and sentence fluency.
• Express more of who you are through words and speech.
• Rectify gaps and inconsistencies in your narratives.

Editing your essay requires you to also look at the spelling, grammar or punctuation of the essay. When doing so, particularly pay attention to grammar, punctuation, length of sentences, word choice, and consistency. 

How to start Editing your Essay?

Essay revision is checking the content, structure, and flow of the essay. While undertaking this process, take into consideration the following:

• Am I clear and focused in my thesis statement?
• Does the flow of my answers make sense?
• Do my anecdotes and examples of work support my points?
• Am I able to use the same voice/tone throughout the essay?
• Is there anything else that I could include to give more details?

9. Highlight Your Strengths

To stand out from other applicants, highlight your strengths in the essay. Before you put your pen on paper, spare a minute or two and try to recall particular events, achievements, and traits. To focus on your academic achievements, ask yourself:

• What are the specific achievements I have attained and the strong skills I possess in university?
• What are the objectives and aspirations I have about my career?
• What factors make me different from other people?

To highlight the strong points in your answer to personal essay questions, you can use examples and narratives. In addition, it is also advisable to highlight your soft skills and let your readers feel your passion and excitement.

10. Demonstrate Your Fit

A powerful piece detailing your personal experiences only works when you show how you fit into Georgia College and State University, its beliefs, and its aim. In addition, add the following salient features to your response to personal essay questions:

Background in Academia 

Talk about your academic history first, highlighting any academic projects that show your readiness for the school you are applying to. Give details of any awards, competitions, or activities that underscore your achievements in your area of study.

Experience That Matters

Mention any planned internships or previous work experience which is relevant to the degree or course you are looking for. Explain how these experiences shaped your career goals.

Link to the University

Why do you want to study at Georgia College and State University? Justify why you believe this particular university is the most suitable for you. Explain how you will be useful to the school community considering the faculty members, research facilities and university culture. 

Long-term Vision

Explain what the future is going to hold for you, particularly how you see the contribution you will make to the field of your choice after you finish the degree. Mention how your university education and experiences will create opportunities for you to achieve these goals and promote positive change as well. You may make arguments that positively reinforce yourself in terms of why you are a strong prospect for the program you are applying to. 

11. Get Started Early

It is very important to start dealing with the Georgia College and State University personal essay questions as soon as possible. If you plan early, you will have sufficient time to arrange and write the essay content and predictably proofread it. This is why it is necessary to commence at the earliest point.

Why, then, should you get started early? Here are some of the reasons:

• Stress is decreased when you start early!
• You'll generate more ideas if you give yourself more time to brainstorm!
• You may demonstrate to the admissions committee that you are serious about attending the university.  
• You are prepared to put in the time and effort to learn more about it by researching it and its core values.
• You'll have more time to proofread, edit, and refine your responses.

12. Seek Help When Needed

Assistance seeking is very important, particularly when responding to a personal essay question. One can feel immense pressure to perform well, and this is understandable. Furthermore, it’s important to recognise when you are stuck and need help. 

A teacher, mentor, or guidance counsellor offers support to craft a good paper. You can also  purchase your essay  from online resources that will lead to successful admission to your desired university. 

How to answer Georgia College and State University Personal Essay Questions?

Here are the tips for answering these question types;

• Do not be afraid of making your voice heard. 
• Structure a clear and interesting essay.
• Make use of the words and writing skills that you already have.
• Write about yourself. But don't try to encapsulate your whole life!
• Answer the question that has been asked.
• Read it over again!
• Write on the internet in a networked word processor.

What should be included in College and State University Personal Essay Questions?

It is best to talk about both positive and negative matters, a humiliating experience, or a quality or interest that exemplifies your values. If you are honest about the issue, character flaws, or sad childhood events, the reader will find it far more credible. 

In addition, it will exhibit your personal life experiences that the admission panel wants to know. So, by including all the information, you can fulfil the true objective of such essay types in application forms. 

The importance of the personal essay questions in the Georgia College and State University application process enables candidates to make the best impression and talk more about themselves. An effective essay can provide a student’s perspective to the admission committees, which are usually standardised, and help to distinguish them from everyone else. 

Moreover, students can show in their essays how well they will integrate themselves into the programs by spinning a good and well-organised narrative. Finally, submitting an excellent personal essay shows that the candidate is open and honest. In addition, the applicant understands what the university is all about and its values. 

Students who follow such practice can write a good manuscript, which allows them to develop their competencies and increase their chances of being accepted into university. Thus, they can begin their developmental, educational, and achievement-oriented journey and fulfil all their academic and career ambitions.

Chris Bates

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Republican Donors, Do You Know Where Your Money Goes?

By Juleanna Glover

Juleanna Glover is the chief executive of Ridgely Walsh, a corporate consultancy, and a former adviser to many Republican officials.

We long ago blew past any meaningful controls on political giving in American elections. Now we should focus on the rules governing political spending, which are in equally terrible shape. For that we can blame the Trump campaign and the federal government’s feeble enforcement efforts.

