To work as a news reporter, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent; and
• have a bachelor's degree.

Education after high school

Most news reporters have at least a bachelor's degree in journalism. Most colleges and universities offer programs in journalism. Only about one-fourth of the courses you take are specifically about journalism. The rest are liberal arts courses, such as literature, history, natural sciences, philosophy, and political science. If you want a career in broadcasting, you should take radio and television courses as well. Courses in business, speech, and computer science are also useful.

Large newspapers and broadcast stations look for reporters who have a degree in a specialty area. Economics, political science, science, or business are examples of common specialties. Reporters with a background in these areas usually report primarily on those areas.

A liberal arts bachelor's degree coupled with a master's degree in journalism is excellent preparation.

Work experience

Working at your high school and college newspapers or broadcasting stations is very valuable. In addition, you should also try for an internship with a news organization.

You can gain experience by reporting for a newspaper as a stringer or freelancer. This is a reporter who is paid only for printed stories.

On-the-job training

The length of on-the-job training varies by employer and the employee's level of experience. In general, news reporters receive up to one month of on-the-job training. Those who work in television often receive up to two years of training.

Beginning reporters often start at smaller papers or broadcasting stations. You often begin by doing research for experienced reporters and writing routine stories to gain experience. As you improve your skills, you work on larger stories and have more control over your work.

Military training

Some branches of the military train people to be broadcast journalists and newswriters. Training lasts nine to 12 weeks, depending on your specialty. Additional training occurs on the job.