What is the profession of a journalist for? Where and how does a journalist work - the pros and cons of work. Personal qualities of a journalist

Profession journalist


A journalist is a person who can write. We are not talking about recipes in a cookbook or a New Year's card for relatives. He is a researcher of what is happening in the world, who can competently set out in writing the course of events. The one who keeps his magnificent notes in his desk and proudly calls himself a master of the pen is not a journalist. Representatives of this profession prepare information - articles, photo reports, news for the media, online publications, TV channels, radio. This is the modern form of journalism.

Several centuries ago there was no radio, no television, no other miracles of technology. Despite this, Tsar Peter in the 17th century was concerned about the issue of political propaganda (the process is now referred to only as PR). It was necessary to warn the people about state reforms, as well as to give them information in a light favorable to the authorities. And so the first printed newspaper in Russia, Vedomosti, appeared. It was this newspaper that laid the foundation for the development of journalism in Russia. Scientists, writers took up the pen and published private newspapers. It was believed that the press expresses public opinion, facts that you can’t argue with.…

It so happened historically that a journalist is a socially significant profession. A person receives information from open sources. For its receipt, reliability is the responsibility of the journalist. More than one thousand people will read an analytical opinion on any subject of research, and then take certain actions in life, based on this information - develop a business, plan a family, give preference to someone in the political arena. A journalist is an intermediary between what is happening and readers.

Given the high responsibility for the spoken and written words, the requirements, respectively, are also high for representatives of this profession. This is a literate person, with creative thinking, a huge vocabulary, able to collect, analyze the necessary information, and also snatch out phrases that contain important information in a long monologue of the interlocutor (if this is an interview, for example). These people must be prepared for publicity and the consequences that the exit of their shadow brings with it. Most importantly, they must be able to inspire trust.

Being a journalist has both pros and cons. The positive aspects are fees, creative realization, the opportunity to meet various interesting personalities. You can also run into trouble. Sometimes you have to work in hot spots; indirectly responsible for popularizing the opinion that all journalists are representatives of the yellow press.

Every profession needs to be learned. A journalist is an unusual job, where a lot depends on the inclinations. It makes sense to study this profession if there is a humanitarian mindset. To study at the university at the faculty of journalism, to attend trainings? courses, or simply draw information from open sources written by established journalists - everyone chooses their own path. The main thing is that it leads to the goal.


Irina Davydova


Reading time: 8 minutes

A A

The history of journalism in our country began back in 1702, when the first newspaper called Vedomosti was published - by decree of Peter the Great and published by the typographic method. Older was only the handwritten newspaper Chimes, which was distributed in scrolls for Tsar Alexei and those close to the throne. Today, the profession of a journalist is in the TOP-20 most popular, despite a number of features and even shortcomings.

Is it worth it to go into this profession, and what to expect from it?

Where and how does a journalist work - pros and cons of work

At the dawn of the formation of this profession, popular today, the word "journalist" was used to refer to a person whose articles were published in newspapers.

Today, even a “blogger” who writes short notes on Internet sites can be called a journalist. Such as, .

Journalism is most directly related to:

  • reporters .
  • war correspondents , reporting from hot spots.
  • Gonzo journalists , writing from the 1st person and directly their opinion.
  • Commentators . Specialists we don't usually see, but we recognize their voices heard, for example, in football matches.
  • Reviewers , writing about events in the world without emotions and from the 3rd person.
  • Leading TV and radio programs specialists with excellent diction, oratorical talent, self-possessed and creative people.
  • Internet journalists , combining several functions at once in their work.
  • who write feature articles, most often remotely.
  • As well as critics, photojournalists and so on.

What does a journalist do?

First of all, the duties of a journalist include informing the public about various events in their country and in the world as a whole.

Journalist…

  1. Looking for information (90% of the work is searching for information).
  2. Observes the object of his research.
  3. Takes an interview.
  4. Works with documents, checks the facts and their authenticity.
  5. Processes information.
  6. Writes articles.
  7. Generates materials for the editor.
  8. Captures events on photo-video media.
  9. Tracks the opinion of the audience and keeps feedback with it.

It should be noted that the main feature of the profession is not so much informing the public as the formation of public opinion. That is why the responsibility of a journalist for his work is extremely high.