Anyone who has spent time reviewing Donald Trump’s campaign spending reports would quickly conclude they’re a governance nightmare. There is so little disclosure about what happened to the billions raised in 2020 and 2024 that donors (and maybe even the former president himself) can’t possibly know how it was spent.

Federal Election Commission campaign disclosure reports from 2020 show that much of the money donated to the Trump campaign went into a legal and financial black hole reportedly controlled by Trump family members and close associates. This year’s campaign disclosures are shaping up to be the same. Donors big and small give their hard-earned dollars to candidates with the expectation they will be spent on direct efforts to win votes. They deserve better.

During the 2020 election, almost $516 million of the over $780 million spent by the Trump campaign was directed to American Made Media Consultants, a Delaware-based private company created in 2018 that masked the identities of who ultimately received donor dollars, according to a complaint filed with the F.E.C. by the nonpartisan Campaign Legal Center . How A.M.M.C. spent the money was a mystery even to Mr. Trump’s campaign team , according to news reports shortly after the election.

All but 18 of the 150 largest expenditures on a Trump campaign’s 2020 F.E.C. report went to A.M.M.C. None of the expenses were itemized or otherwise explained aside from anodyne descriptions including “placed media,” “SMS advertising” and “online advertising.” F.E.C. rules require candidates to fully and accurately disclose the final recipients of their campaign disbursements, which is usually understood to include when payments are made through a vendor such as A.M.M.C. This disclosure is intended to assure donors their contributions are used for campaign expenses. Currently, neither voters nor law enforcement can know whether any laws were broken.

A.M.M.C.’s first president was reported to be Lara Trump , the wife of Mr. Trump’s son Eric. The New York Times reported that A.M.M.C. had a treasurer who was also the chief financial officer of Mr. Trump’s 2020 presidential campaign. Mr. Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner signed off on the plan to set up A.M.M.C., and one of Eric Trump’s deputies from the Trump Organization was involved in running it.

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More From Forbes

5 side hustles to start with little to no money.

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The Top 5 Best Side Hustles To Start With Little To No Money

Starting a side hustle can be a great way to supplement your income, build new skills, and even turn a passion into profit. However, often what holds people back from starting a small business is the lack of funds to get started . The good news is that there are plenty of side hustles you can start with little to no upfront cost.

Service-based businesses are often cheaper to start because they typically don't require significant upfront investments in inventory, equipment, or physical storefronts. Instead, the primary assets are your skills, knowledge, and time.

Whether you're offering consulting, virtual assistance, freelance writing, or any other service, you can often get started with just a computer, internet access, and a willingness to market your expertise. This low barrier to entry makes service-based businesses an attractive option for entrepreneurs looking to start a business with minimal financial risk.

Here are five side hustles you can launch today without breaking the bank:

1. freelance writing.

If you enjoy writing, freelance work can be a great side hustle . With platforms like Upwork and Fiverr, you can start pitching your services without needing to spend a dime. Whether you’re interested in blog posts, website content, or even ghostwriting books, there’s always a demand for quality writing. Plus, you can start with just a computer and an internet connection, making it one of the most accessible side hustles.

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Getting Started:

• Create a portfolio with samples of your work.
• Sign up on freelance platforms and start pitching your services.
• Start networking to find opportunities.

2. Virtual Assistance

With more businesses and entrepreneurs going digital, the need for virtual assistants (VAs) is on the rise. As a VA, you might handle tasks like email management, social media scheduling, customer service, or calendar management. This side hustle requires organizational skills, attention to detail, and good communication but doesn’t require any significant upfront investment.

• Identify your strengths and what services you can offer.
• Create a profile on platforms like Upwork.
• Reach out to small business owners or solopreneurs who might need help managing their workload.

3. Online Education

If you’re knowledgeable in a particular subject, online tutoring can be a rewarding and profitable side hustle. Whether it’s math, science, language arts, or even SAT prep, there are students of all ages looking for help. Platforms like Tutor.com make it easy to connect with students and start tutoring from the comfort of your home.

• Determine which subjects you are comfortable teaching.
• Join tutoring platforms and promote your services on social media.
• Consider offering a free initial session to build your reputation and get reviews.

4. Print on Demand

Print on demand (POD) allows you to design and sell custom products like t-shirts, mugs, and posters without needing to handle inventory or shipping. Websites like Printful make it easy to upload your designs and market your products. You only pay when you make a sale, making it a low-risk side hustle.

• Create designs using free design tools like Canva.
• Sign up on a POD platform and upload your designs.
• Promote your products through social media or a personal blog.

5. Social Media Management

Many small businesses struggle with social media due to a lack of time or skillset. If you’re savvy with platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter, you can offer your services as a social media manager. This role involves creating content, scheduling posts, engaging with followers, and analyzing performance metrics.

• Build your own social media profiles to demonstrate your skills.
• Offer your services to local businesses or through freelance platforms.
• Consider taking free or low-cost online courses to enhance your social media marketing knowledge.

The bottom line is that starting a side hustle doesn’t have to require a large financial investment. The five side hustles mentioned above are all viable options that can be started with little to no money. Whether you’re looking to make extra cash, explore a new career path, or eventually turn your side hustle into a full-time business, the key is to take that first step and get started. With dedication, creativity, and a willingness to learn, your side hustle could become the next big thing in your life.

