Q. I've been working for three years as a TV producer for the oldest and largest broadcast network in my country. By producer, I mean, I conceptualize stories, shoot, write, and edit them ... everything except go on camera. I work in a weekly hour-long program. The stories we produce are loosely called documentaries owing to their length, human interest aspect, and in-depth analyses, but by strict definition we're a news magazine show.
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Since college, I've always planned to get a master's degree in journalism three years into my working career. I've hit the mark now, and i still feel the desire to pursue it, but I'd just like to ask the following questions:
If I'm already in the field, do I still need it? Will I learn significant things in a journalism classroom, compared to the daily learnings I encounter in practice?
Should I decide to pursue a master's degree, should it still be journalism-related, or something different? Some say you should no longer study what you do. Some say you should so you can reinforce it.
Career-wise, and on a bigger or more global perspective, how large an advantage does higher education bring? Where I am now, it doesn't seem to be giving much leverage, especially since I'm already in place in the whole "assembly line." People kind of squeeze into specific job descriptions here, rather than being given a position tailor-fit to your portfolio.
I'd really appreciate some enlightenment, and thanks very much for all the advice.
AnneA. I hope it is not presumptuous of me to answer, as I have never even visited your country, but I think a few points apply everywhere.
Education remains the best investment you can make.
If a master's degree is still an important personal goal, I would go for one. But also consider whether other forms of education or certification might be just as rewarding and more easily attained.
You sound solidly confident in your work, so I would use education to open new directions. Advanced education in what you already do will not make much difference.
Map your career goals before you start. Determine where you would like to go, and then use your educational program to achieve that. Do not expect your bosses to act differently than they do now because something changes about you.
If you would like to stay in broadcast journalism, envision the work that will be available down the road, the jobs you would like to have and how you can learn those skills.
Bounce some of your specific questions and ideas off visionaries who know your work.
Good luck!
Coming Wednesday: She is trained, primed and ready to start her job as a reporter. The problem is, she is flat broke and finds that cities with mass transit don't have jobs for her, and those with jobs require cars.