In addition, a professional journalist should know well legislation. Especially in the part that concerns the media.

Among the personal qualities of a journalist, one can single out many character traits and abilities.

But most often the job requires that this specialist be ...

  • Hardy, enduring and emotionally stable.
  • Sociable, courageous, quirky, self-confident (you need to be able to ask uncomfortable questions, meet uncomfortable people, work in an uncomfortable environment).
  • Certainly charming (a lot depends on personal charm).
  • Tactful and well-read, erudite.
  • Self-critical, tolerant, assiduous.
  • Curious, inquisitive.

In addition, a journalist must have an analytical mindset and an excellent memory, imaginative thinking and a considerable amount of courage, instant reaction and developed intuition, the ability to quickly make decisions and think in any conditions.


Where to study as a journalist in Russia, and what should be taught?

It is believed that every young journalist graduated from the Faculty of Journalism. But in fact, quite a few excellent specialists came out of the faculties of philosophy, philology, etc. Moreover, there are well-known journalists whose education has nothing to do with journalism at all.

To get a similar profession, today they enter the specialty ...

  1. Culturology.
  2. Art history.
  3. Literary creativity.
  4. Humanitarian sciences.
  5. Journalism.
  6. Dramaturgy.
  7. Publishing, etc.

Of the most famous universities, in which journalists are “grown”, one can single out ...

  • UNIQ.
  • Academic International Institute.
  • Plekhanov Russian University.
  • Samara Humanitarian Academy.
  • Bauman University (Moscow).
  • High School of Economics.
  • And so on.

The compulsory curriculum includes history and an extended course in the Russian language, as well as philosophy and political science, media theory.

When a child is asked about what he wants to be when he grows up, he usually answers: an artist, a fireman, a journalist. Many of these childhood expectations will never come true. Only a few manage to realize their childhood dream. Today we want to tell you what the profession of a journalist really is. We will cover the pros and cons, all the hardships of work and joyful moments in this article.

How and where did the profession originate?

For the first time in written form, news began to spread in ancient Rome. Then information was passed from hand to hand on clay tablets.

But such progenitors of newspapers often fought, and their production was quite troublesome. During the Renaissance, news was already being circulated in the form of paper scrolls. But this way of transmitting information was also not convenient. The forefathers of news publications were handwritten, so it was very easy to falsify information. The first printed newspaper appeared in China. Already in the VIII century. residents of large cities could read state news and political decrees. Such newspapers were not printed, in the sense that modern man is. In the 8th century there were no printing presses, people used primitive methods - they made prints.

The first handwritten newspaper in Russia appeared in 1621. Its circulation was very small, so it was distributed to a narrow circle of close associates of the king. But the newspaper Vedomosti, which began to appear on a regular basis since 1702, was already truly printed. Today it is difficult to count the number of publications that exist in our country. 74,000 are officially registered, but not all of them function and release their products on time.

What journalists don't write about

Many young people, entering the institute, want to write the truth and only the truth. But the profession of a journalist, the pros and cons of which we will consider below, is not a job of describing life without embellishment. First of all, this is work on orders. In large newspapers, which are published in large circulation throughout the country, the customer is the government. So it was before, back in the time of Peter I, who first published the Vestnik. Of course, the media plays a huge role in Knowing this, journalists always try in their work in a veiled way to present the government in a favorable light (if it is, of course, government edition).

But magazines and newspapers are not only political. A journalist learns all the pros and cons of the profession when he starts working for a commercial publication. Here you need to write interesting articles, but according to the strict standards of the journal. And also do not forget that the printed edition lives off advertising, so hidden PR partners in glossy magazines can be found on almost every page.

Varieties of the profession

Journalism is a calling. But people of this profession can work not only in the printing industry, but where else?

  • In publishing houses.
  • On the radio.
  • On TV.
  • In the press offices.
  • in advertising agencies.

Each of these areas needs its own specialist. Of course, a journalist who has just graduated from the institute has an idea of ​​the profession in general terms. Subtleties and nuances are not taught at the university. If the student is very lucky, then during the practice he can get acquainted with various types of journalism. But this rarely happens. The advantage of all areas of this profession is that it will not be difficult to retrain from one to another.

