A career in journalism can be a fast-paced and exciting way to stay informed, share your ideas, travel to new places and learn more about the world. If you’re considering a career in journalism, it’s helpful to review some benefits and drawbacks of the position. Learning more about the position can help you make an informed decision that considers different aspects of the role to help you decide if it’s the right choice for you. In this article, we explain what journalists do and provide a list of pros and cons typical of a journalist’s position.

Journalism can be a rewarding career for many reasons. Here are four benefits of the position:

1. Resourceful

Being a journalist has its benefits, including the opportunity for creative expression. Some journalists write for publications like magazines and websites that permit them to inject their personalities into their stories. They can also use their imagination to develop fresh storylines and develop fresh takes on old subjects. Many journalists are gifted writers, and they can use their work in journalism to improve their communication and writing abilities. The position provides the opportunity to express original thoughts, take into account various points of view, and spread awareness of significant issues.

2. Interesting

Another benefit of the role is how interesting it can be. The news stories journalists report on can concern public figures, current events, local developments and political news. Journalists often have special passes that allow them to access exclusive events, like concerts, exhibitions and rallies. The job can also include travel, sometimes even internationally. Going to lots of different places and meeting new people can expose journalists to unique perspectives and exciting situations.

3. Valuable

Because it is their responsibility to thoroughly investigate events and report on them objectively, journalists perform a valuable service. Their work keeps the public informed and occasionally exposes injustices or wrongdoings through investigative journalism Some journalists cover developing stories while providing eagerly awaited coverage of closely followed or significant events. The opinions of those who read, watch, or listen to their content can be impacted by the news they share, as well as the safety and morals of their communities.

4. Work situation

Many journalists work for papers, news stations or magazines. This allows them to work in exciting, fast-paced environments alongside other industry professionals. Many journalists share similar passions for writing stories and presenting new ideas. Working as a journalist helps you stay informed about current events and gives you access to important sources. The sources could be public figures, celebrities or political figures.

5. Permitted entry to exclusive events

You will be able to gain free entry to some exclusive events you reporting on.

6. More acquaintance

You will be more acquainted with several business owners, government officials, and other public figures. You can meet and talk to people from all walks of life.

While there are many good things about being a journalist, the position can also come with a few potential drawbacks.

1. Dangerous

While not always the case, journalism can sometimes be a dangerous career. Some journalists visit unstable areas to collect stories or report on a developing situation. Entering these areas can sometimes expose journalists to dangerous or compromising situations. They may have to travel to unknown locations alone and report on stories as they’re happening, putting them in the center of violent or scary circumstances.

2. Competition

Finding the right opportunity in the competitive field of journalism can require perseverance and dedication. For the first few years of their careers, many journalists work as staff writers, copywriters, or freelancers for small publishers or regional newspapers.

They can frequently advance in their positions and get access to the stories that interest them by working hard. However, new journalists typically aren’t given the opportunity to pick the topics for their articles. Because of the stiff competition, successful journalists frequently need to focus on honing their writing, communication, editing, and interviewing skills in order to stand out from the crowd and advance into the positions they’re most interested in.

3. Challenging

Another potential disadvantage of working as a journalist is that the job can sometimes be demanding. Editors and supervisors sometimes place strict deadlines on pieces, requiring journalists to complete a story quickly. The travel can also keep journalists away from home for long periods of time, and sometimes journalists feel pressured to come up with new and exciting stories continuously.

4. Low pay

During the early years of your career, you receive low wages and may take a lot of time to work your way up.

5. Stress

You will always work under strict deadlines and you always have to work under pressure and deliver an effective story and non-biased report. You will always be stressed up especially after a major news story breaks.

6. Work conditions

Journalists always work under pressure to deliver professional write-ups and reports. Due to the level of competition in the market, journalists have to come up with the best-selling story without compromising their work ethic.

7. Exposed

A finally potential con of the position is the exposure that often accompanies it. While exposure can be a good thing for journalists wanting to boost their reputations as serious journalists, it can also make them targets for those who disagree with their ideas. If a journalist writes a controversial piece, they might receive unflattering feedback or other journalists might write criticisms about their published works. Publishing a piece means the journalists attach their name to the story, and there can be consequences if they don’t get the facts right.

Published in The Daily National Courier, May, 06 2023

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