How a Journalism Major Prepares You for the Job Market
A journalism degree covers many aspects of news gathering and how information is presented to the public. Journalism students learn how to do investigative reporting, fact-checking and developing content in a number of multimedia formats. Journalism students will gain a in-depth understanding of traditional journalism values, with an emphasis on storytelling, accuracy, fairness and concise reporting. Depending on the program, some journalism students will study the attributes of editorial, broadcast and online media outlets and get to experience reporting in all three areas. A strong foundation in journalistic values and ethics, combined with real reporting experience, journalism graduates should feel confident and prepared to work at various news organizations.

Best Career Paths for Journalism Majors
Journalism majors exibit many skills that are valuable to different fields, including these top career paths:

• Reporter. Reporters, who are sometimes referred to as journalists, conduct research, gather information, interview sources and write stories that are printed, broadcasted or displayed online. Reporters use the journalistic skills they've learned in school and work to produce unbiased and newsworthy stories for various publications or to be aired on radio or television. Reporters for print or online publications begin their reporting process by investigating leads, observing events, interviewing people and conducting thorough research. Then, they take their data and pertinent information back to the office or newsroom where they write, self-edit and submit a news story to his or her editor. On the other hand, broadcast reporters report "live" from the scene on television and some radio shows. Broadcast reporters also gather information, conduct research and write news stories to be broadcasted to audiences. Broadcast reporters typically write their own scripts and edit their own videos to fit a designated time frame and meet their station's deadline. Reporters made an average salary of $34,850 in 2008, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
• Editor. Editors are the watchdogs of all written and broadcast work. They play an important role in journalism because they are in charge of reviewing all stories before they go to print or are aired. Editors not only check for grammar, spelling and punctuation mistakes in stories, but they also look for any libelous, slanderous or misquoted material. They also ensure that each sentence is relevant and makes sense throughout the story. Nothing goes to print or is aired without the editor's viewing and changes. Editors also have to adhere to style rules and consider time, length and space issues. Editors made an average salary of $49,990 in 2008, according to the Bureau.

How to Market Your Journalism Degree
Knowing how to market your journalism degree is key to securing your desired job. You can begin this process by promoting your journalism education and the professional skills you've gained. Your journalism degree, combined with investigative reporting, taught you how to observe your surroundings, dig deep for answers and shed light on the truth. In addition, you learned how to interview sources, conduct thorough research and write or broadcast compelling news stories, while meeting strict deadlines. All of these experiences have helped you hone your writing and reporting skills, as well as bring truth to the public.