What qualities do you need to have to become a professional?

A person who has decided to connect his life with journalism, first of all, must be very sociable. Many evaluate this ability by the number of friends. It is not worth defining the skill of sociability in this way. A person who works as a journalist does not make friends with everyone he interviews. He just needs to know how to win people over.

Every job has its pros and cons. The profession of a journalist is no exception. Therefore, in addition to ease of communication and the ability to win over people, a person must also be able to get into someone else's soul without asking. Not all people are eager to tell stories frankly, and without an honest story, a good article will not work. Therefore, arrogance, in the good sense of the word, should be the quality of any journalist. Naturally, if a person wants to talk about interesting things, he must have a broad outlook. You can't write a good article about the oil industry without having a good idea of ​​what oil is and where it is pumped from.

Is it difficult to study

A description of the profession of a journalist can be found in the brochure of almost any major university. But it's one thing - a beautiful article about learning, and quite another - the learning process. This is not to say that training as a journalist is difficult. But you need to understand that you will have to read a lot first of all, and only then write. After all, before you sit down to write an essay yourself, you need to learn the canons and rules for constructing any article. It is also desirable to develop your own unique style. After all, it is precisely by its presence that a good journalist is distinguished from an amateur. Naturally, education includes the study of foreign languages.

Some institutes teach only English, while others teach 3 languages ​​at once. Of course, you should understand that without knowing at least one foreign language, you won’t be able to go far up the career ladder.

Salary

Is the profession of a journalist in demand? Of course, its popularity is growing every year. Indeed, today paper publications are slowly dying, and all media are moving into the virtual space. How are journalists paid? Of course, you don’t have to wait for the golden mountains here. Like any creative activity, journalism is not very profitable.

But if we take into account that a large number of printed materials are still designed not for high-quality creative work, but for the commercial sale of goods, then such work is valued many times higher. This is a huge minus of the profession of a journalist.

The average salary in the country ranges from 15,000 to 60,000 rubles. The specific figure will depend on the abilities, length of service and work experience in a particular field.

Notable Representatives

Best of all, people who are journalists by profession can tell about their vocation. A. Malakhov's stories about his work are unusual. He graduated from the Faculty of Journalism of Moscow State University with honors. A red diploma confirmed the high level of knowledge of a young specialist. Andrey improved his skills in the USA, watching foreign professionals. Returning to his homeland, Malakhov hosted the program "Style" on the radio. Andrei managed to become not only a popular journalist, but also a scandalous TV presenter. Currently, A. Malakhov is transferring his knowledge about the basics of the profession to the younger generation within the walls of the RSTU.

Anna Politkovskaya is another well-known graduate of the journalism faculty of Moscow State University. Popularity came to the woman when she actively wrote articles about the conflict with Chechnya. During her short life, Anna managed to work as a columnist in many newspapers, the most famous of them: Novaya Gazeta, Air Transport, Izvestia. The woman was distinguished by her original writing style and rather bold choice of topics for articles.

pros

Working as a journalist is interesting, no matter what. It is especially great that you can turn your hobby into a permanent source of income. Pros of being a journalist:

  • It is possible to always be in the thick of things. After all, thanks to special privileges, journalists can even go to places where no VIP guests can enter. Even if there is no opportunity to highlight the material seen, there is always something to tell friends, acquaintances and relatives. And most importantly, thanks to such “excursions”, life will definitely not be ordinary.
  • Self-expression through articles. Everyone needs to be creative in some way. Here journalists also find application to the abilities. They form their own unique style and write articles.
  • Traveling is a unique opportunity to learn something new, get acquainted with the culture of other countries, and also just satisfy your own curiosity. Most people go on business or vacation once a year, but journalists can fly to other countries 5 times a month.

  • Dating interesting people is another privilege of this profession. Movie and show business stars, writers, poets, directors and artists - all these people are unique and they have a lot to learn. But journalists have the opportunity not only to get to know these people better, but also to ask them all the questions that interest them.

