12 Careers for Journalism Majors
Are you fascinated by people and stories? Do you enjoy learning new things every day? Does writing come naturally to you?
If so, a degree in journalism might be for you. Journalism majors build a wide range of skills during their studies. They learn to gather data and information, use language to persuade and influence, and consider multiple perspectives on the same issue. They also develop strong reporting, editing, and interview abilities, critical thinking skills, and a knack for communication. These qualities set them up for success in a variety of careers—both within journalism and beyond.
Let's take a look at a few of the most common ones and whether they might be a fit for you.
This article will be covering the following careers:
| Career | Avg Salary | Satisfaction | Your Match |
|---|---|---|---|
| Journalist | $55k | 3.5/5 | |
| Public Relations Specialist | $57k | 3.0/5 | |
| Copywriter | $60k | 3.2/5 | |
| Product Manager | $132k | 3.4/5 | |
| Editor | $37k | 3.4/5 | |
| Tour Guide | $26k | 3.6/5 | |
| Court Reporter | $62k | 3.1/5 | |
| Technical Writer | $78k | 2.8/5 | |
| Social Media Manager | $41k | 3.2/5 | |
| Graphic Designer | $35k | 3.4/5 | |
| Marketing Manager | $76k | 3.2/5 | |
| Film Producer | $79k | 3.6/5 |
Are these careers suited to you? Our comprehensive career test measures your personality traits and interests and matches you to over 800 careers.
1. Journalist
The obvious choice, many journalism students dream of one day working in their field. Journalists work for newspapers, magazines, radio, TV, and online platforms. They gather information, conduct interviews, and research stories of all kinds. Then, they synthesize their findings in clear, compelling language.
Journalist
A journalist investigates, gathers, and reports news and information to the public through various media outlets, including newspapers, magazines, television, radio, and online platforms.
2. Public Relations Specialist
A public relations specialist is the mediator between a company or organization and the public. They write press releases, pitch media articles, arrange press conferences, and more. Requiring strong writing skills and an understanding of the media landscape, this is a natural fit for a journalism major.
Public Relations Specialist
A public relations specialist manages the public image and reputation of individuals, organizations, or brands.
3. Copywriter
This growing career is ideally suited to anyone with training in journalism. Copywriters craft engaging text (or "copy") for marketing materials like brochures, newsletters, websites, and more. They use language to compel people to take action. For example, they might push readers to visit a website, buy a product, or follow a brand on social media.
Copywriter
A copywriter is skilled in crafting written content, known as copy, with the primary goal of persuading, informing, or engaging a target audience.
4. Product Manager
A product manager determines the strategy behind a brand's product or product line. They identify what the product is, who it serves, and why. Then, they clearly communicate those values to the rest of the product team. Journalism graduates know how to conduct research and synthesize information—ideal qualities for this role.
Product Manager
A product manager is responsible for the development, optimization, and overall success of a product or line of products.
5. Editor
Like journalists, editors are natural wordsmiths. They work in businesses such as magazines, book publishers, newspapers, and digital platforms. They can be involved in many different aspects of the publishing process. For example, an editor might brainstorm story ideas, manage freelance writers, write headlines or titles, and revise content.
Editor
Editors oversee the preparation and refinement of written, visual, or multimedia content for publication or broadcast.
6. Tour Guide
Some students major in journalism because they want to see the world. They can explore that curiosity in a career as a tour guide. Tour guides help tourists and travelers make the most of their surroundings. They gather information about the region and share what they've learned in an engaging way. Journalism majors, with their storytelling and research skills, can thrive in this job.
Tour Guide
A tour guide provides assistance, information, and guidance to individuals or groups of tourists during their travels.
7. Court Reporter
Court reporters or "stenographers" are professional documenters. They attend legal events like trials and hearings and transcribe the proceedings word-for-word. Success in this job requires attention for detail and great listening skills—both of which journalist majors possess. Additional training is required to enter the career, but a degree in journalism is a perfect foundation.
Court Reporter
A court reporter is responsible for creating an accurate and verbatim record of legal proceedings, including court hearings, depositions, trials, and other legal events.
8. Technical Writer
Technical writers play an important role in industries like science, engineering, and technology. They take complex information and "translate" it into language that is easy for others to understand. This usually involves a great deal of information gathering and writing—both of which journalism majors excel at.
Technical Writer
A technical writer specializes in creating clear and concise documentation to explain complex technical information.
9. Social Media Manager
In today's digitally-connected world, social media managers are an essential part of any marketing team. They work with companies of all kinds to develop strategies and content for their social channels. This can include sourcing images, researching trends, writing copy, and more. A career combines a love of words with a love of people, this is a natural fit for a journalism major.
Social Media Manager
A social media manager is responsible for overseeing and implementing an organization's social media strategy.
10. Graphic Designer
Like journalists, graphic designers are master communicators. They use visual language to help brands and organizations share their stories with the world. Using software such as InDesign or Illustrator, graphic designers create everything from logos to books. Although additional training is needed, journalism graduates with an eye for design are made for the role.
Graphic Designer
A graphic designer creates visual concepts, using computer software or by hand, to communicate ideas that inspire, inform, or captivate consumers.
11. Marketing Manager
A marketing manager oversees the outreach and promotion strategy for a brand, company, or organization. They analyze industry trends and develop ideas for how to capitalize on them. Often, they support other teams, like public relations or social media staff. Involving a great deal of written and verbal communication, as well as research, this is a perfect career for a journalism major.
Marketing Manager
A marketing manager is responsible for planning, implementing, and overseeing marketing strategies to promote a company's products or services.
12. Film Producer
Producers can have many duties depending on whether they work in film, radio, or TV. But at its core, this job is about finding a great story and gathering the resources to make it come to life. Journalism graduates, with their understanding of story structure, interviewing, and media production, can thrive in this role.
Film Producer
A film producer is a pivotal figure in the filmmaking process, playing a central role in bringing a cinematic project to life.