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I just returned from the Peace Corps about two months ago. Throughout my two years in Africa I gave a lot of thought to pursuing journalism. I believe it is the route to really create awareness about issues that deserve it.
I don't have a degree in journalism, and I don't have much experience writing. My idea is to pick a country, one that I feel needs coverage, learn everything about it (culture, history, politics, economics, etc.) and then start submitting ideas to editors.
My question: Is this a good way to go about entering the journalism field?
Thank you,
Gabriel VillegasA. Many paths can take you to your goal, but this one does not sound very promising.
It could take years before you are ready to submit story ideas, and then you might find there is no market for them, or that you are a good observer of people but a weak writer.
Before you invest years in learning about a place, learn more about yourself. Visit some local newsrooms. Get a feel for whether you like journalism and journalists -- especially editors. If you like what you see, try pitching some story ideas locally. Write them. See if you have as much passion for journalism as you do for issues. If you do, then you can consider moving to a place that you think is rich in stories, and you will have a better idea of how to tell and sell them.
Coming Tuesday: She lucked out with a big job at a national news Web site, but she
missed learning the ropes as a reporter. She wants to learn what
reporters know.