Minuses

When choosing the profession of a journalist, of course, you need to know the other side of the coin. The main disadvantages of such work:

  • An irregular working day is, of course, a big drawback. Often you have to stay up late, and sometimes even work at night. Sometimes it is not even possible to go somewhere with the family for the weekend.
  • Constant stress - work in a rush mode, sometimes too expressive people with whom you have to talk can ruin your mood. Sometimes in this mode you have to work all week or even a month.
  • Often there is not enough time for personal life - family and friends go by the wayside. Just like a hobby. Many evenings will be busy with work. Opportunities to read, go to the pool or have dinner with friends will be extremely rare.

Further prospects for the development of the profession

Journalism is an area that is becoming more popular year by year. Popular topics change, but the essence of the profession of a journalist remains unchanged. Even despite the fact that now less than half of the people of our country read books, leafing through the newspaper in the morning is an obligatory ritual for many. People love news and they want to receive it. That is why the duty of a journalist is to describe events as truthfully as possible so that ordinary people are aware of what is happening in our country.


Dream work! You visit interesting places and events, you are an eyewitness and an accomplice of "top" events, you meet famous people, and you are also paid money for it. The future journalist has really tempting prospects. However, not everyone can become one. And not because competitions for journalism departments are quite high. The reporter's craft does not tolerate laziness, indifference, composure and resting on one's laurels. It's not a profession, it's a way of life. Are you ready to walk for three days, not sleep for three days for the sake of a few lines on the site? Then the voice recorder is in your hands!

History of journalism

The need to communicate and receive relevant messages arose among people at the dawn of mankind. At first, the exchange of information took place with the help of sounds and gestures, but in the process of evolution speech was connected to the broadcast.

The first journalists can be considered heralds who announced something new and important to the people. They were mentioned by the ancient historians Tacitus, Herodotus and Plutarch. Some of the so-called messengers worked for the rulers and brought official news. Others were chosen by the people and spread public news.

Speakers were next on the forefront of ancient journalism. In modern terms, they were both PR people and preachers. They performed one of the main functions of media representatives - they influenced public opinion, shaped it and encouraged them to take certain actions.

Soon the first newspapers began to appear. These were news bulletins handwritten on paper, plaster boards and other materials. The writing of texts for hand-made publications was carried out by officials responsible for financial and legal issues, employees of the treasury and other officials.

The need for up-to-date information gave rise to the need for the first news agencies. People who knew how to get news and put it in writing began to create news bureaus. France has been a pioneer in this field. Newsrooms then appeared in Germany, Italy and other countries. Their reports were bought by wealthy citizens and provincials who came to large cities.

The heyday of journalism began with the invention of printing, and the peak for the development of the profession was the end of the 16th - beginning of the 17th centuries.

During this period, international relations expanded, market relations, science, culture developed, the postal service began to work, literacy spread, and the number of educated people increased.

In the 17th century, the first "real" magazines and daily newspapers appeared. A printed edition of Vedomosti has been published in Russia. In the 18th century, the media were the work of hands and spokesmen for the opinion of one person - the publisher. He was also the author of all publications. In the 19th century, the press passed into the hands of political and public organizations, various parties, associations and associations.

In the 20th century, journalism turned into a means of influence, because radio and television had already appeared. The media could change the course of political decision-making, destroy someone's reputation, overthrow the government. And, finally, the 21st century has become the era of the development of the Internet and electronic media. But this stage in the history of journalism has yet to be judged...

Description and specifics of the profession

The main task of a journalist is to collect up-to-date information and transmit it to the media. The main object of the reporter's activity is the news.

It is curious that over the thousands of years of the existence of journalism, the concepts that define the essence of the profession have not changed. But the information space has changed. Today it is, first of all, electronic mass media and only then television, radio and paper publications.

The specifics of the work of a journalist has also become different. Yesterday there was a lot of value judgments, moralizing and mentoring in it. Today, facts, expert assessments and analytical data are valued, and only the first freshness and first-hand.

A modern reporter must work quickly, be able to quickly separate the important from the secondary, broadcast not his own opinion, but competent speakers.

However, the mission of a journalist and the principles of journalistic ethics remain the same. The bearer of this profession must:

  • realize the right of people to receive truthful information;
  • be honest and objective;
  • take social responsibility for their work;
  • show respect for privacy and human dignity;
  • respect the public interest, universal values ​​and cultural diversity;
  • resist wars and other evils that pose a threat to man;
  • promote the international order in the field of information.

