Some possible jobs within this career area are:
Because most liberal arts students are still deciding on an exact career path, there is no definite set of certifications necessary. It’s recommended by most career counselors, however, that liberal arts students earn either their Associate’s Degree or Bachelor’s Degree. You also could continue your studies and earn a Master’s Degree in either liberal arts or a related area of study. Frequently offered liberal arts certifications include:
- Associate’s Degree
- Bachelor’s Degree
- Master’s Degree
During an economic downturn, a liberal arts major might be an excellent choice for some students, particularly those who are weighing their overall career options. This is because as a liberal arts student, you receive a foundation in a variety of disciplines. You can augment your education by getting internships, which helps you decide a career path while also receiving on-the-job training. Some career counselors also say that liberal arts majors are more flexible when it comes to changing their careers, which could make you a more attractive candidate in a tough job market.
If you enroll in an Associate’s Degree program in the liberal arts, you can expect to finish it in two years. Bachelor’s Degree programs typically take four years to complete. If you decide to enter graduate school, your Master’s Degree can take two to four years, depending on the program.
How to Become a Journalist
A journalism career may be for you if you have an ability to take notes and report on events accurately and with enough descriptive information to make the events understandable by readers. A journalist is also called a reporter. Journalists report on events and typically work for newspapers or other news organizations. There is an increasing online presence for journalists, so the ability to use computers to communicate both text and pictures is important. An ability to organize the information recorded at events is essential for success in a journalism career.
A career in journalism can include a lot of travel, either locally or farther afield, depending on the subject matter the journalist covers. Journalists may also work long hours and weekends if there is a big story developing.
Training Required for a Career as a Journalist
To become a journalist, you will generally need to complete a post-secondary degree program. Some institutions also offer master's or Ph.D. degrees. One of the most important stages in your education will be preparing a portfolio of your published clips, as employers generally place a high value on experience than on education.
Contributing to a college or local newspaper or obtaining an internship can be helpful for someone wanting a journalism career. An internship will not only provide valuable experience but will also be a source for your portfolio clips. Another attribute that employers look for is diversity, so submitting stories to newspapers and magazines on diverse topics such as sports, religion, and entertainment will show a wide variety of talents displayed in your portfolio clips.
Journalist Salaries
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median journalist salary is $34,900. The top ten percent of journalist salaries is above $77,400. The middle fifty percent of journalist salaries fall between $25,700 and $52,200. The bottom ten percent of journalist salaries fall below $20,200. (Salary data retrieved 7/11/11)
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