JOURNALISM TIP A Career in Journalism The High School Years You’re in high school contemplating your future. You become interested in the world of journalism and broadcasting! What can you do now to prepare for such a career? Here are some thoughts: - Develop good writing, communication, investigative, research and critical thinking skills. You can do this by joining the school newspaper, yearbook or book club at school. Take creative writing and journalism courses. - Continually look for opportunities to participate in special events happening in your school, your community such as writing contests, student leadership conferences, etc. - Read LOTS!!! The newspaper, magazines. Watch/listen to news and current affairs programs on television and radio. - BE INVOLVED in your community, youth organizations. It develops strong skills you will need in the future. - Develop social awareness. Understand what is happening in your community, your province and globally. Understand issues that affect youth such as employment, relationships, the environment, human rights. - Check out local media in your area. Perhaps they may be interested in offering a job shadowing opportunity where you get to work with a reporter (on a volunteer basis) - Keep a portfolio of any writing you do in high school especially Grade 11 and 12. Opinion articles, current events stories, entertainment stories. As well as creative writing, poems, short stories. That porfolio will come in handy when you apply to university and journalism school. The Next Step - Where to go after high school There are many ways to enter the world of journalism. You can enter university and obtain a degree in a specific area such as English, Business, Social Sciences, Political Science, Science, etc. and then go further to learn the tools of journalism in a 1-2 year program. OR you can do a Degree in Journalism right after school. Here are some of the Journalism Schools you may be interested in: Carleton University School of Journalism, Ontario Ryerson Unversity, Ontario King's College, Nova Scotia University of British Columbia Concordia University, Quebec B.C Institute of Technology Red River College, Manitoba University of Winnipeg Scholarships With the ever increasing cost of getting your education accessing awards and scholarships is of major concern for students. Here are a couple of websites to check out: Association of Universities and Colleges in Canada - Scholarship website Canadian Merit Scholarship Foundation Scholarships Canada.com Student Awards.com Also check with your school guidance counsellor and teachers for other awards/scholarships that may be available to you specific to your school, community and province. For example: School Board, Teachers Association, Provincial Dept of Education, local organizations such as the Rotary, Canadian Legion, municipal government as well as local businesses. Remember to continue checking on scholarships while you attend university/college. Some awards/scholarships from broadcasting/journalism organizations are specific to university/college journalism students. GOOD LUCK!!!