What should be a real journalist

The main working tool of a person with a voice recorder and a microphone is the word. They must be used on the principle of "do no harm." One careless judgment can not only change someone's life, but even change the course of history.

To understand whether this profession suits you, you must first of all find out if you can and, most importantly, if you like to write. Whether you work in the print media or on television, you cannot do without the ability to put words into competent sentences. If you can't stand it, there are many other specialties in the world where this is not required.

And one more piece of advice. Before entering the faculty of journalism, arrange an internship in the "non-pretentious" media. Take, for example, a local newspaper. The daily work of an ordinary reporter, devoid of any glamour, will be the best illustration of your chosen profession. Because journalism is not only interviews with top officials and attending diplomatic receptions, but also reporting from collective farm fields, running around the city in search of an interesting event and “showdown” with dishonest representatives of the service sector.

Qualities required for a future journalist:

  • knowledge of the word, the ability to write in a literate and accessible language;
  • a large vocabulary, competent speech;
  • the presence of a broad outlook and in-depth knowledge in any area;
  • curiosity and curiosity;
  • indifference;
  • scrupulousness;
  • sociability;
  • patience;
  • stress resistance;
  • tolerance, good endurance, diplomacy;
  • skill to work in team;
  • good health.

Specialties in journalism

In the modern reporter's craft, not only generalists are in demand, but also professionals with a narrow specialization. You may be well versed in mobile devices or Internet technologies, be an expert on economic or legal issues, be considered a guru in the topics of floriculture or parenting. Everyone has the opportunity to find a job in their area of ​​expertise.

But first you should make a choice in favor of one of the main areas in journalism:

  • print mass-media;
  • multimedia publications;
  • radio and television;
  • photojournalism and technology;
  • international journalism;
  • advertising and public relations;
  • editorial and publishing and informatics.

Getting a bachelor's degree in journalism departments, you can learn 44 modern, including extremely relevant professions today. We list some of them:

  • Host of TV and radio programs.
  • Speaker.
  • Literary critic.
  • Musical critic.
  • Sports journalist.
  • Site editor - creates original content for Internet resources.
  • Television program editor - works on filling the program and increasing its rating.
  • Technical editor - is engaged in the development of projects for the artistic and technical design of publications.
  • Content Manager - responsible for the content of the publication or website.
  • Bild editor - looking for illustrations for materials in the media.
  • Managing editor - responsible for the release of a publication or program.
  • GR-manager - interacts with authorities.
  • SMM manager - is engaged in the promotion of websites, goods or services using social networks.
  • Transmedia Product Architect - Designs content and services for multiple media.
  • Digital strategist - develops a brand strategy and a plan for its promotion.
  • Content marketer - conducts a market audit and develops a strategy for promoting a product or service through publications in the media.
  • Copywriter - writes advertising texts.
  • Media planner - draws up media plans in accordance with the goals of the advertising campaign.
  • Press secretary - provides official information about the company or institution, prepared for print, radio and television.
  • Information warfare specialist - works to detect elements of information warfare, creates systems to prevent its negative consequences.
  • Speechwriter - writes texts for public speeches to businessmen, officials and other officials.

TOP-20 universities teaching the profession of a journalist

  1. Moscow State University named after M.V. Lomonosov.
  2. St. Petersburg State University.
  3. Moscow State Institute of International Relations.
  4. National Research University Higher School of Economics (Moscow).
  5. Novosibirsk National Research State University.
  6. National Research Tomsk State University.
  7. Kazan (Privolzhsky) Federal University.
  8. Southern Federal University (Rostov-on-Don).
  9. Ural Federal University B. N. Yeltsin (Yekaterinburg).
  10. Peoples' Friendship University of Russia (Moscow)
  11. Far Eastern Federal University (Vladivostok).
  12. Russian Academy of National Economy and Public Administration under the President of the Russian Federation (Moscow).
  13. South Ural State University (Chelyabinsk).
  14. Voronezh State University.
  15. Moscow State Linguistic University.
  16. Siberian Federal University (Krasnoyarsk).
  17. Novosibirsk State Technical University.
  18. Samara National Research University Academician S.P. Korolev.
  19. National Research Saratov State University named after N.G. Chernyshevsky.
  20. Moscow Pedagogical State University.

