Careers in journalism
Tell the stories that matter with a career in journalism. Whether you want to be a writer, editor, photographer or anchor, you’ll be on the front line of major events in your community or across the world.
Career possibilities
- Photojournalist
- Copy editor
- Investigative reporter
- Sports reporter
- Video journalist
- Magazine writer
- Columnist
- High school journalism teacher
- Foreign correspondent
- News reporter
- Documentary filmmaker
- Television anchor
- Audio journalist
- Social media manager
40+alumni have won individual or team Pulitzer Prizes
24.6%of Twitter’s verified users are journalists
To begin your career, consider these concentrations:
Social media is still an extension of good journalism. Being truthful and accurate is still important, and you develop the skills you need for this kind of job by reporting and editing.
Margaret Nagy, BAJ’12, head of social at Bloomberg News
Helpful classes
Newsgathering and the Law
Study the law in the context of news media and the processes by which its content is created. Discuss the legal issues triggered by story framing, selection of sources, interviewing, photography and access to information.
Reporting, Writing and Editing I
Develop story ideas, gather information, and combine visual and verbal messages to write and edit news for a diverse range of audiences.
Broadcast News
Analyze and write news and feature stories for broadcast while learning foundational skills in interviewing, observation and information gathering.
Advanced Sports Writing
Produce stories while gaining hands-on experience in sourcing, long-form writing, in-depth research, accuracy, fairness, story pitching and self-editing.
Hands-on experience
Apply your classroom learning to real-world scenarios in student media outlets and organizations, including:
Collaborate with other students to develop and produce NPR-style stories.
Learn more about American Student RadioWork as a photographer, writer, designer or peer manager to produce the annual 500-page publication.
Visit the "Arbutus" websiteCreate student-run television productions of IU games of all sports. These programs stream live on BTN2Go, and are often rebroadcast on BTN TV.
Learn more about BTN Student UGet hands-on experience in reporting, management, photography, special projects and design with IU’s nationally acclaimed student-run newspaper.
Read the IDSCreate and produce news and entertainment programming, or get involved with the station’s graphic design, web development, network administration, computer programming or management.
Watch IUSTVThe IU chapter of the National Lesbian and Gay Journalists Association provides support, education and networking opportunities along with other journalism resources to its members.
The IU chapter of the National Association of Black Journalists advocates on behalf of black journalists around the world. The club provides professional development opportunities, including networking with guest speakers and attending the national conference.
Learn more about NABJThe IU chapter of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists advocates on behalf of Hispanic journalists around the world. The club connects members to national scholarships and internships, and offers networking opportunities with alumni and professionals in the industry.
Learn more about NAHJConnect with peers involved in journalism, technology and innovation. ONA at IU defines “online” loosely.
Learn more about ONA at IUReport the World at IU is part of the worldwide nonprofit news service News-Decoder, a global forum for millenials. It offers opportunities for members to publish stories on global issues and collaborate with professional journalists.
Learn more about Report the World at IUIU’s chapter of Reporters Without Borders raises awareness of press freedom and freedom of information issues all around the world. The club engages in human rights activities and takes part in local and international initiatives related to freedom of speech.
Visit the chapter’s websiteDevelop expertise about freedom of information and diversity. Get support finding internships and jobs. IU’s chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists is open to any student interested in news reporting, writing, editing and production in all forms of media, from broadcast and print to digital and design.
Learn more about SPJSND at IU is the student chapter of the Society for News Design, an international organization for visual communicators and news media experts. SND hosts an annual conference, as well as a Best of News Design competition for newspapers and magazines across the globe.
Learn more about SNDReport on news or sports for IU’s student-run radio station, which broadcasts on 99.1 FM and online.
Visit WIUX’s websiteAnd gain experience with these on-campus centers:
Michael I. Arnolt Center for Investigative Journalism
Opening in fall 2019, the Michael I. Arnolt Center for Investigative Journalism will teach and produce top-tier investigative journalism covering the state of Indiana and beyond.
National Sports Journalism Center
The National Sports Journalism Center promotes the practice and research of sports journalism across the globe. It is affiliated with The Media School and provides experiential education opportunities and free extracurricular workshops to students interested in sports media.
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