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Online Journalists

Employment Prospects

Employers

Online journalists may work for publishing companies that only produce online publications, for traditional publishing companies that also have a Web presence, and for news organizations, research firms, or other businesses that have Web sites. Online journalists may also work as freelancers, writing articles for various companies and sites.

Companies involved in online publishing are located across the country; company sizes vary. While large and well-known companies, such as the New York Times, attract a large share of the online audience, the ease and affordability of online publishing is allowing many smaller companies to produce online publications.

Starting Out

To get started in this field, a budding journalist may want to write articles and attempt to get them published. The online market is more open to new, unpublished writers than traditional markets. One drawback is that many Web sites pay little or nothing for articles; however, they usually provide clips of published work, which helps a new writer build a portfolio and establish credibility.

Some online journalists believe that those interested in the career will benefit from starting out in print journalism and then transferring their skills to online journalism. Those starting out in either print journalism or online journalism usually begin in the position of editorial assistant. Although the editorial assistant job is relatively low paying, it will give you the opportunity to learn the business and usually provides you with your first writing assignments. Talented and hardworking assistants will typically work their way up to full-fledged reporters.

Your college career services office and journalism or communications department should be able to give you help with your job search. In addition, contacts that you make during an internship or summer job may provide employment leads. You can also apply for employment directly to publishing companies or other companies with Web publications. Use classified ads and the Internet as resources when looking for job openings.

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