Where can I work after journalism

The field of activity of a graduate of the Faculty of Journalism is very wide. Novice and experienced reporters are required in online publications, newspapers, magazines, radio stations and television. Correspondents are the main creative units in news agencies. Journalists also work in the press services of companies, government agencies and institutions, hold positions in the structures of private and state enterprises related to the promotion of goods and services in the media (PR departments, advertising departments, etc.)

The salary of a journalism graduate depends on the place of work, the field of activity of the company or organization, its success, as well as on the position of the specialist. It can start from 30 thousand rubles and go up to 150 thousand and above.

Pros and cons of being a journalist

Reporter is one of the most diverse and interesting professions. But those who have come to it seriously and for a long time know that there are not only roses in the work, but also thorns. You need to be prepared for this so that you do not experience disappointment in the future. Consider the positive and negative aspects of journalism.

« pros »:

  • lack of uniformity in work;
  • all conditions for self-development;
  • unlimited career prospects;
  • the ability to regulate their own employment and income level.

« Minuses »:

  • irregular working hours;
  • increased emotional stress and psychological stress,
  • frequent stressful situations;
  • high responsibility for words and actions.

Summary

Despite the romantic halo that has always accompanied this profession, journalism is a responsible, morally and physically difficult job. The one who chooses it will have little free time and a lot of work. Yes, and regular stress is also guaranteed to him. But if the prospect of sitting in a quiet office “whirlpool” from 9.00 to 18.00 scares you a lot more, go for it!

The masters of journalism argue that, taking into account all the charms and horrors of the profession, it is worth devoting life to it. It is not for nothing that many of them sign the words: “Three days to walk, three days not to sleep for the sake of a few lines in the newspaper. If I started again, I would choose these endless chores again ... "...

Evgenia Kuziner

Editor of the Info-Profi portal, employee of the Center for Youth Studies at the National Research University Higher School of Economics - St. Petersburg, specialist in vocational guidance.

Journalist- a person engaged in social activities for the collection, processing and periodic dissemination of relevant information through mass communication channels. The profession is suitable for those who are interested in the Russian language and literature and social studies (see the choice of profession for interest in school subjects).

Journalism (from the French journal- diary, newspaper) is a type of social activity for the collection, processing and periodic dissemination of relevant information through mass communication channels (press, radio, television, cinema, etc.). Therefore, a journalist is a person working in the mass media system (media). And although the name of this profession indicates an attitude towards the magazine, journalists also work for radio and television.

In this regard, journalism is divided into many subspecies (specializations): newspaper journalism, photo, radio and television journalism, Internet journalism, public relations (PR). Journalism is not only momentary news. Among the topics it covers are international relations, economics, which require special training. Articles, notes, television reports are the work of correspondents. But journalists also include editors and designers working in publishing houses, on radio and TV, as well as employees of the editorial secretariat. All of them are participants in the information process.

On January 13, Russia celebrates the Day of the Russian Press. This is a professional holiday with a history of more than 300 years. It is believed that journalism originated in our country in 1702, when, by personal decree and personal participation of Tsar Peter the Great (1672 - 1725), the first printed newspaper Vedomosti appeared, published in a typographical way. Since then, the Russian press has been developing and developing, although as early as 1621 the first Russian unprinted newspaper, Chimes, appeared. It was handwritten, issued in the form of a scroll in several copies 2-4 times a month. The clerks distributed it to a limited circle of people - Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich (1629 - 1676) and his entourage. The newspaper contained information on military, diplomatic, court and trade topics from foreign newspapers.

The Russian newspaper "Vedomosti" had serious differences from the first newspapers of other European countries. It was rather not a commercial publication, but served to explain the essence of the sovereign's policy and his reforms. From the very beginning, the Russian newspaper was a conductor of a certain policy, a propagandist, and sometimes even an organizer of public opinion in favor of state reforms or the defense of national independence and independence. The newspaper gave rise to the rapid development of journalism in Russia and contributed to the cultural development of the country. In 1755, the newspaper Moskovskie Vedomosti was created under the guidance of the scientist and founder of Moscow University M.V. Lomonosov (1711-1765). Currently, over 74,000 publications are registered in the Russian register of print media (although less than half are present on the market), and the total circulation of publications is about 5 billion copies.

