Becoming a Journalist at 40
Yes, it is possible to become a journalist at 40. You will bring years of experience and knowledge from other fields that can make you an attractive candidate for employers.
Decide on your direction. Perhaps what you like most of all has nothing to do with journalism. To not waste time, try yourself in different genres.
It takes less than 1 month of job training to become a journalist. Getting a certification like the Certified Journalism Educator (CJE) will help you to earn more.
You’ll need to be a naturally creative person. You’ll also need to be tough, and have a strong work ethic. Journalism can be a competitive field, in getting your start and once you are working.
If you enjoy writing, have curiosity about people and events, and like getting to the source of problems, you will likely enjoy working as a journalist.
Pathways to Becoming a Journalist
To enter the field, it’s helpful to have a degree, though not required. Typical journalist jobs require 1-2 years of experience in related fields. Before becoming a journalist, standard job titles include internship, reporter, and editor.
Qualifications Needed
A journalism degree is offered at graduate and postgraduate levels. To become a journalist, you need to do Bachelor of Journalism and Mass Communication (BJMC) after completing Class 12th.
Steps to Enter Journalism Field
- Earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism. There are no absolute educational requirements to become a journalist. However, if you’re looking to work professionally, it’s important to demonstrate the right knowledge base and practical skills.
Additional Information
While the foundations of journalism endure, the field requires new expertise to break in and stay relevant. Technology has sparked seismic shifts in journalism with developments like the internet, mobile devices, and social media. Together, they’ve changed the accessibility, creation, and delivery of journalism.