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Take the case of an undergraduate who started off writing copy for KALX. This led to a sports writing position with a Bay Area daily newspaper, and, ultimately, to a position as an associate editor for a national online magazine.

In Journalism Size and Clippings Matter

Don't expect to start working at the SF Chronicle (a nationally recognized paper in a major metropolitan area) if you haven't penned some pieces for smaller, less celebrated news organizations. The traditional reporting career path can start at the high school or college newspaper then progress to a mid-size daily paper (Santa Rosa Press Democrat or San Bernardino County Sun) and advance to a large metropolitan newspaper.

While it is possible to progress in the field without further education, for those with limited experience or who want to accelerate their potential advancement in the field, a graduate degree makes good sense.

A reporter's career path is much like that of a baseball player who has to work his way up from the minor to the major leagues. Along the way, our up-and-coming reporter has collected clippings (samples of her work cut from the newspapers in which they were published). Because the field of journalism weighs experience so heavily, it is essential to have writing samples to show potential employers. For those with little experience some of these samples may come from pieces written for specific journalism classes, an article published in a student newsletter, or copy written for an internship. Newspaper internships are a great way to gain experience, clippings and work at a paper that might not otherwise give you a chance.

These internships can take place during the summer, but a number of newspaper internships are paid, yearlong commitments that take place after you have completed your degree. The Daily Cal and KALX have also been used by a number of Cal students as springboards to launch journalism careers.

The Daily Cal

The Daily Cal is a nationally recognized news organization and whether the news is good or bad, the publicity generated has helped more than a few careers. Alumni from the Daily Cal have gone on to careers as editors for the LA Times, SF Chronicle, SF Examiner, and Baltimore Sun; reporters for USA Today, Washington Post, New York Times, Chicago Tribune, People magazine, and Sports Illustrated; foreign correspondent for The Financial Times and Reuters; fact-checker for Vanity Fair; associate producer for "Dateline"; and documentary filmmaker.

Other Entry-Level Avenues into Journalism/Publishing

• Fact Checkers verify the accuracy of text written by reporters. They research information and statements of fact through print and internet-based resources in addition to phone interviews. If you enjoy research and investigation this may be your ticket to working for a large magazine or news organization.

• Editorial Assistants provide administrative support for editors. The work includes scheduling, filing, note taking, and other administrative tasks. If you have no prior writing experience but will do whatever it takes to get started, this may be your launching point.

• Proofreaders check content to detect errors in typesetting or keyboarding and mark them for correction before the final printing of a book, magazine, or newspaper. If you hate typos and have a passion for details this may be your entrance for a career in journalism.

• Copy Editors correct errors of spelling, grammar, and punctuation; ensure consistency; query the author about conflicting statements and holes in stories; smooth transitions; eliminate wordiness and move sentences to improve readability. If you're the one friends turn to when they want the final word on how a paper reads, copy editing might just be your route into the newsroom.

What it Takes

Skills required of journalists include: good grammar and spelling, extensive vocabulary, curiosity, ability to respond well under pressure, deadline driven, ability to write under duress, and diverse background and life experiences.

When applying for jobs in journalism, be sure to tailor your resume to demonstrate your writing, editing, proofreading, researching and interviewing skills. If you are familiar with particular style guides (ex. AP, APA, Chicago Manual of Style) include this information as well. Include any experience you have with page design or layout skills and software as well as an ability to meet deadlines. You want to have a resume that is error free and concise. Think of it as part of your writing sample.

Additional Resources

American Society of Newspaper Editors - Internships

Communications Career Field

Detroit Free Press JobsPage

Entertainment/Media Job Listing Sites

English to Online Magazine Editor