Journalism Career Map

Awareness

First Year

• Understand that communication and media occupations are projected to grow 14% by 2030, adding approximately 151,000 new jobs.
• Recognize that effective communication is essential in all industries for building relationships and conveying information to diverse audiences.
• Learn that students can choose between two primary concentrations: Broadcast Journalism and Multimedia Journalism.
• Develop an awareness of the "integrated curriculum" that focuses on personal interests and professional goals.

Middle Years

• Identify the focus of the Broadcast Journalism track: writing, reporting, and breaking news in the broadcast and digital world.
• Identify the focus of the Multimedia Journalism track: investigating and reporting events through newspapers, magazines, the internet, social media, and mobile platforms.
• Become aware of JagMedia, the student-operated media group that mirrors professional industry standards and practices.
• Recognize the opportunity to work with the ESPN+ Broadcast Team, gaining experience in the control booth and as a camera operator.
  

Last Year

• Understand the critical role of internships in building professional connections and gaining hands-on experience.
• Acknowledge the program's commitment to training communication leaders for a global society.
• Recognize that while student media is open to all, it is a vital tool for journalism majors to build a professional portfolio.
  

Exploration

First Year

• Explore the foundational tools used by successful journalists in the digital age.
• Visit the Department of Communication to learn about concentration-specific student organizations.
• Investigate the various outlets within JagMedia, including The Vanguard (newspaper), Due South (magazine), JagTV, and WJGR 97.1 The Prowl (radio).

Middle Years

• Explore technical roles by joining the ESPN+ crew for home football games.
• Investigate specialized department groups like the American Advertising Federation or the Public Relations Student Society of America.
• Research the differences between reporting for broadcast versus digital and print media.
  

Last Year

• Network with professional journalists and alumni during departmental events.
• Explore potential employment in diverse settings such as nonprofits, private businesses, and government entities.
• Investigate local media partners for potential career paths, such as Fox 10 News (WALA), WKRG News 5 (CBS), or Mobile Bay Magazine.

Preparation

First Year

• Build a strong foundation in core reporting and interviewing techniques.
• Consult with academic advisors to select the concentration that aligns with your long-term career interests.
• Begin developing the critical thinking skills necessary for investigative journalism.
  

Middle Years

• Master the technical skills of filming and editing footage if following the Broadcast track.
• Refine multimedia reporting skills across internet and social media platforms for the Multimedia track.
• Secure an internship with local media organizations like Elevator World or The Bama Buzz.
  

Last Year

• Complete a capstone internship to apply classroom knowledge in a professional setting.
• Finalize a professional portfolio or broadcast reel that showcases your ability to tell impactful stories.
• Take on leadership roles within student media to build project management and event planning skills.