3. DECIDE IF YOU SHOULD GO TO JOURNALISM GRADUATE SCHOOL
Any academic degree gives you two things:
- the knowledge and skills you learned while pursuing that degree.
- the perception by others that you know something because you have a degree in it.
In journalism, this seesaw usually favors the first one. You don't need to go to journalism school to work in TV news, but if you don't have any experience in the field, this might be a good way to start.
A number of schools offer Master's programs in both broadcast and print journalism. New York's Columbia University, Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism, and the University of Missouri at Columbia are often mentioned in the top tier. These programs generally draw applicants from a number of academic backgrounds, and they teach the essentials of news reporting, writing, editing, and producing. The application process generally includes personal statements, writing tests, your undergraduate GPA, and, in some cases, scores on the Graduate Record Exam. Hands-on production experience is one thing graduates point to when asked what they got out of "J-school." Master's programs can also give you the opportunity to produce a résumé tape if you're interested in being on air some time soon.