Melissa Houston, CPA is the author of Cash Confident: An Entrepreneur’s Guide to Creating a Profitable Business and the founder of She Means Profit . As a Business Strategist for small business owners, Melissa helps women making mid-career shifts, to launch their dream businesses, and also guides established business owners to grow their businesses to more profitably.

The opinions expressed in this article are not intended to replace any professional or expert accounting and/or tax advice whatsoever.

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These 8 senators each made more than $100,000 last year from writing books

• Writing books continues to be lucrative for senators with national profiles.
• In 2023, eight senators made more than $100,000 in royalties, according to financial disclosures.
• That includes Democrats like Raphael Warnock and Republicans like Ted Cruz.

If you're an ambitious member of Congress with a national profile, there's a tried and true way to make some extra money: write a book.

According to recently filed financial disclosures, 8 sitting US senators made more than $100,000 in extra income — on top of the $174,000 annual salary they each receive — from book royalties in 2023.

It's an ongoing trend. Last year, six senators made more than their annual salary in book royalties.

That includes both Democrats and Republicans, each of whom have cashed in on a mixture of personal biographies, policy blueprints, and political manifestos that they've published in recent years.

Sen. Raphael Warnock of Georgia

Raphael Warnock, the first-term Democratic senator from Georgia, made more than $460,000 in book royalties last year.

That's on top of more than $655,000 in 2022 and nearly $244,000 in 2021. Altogether, Warnock has made more than $1.3 million from selling books since he was elected to the Senate.

According to a disclosure that Warnock filed last year, covering the year 2022, the senator even went on a book tour for his 2022 memoir, "A Way Out of No Way," in June and July of that year amid his competitive reelection fight against Republican Herschel Walker.

In his most recent disclosure, Warnock indicated that he had signed a new agreement with Penguin Random House in June 2023 to write two more books, entitled "We're All In This Together 1" and "We're All In This Together 2."

There's little public information about those forthcoming books, including when they're set to be released, and a Warnock spokesperson did not respond to Business Insider's request for comment.

Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas

Ted Cruz, the Texas senator and 2016 GOP presidential candidate known for hosting a thrice-weekly podcast , earned $390,000 last year from book royalties.

But that's just one portion of a much larger windfall that Cruz is set to receive for his book writing.

In January 2022, Cruz signed an agreement with the the right-leaning Regnery Publishing to write two books for a grand total of $1.1 million, to be paid out in four installments. In total, Cruz has disclosed receiving $890,000 of that sum so far.

Those books include "Justice Corrupted: How the Left Weaponized Our Legal System," published in 2022, as well as his 2023 book "Unwoke: How to Defeat Culture Marxism in America."

Sen. Tom Cotton of Arkansas

In 2022, Cotton published his second book, " Only the Strong: Reversing the Left's Plot to Sabotage American Power." Since then, he's received a total of $600,000 in book royalties — $300,000 in both 2022 and 2023.

But while most senators appear to receive their book royalties directly, Cotton does it differently. He has established a limited liability company called TBC Books (Cotton's full name is " Thomas Bryant Cotton") that holds his royalty earnings. Then, he draws money from that entity as he sees fit.

In 2023, he withdrew $100,000. In 2022, he withdrew $73,537.

It's not clear why Cotton uses an LLC rather than receiving the royalties directly, and a spokesperson did not return Business Insider's request for comment.

Sen. Katie Britt of Alabama

Britt, the freshman Alabama senator best known for her 2024 State of the Union response , earned $233,750 in book royalties last year for her 2023 memoir, " God Calls Us to Do Hard Things: Lessons from the Alabama Wiregrass."

Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky

Paul, the staunchly libertarian Kentucky senator and 2016 GOP presidential candidate, earned $185,000 last year in book royalties for his 2023 book, " Deception: The Great Covid Cover-Up."

Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont

Sanders, the independent socialist Vermont senator and two-time Democratic presidential candidate, earned $148,750 in royalties last year from Penguin Random House.

The Vermont senator has published several books, the most recent of which is "It's OK to Be Angry About Capitalism." In 2022, he earned enough in book royalties to essentially double his Senate salary .

"I wrote a best-selling book," Sanders memorably told the New York Times in 2019 . "If you write a best-selling book, you can be a millionaire, too."

Sen. Josh Hawley of Missouri

Hawley earned $127,500 in book royalties in 2023, according to his most recent financial disclosure.

That's likely a windfall from his 2023 book "Manhood," which argues in part that the political left is waging an assault on traditional masculinity.

But Hawley has another book on the way, as Business Insider first reported in May .

In October 2023, the Missouri senator signed an agreement with Regnery Publishing to write a book entitled " The Awakenings: The Religious Revivals that Made America — and Why We Need Another One."

It is unclear when that book will be published, but a manuscript is due in January 2025, according to Regnery.

In 2021, Hawley made $467,000 in book royalties.

Sen. Tim Kaine of Virginia

Kaine, the Virginia senator and 2016 Democratic vice presidential nominee, earned $114,000 in book royalties last year for his memoir, " Walk, Ride, Paddle: A Life Outside."

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