Print Journalism

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Print Journalism

Journalism is the publication of verifiable information through public media. Although the industry of journalism covers broadcast and print, the following resources specifically focus on print journalism (for broadcast journalism resources see Media and Entertainment). 

Jobs within newspapers, news syndicates, and internet publishing services include roles related to the logistics and process of publication, editing, copy editing, graphic design, fact-checking, etc. But being the journalist, the reporter, the writer is often the most sought after opportunity within print journalism. 

Continuing a career in print journalism often involves becoming a subject matter expert in the particular area in which you want to focus your reporting and writing. The need for clear and concise reporting of situations is important. 

Print journalism is a dynamic,  fast paced,  thinking-on-your feet profession. It is also a challenging field to break into. Plan to gain as many experiences and internships related to journalism as you can during your undergraduate years.

Job Title Examples:

  • Printjournalist
  • Photojournalist
  • News Copy Editor
  • Writer
  • Reporter

Skills Needed:

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Investigative skills
  • Time management
  • Critical thinking
  • Problem solving

Find Opportunities

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Using IrishCompass, LinkedIn, and ND’s alumni association directory called myND is the best way to start on the networking front. Building relationships and networking is a key factor when it comes to finding out about opportunities in this sector as well. Stay in touch with ND alumni groups in whatever city you’re pursuing a career in - they will help you get connected and find potential opportunities.

Job Databases:

Industry Timeline

For the most part, this industry doesn't usually recruit on college campuses. Finding internships with smaller local news papers  often requires proactive outreach in mid-spring.  Applying to more prestigious established news organization internships such as with Dow Jones or Pulliam usually takes place late October or early November.  Begin building your network of connections with news organizations where you think he would like to work full-time early in your senior year.  However, actual applications will probably occur a month to six weeks before the position start date.  Additionally, because of the challenges of breaking into this field, even with a strong portfolio, you may still need to  build more experience and credibility through another internship after your senior year.

Applying and Interviewing

Resumes

 Print journalism resume absolutely must highlight writing experience,  whether through digital or print media.  Of course, if you  have had journalism experience, that should be  clearly misted in the upper 50%  of your resume.  It is also important to draw out topics in which you have  some writing expertise. Showcasing the ability to interview different types of audiences to gain specific kinds of information would also be quite helpful.  As you build experience in this field, your  accompanying portfolio will become just as important, if not more so than, your resume. 

Your resume will often be the first impression for a potential employer.  You want to make sure that your resume is concise, direct, and specific. Ensure that your resume is tailored for the position and for the industry. Highlighting relevant coursework can demonstrate your fit for a particular position. Review our guide on resumes for more information on how to construct one.

Cover Letters

A cover letter introduces you to a potential employer. Use the position description to make specific connections between your skills and experience and what the organization is looking for in a candidate. The cover letter should be concise and well-written—if a potential employer reads your cover letter and is intrigued, they will then read your resume. Your cover letter should not repeat your resume verbatim, but enhance it. Together the cover letter and resume can help land you an interview. Review our guide on cover letters for more information on how to construct one.

Interviewing

In preparation for your interview, research the journalism organization  thoroughly.  Understand the readership base, the  journalistic style, size and parent ownership of the organization,  and, if interviewing for a particular section the newspaper,  understand the historical progression, approach, and some of the more salient reporting or articles from that section.

Most interviews will contain a mixture of resume based questions (questions about your past experience) and behavioral based questions (your ability to handle prospective situations at work.  Most positions will begin with an interview that has a mix of these questions. Review our guide on common interview questions. 

Preparation is extremely important for interviews. Research the company/organization, current and previous projects they’ve worked on, and even the people that you’re interviewing with. This will not only help provide talking points but will show your knowledge and genuine interest in the position. Utilize our resources on how to best prepare yourself to excel in your interview.

Portfolio

Being able to show work examples is a key component when preparing to apply and interview. A robust portfolio needs to include specific examples of writing, design, campaigns, and other relevant work to the industry. Tailoring your portfolio to the kind of work that the company that you’re applying to is important.

An online portfolio is a great resource to build over time that visually displays the work that you have done. There are several online platforms to build your own website such as square space or wix. Having a well made online portfolio or website will help you to stand out and provide employers easy access to view your work.

Online Resources

Campus Resources

Student Clubs/Organizations:

Employer Examples:

  • Times Publishing Company
  • Washington Post
  • The Economist
  • South Bend Tribune
  • Chicago Tribune
  • Wall Street Journal

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  • Search for and apply to open positions -  On Handshake, students can see jobs and internships posted specifically for them as well as employers actively recruiting from Notre Dame.