Foreign Correspondents

Does this type of work interest you? To explore this field, you can begin by honing your skills in different journalism media. Join your high school newspaper staff to become a regular columnist or write special feature articles. Check out your high school's TV station and audition to be an anchor. Is there a radio station at your school? If so, volunteer to be on the staff there. And what about the Web? If your school has an online newspaper, get involved with that project. Gain as much experience as you can using different media to learn about the strengths and weaknesses of each and find out where you fit in best. You can also ask your high school journalism teacher or counselor to help you set up an information interview with a local journalist. Most are happy to speak with you when they know you are interested in their careers. It may be possible to get a part-time or summer job working at a local TV or radio station or at the newspaper office. Competition for one of these jobs, however, is strong because many college students take such positions as interns and do the work for little or no pay.

Visit School Journalism (http://www.schooljournalism.org) for comprehensive information on journalism careers, summer programs, and college journalism programs.

Participate in journalism, writing, video production, and other competitions that are offered by Future Business Leaders of America, Journalism Education Association, Radio Television Digital News Association, SkillsUSA, and other organizations to test your skills against others, win scholarship funds and other prizes (for some contests), and meet people with shared interests.