I want to be a tech journalist!

[royalgfx1]

I will make this short and sweet, because no one wants to read my life story!

Simply put, I want to be a tech journalist, working for the likes of Engadget, Gizmodo, Tech Crunch, etc etc. Following technology trends is one of my greatest loves in life, and although I am not a large nerd to the extent of building my own PC towers, nor can I tell you how to script in C++, I love tech.

I'm currently studying Journalism at university as a first step, but it only will get me so far.

How do any of you suggest I get a foot in the door in this glorious industry...because lining up for keynotes seems like the most amazing fun someone can have to me (/geek).

Thanks in advance

 

[alamein]

well, you already have the journalism part of it down. but like what the poster above says, learn to become tech savvy yourself. in order to succeed in this field (or in any other field, for that matter), you've got to create a good reputation & have the credibility to talk about the subject matter. learn to become an expert.

 

[roadbloc]

I want to be a lumberjack. And a pirate.

 

[starterculture]

Build a Book of Clips

Hi Royalgfx1:

Like anything else, getting assignments and a job is based on your establishing a level of trust with a would-be employer. For journalists, the best way to do this is to freelance to build up both a network of contacts and a backlog of articles you can use to prove your experience.

I own a company that pairs journalists up with brands to create quality news and feature content for brand publications. If you have some clips and a resume, send them my way. I'm always looking for freelancers. More info here:

http://www.starterculture.com/for-journalists/

 

[vincenz]

I feel like anyone with a blog or YouTube channel can call themselves journalists these days. It's much easier to be self-made now.

 

[benzslrpee]

why don't you go apply?

Gizmodo and TechCrunch always have open positions that pop up from time to time for interns and FT hires. none of their writers seemed well versed in any tech or business aspect beyond the basics (e.g. market cap!! market cap!!) so it doesn't seem that industry experience is a must.

i think as long as you have common sense and a well thought out positions you could do well.

 

[v66jack]

I don't really know about journalism in particular but I should imagine starting a blog about technology is a good place to start. It helps you to practice writing. I know the PR people at work are always writing. Even if its not for work, just so they stay good at it.

With that blog I'd say try and get some work experience, it might have to be un-paid but that is the fastest way to get in the door and make contacts. If you can afford to work over the summer as an unpaid intern try and get that sort of work. Looks great on your resume and will put you ahead of the crowd for other jobs.

I've worked both paid and un-paid jobs, and the un-paid ones for me have been much more exciting, because your doing what you actually want to do with your life. And who knows maybe you'll decide journalism isn't for you once you tried it and discover something else which is. Then you haven't wasted 5 years of your life working your way up a company only to discover there is something you'd much rather be doing.

I'm no careers advisor but speaking from my own experience and others I know, those who are in the big companies with the big roles are those who started un-paid doing work experience. If you find a job your happy to do for free, then there is no reason why you wont success in that role.