Future journalists need to understand that this profession is not only creativity, but also a great responsibility for every written and spoken word. Every professional journalist should be able to convey objective information to the audience. It is believed that the main function of journalistic activity is the creation of an information channel between the state and society, as well as the formation of public opinion.

There are three stages in the work of a journalist:

  • search for information (comprises 90% of the work of a specialist; the methods of obtaining information are different, mainly observation of the object of study, interviews and work with the necessary documents);
  • information processing (includes analysis of the information received, verification of facts, clarification of the issues that have arisen, as well as the final formation of the material and its editing);
  • feedback (a journalist must monitor the opinion of the audience, and in the event of legal disputes, be ready to defend his point of view in court).

Journalism training

It is traditionally believed that future journalists graduate from journalism departments. However, good specialists are obtained from philologists, philosophers, linguists. It is also very common for a journalist to specialize in one area (eg computers, cars, art). In this case, it is important that the author of the article understands the material better than the reader. In this regard, almost half of the journalists have no specialized education, and sometimes even a technical one.

The Russian Institute of Vocational Education "IPO" - recruits students to receive a specialty through a remote program of professional retraining and advanced training. Studying at the IPO is a convenient and fast way to receive distance education. 200+ training courses. 8000+ graduates from 200 cities. Short deadlines for paperwork and external training, interest-free installments from the institute and individual discounts. Contact us!

universities

Required professional skills and knowledge

  • the ability to work with information (find, study, select, analyze, compare and evaluate facts);
  • the ability to highlight the main thing in a large amount of information;
  • the ability to find an explanation with facts;
  • the ability to speak or write quickly, competently, easily and at the same time interesting and not banal;
  • the ability to handle professional devices and equipment necessary for the work of a journalist (dictaphone, camera, etc.);
  • knowledge of the Media Law and the ability to use it;
  • the ability to ask uncomfortable questions and get to the bottom of the problem;
  • professional ethics, tact.

Personal qualities

  • the ability to express one's thoughts accurately and clearly;
  • active participation in public life;
  • the ability to quickly switch from one job to another;
  • ability to analyze events and phenomena;
  • broad outlook;
  • the ability to complete work quickly and on time;
  • sociability, charm;
  • efficiency, perseverance;
  • objectivity;
  • observation;
  • communication skills, ability to work in a team;
  • initiative;
  • performance and diligence;
  • endurance, stress tolerance.

Pros and cons of the profession

Minuses:

  • the work of a journalist is associated with great nervous, emotional, physical overload, work in an emergency mode;
  • irregular working hours.

Pros:

  • interesting, creative profession;
  • gives you the opportunity to express your point of view through texts and articles;
  • often the presence of a free work schedule;
  • the opportunity to travel, journalists are allowed to go where ordinary people are not allowed;
  • meetings and communication with many famous, talented people.

Place of work

  • publishing houses;
  • newspapers and magazines;
  • the television;
  • radio;
  • advertising and marketing agencies;
  • press services of various organizations.

Salary and career

Salary as of 01/02/2020

Russia 15000—55000 ₽

Moscow 35000—160000 ₽

The salary of a journalist depends on his experience, fame, the subject of his materials, as well as the place of work. Specialists writing on political or economic topics traditionally receive more than, for example, "culturologists". However, if the publication has a narrow focus and requires additional knowledge, then the start-up income increases. As professionalism grows, wages also increase.

Traditionally, television and radio journalism is more prestigious than work in the press. Most often, the most active and attractive make their way to television (usually starting their careers with cable television), and the fastest on radio (necessarily with good diction). But most journalists still work in various editorial offices of newspapers, magazines and websites.

All journalists are familiar with the expression: first you work for your name, and only then the name works for you. Young professionals usually start their journalistic career as a freelance correspondent. And only then, if the journalist manages to competently recommend himself, his income will increase dramatically and employers themselves will begin to attract him to their publishing houses.

Vertical career growth is as follows: column editor, head of department, production editor, editor-in-chief of the media.

Horizontal career development looks like working in several media at once.