How Can a 16-Year-Old Aspire to Become a Successful Journalist?

Many young aspiring journalists, like yourself at 16 years old, often wonder where to start and how to gain the necessary experience. This article will guide you through the steps you can take to train and prepare yourself for a successful career in journalism.

Build Your Blog

One of the first steps in building a successful journalism career is to start a blog. This will not only help you develop your writing skills but also provide you with a platform to share your thoughts and experiences. Becoming experienced in writing on a regular basis is crucial, as it will help you build a portfolio of work and improve your ability to communicate effectively.

Develop Your Own Style and Unique Voice

As a young journalist, one of the most important things you can do is to develop your own unique voice and writing style. It’s not about what you have experienced in life, but rather how you can convey your thoughts and ideas in a captivating and engaging manner.

Furthermore, you should specialize in certain areas that you are knowledgeable about or passionate about. It’s essential to write about situations and topics that you truly understand and can provide a profound insight on. This will help establish you as a credible and authoritative source in the field.

Start Small as a Journalist

Many columnists and journalists began their careers as journalists, rather than columnists. This is often the most practical and effective way to start your journey in the world of journalism. Even if it seems less glamorous now, the experience you gain will be invaluable. As you continue to hone your skills and gain experience, you can gradually move towards creating columns and features that are more personalized and reflective of your personality and voice.

Get Involved in School Media

If your school has a newspaper or other student media, make sure to get involved. This is a great opportunity to gain experience in writing and editing, as well as to build your network of contacts within the journalism community. Additionally, excel in your English and foreign language classes. It’s not just the grades that matter, but the knowledge and skills you acquire. Writing ability is the cornerstone of journalism, and the foundation you build now will be essential for your future.

Consider a Specialized Dual Major in College

When you reach college, consider pursuing a dual major in journalism or mass media coupled with a business or tech-related field. Many journalism programs today are challenging to enter, and a specialized degree alongside marketable skills can provide you with a competitive edge. Developing expertise in both journalism and a technology or business-related field will enhance your employability and make you a valuable asset in the industry.

Read Widely to Improve Your Craft

To become a better journalist, read widely and continuously. Mitch Albom's columns are a great place to start, as he is one of the best columnists out there. Read long stories from sites like Longform, and immerse yourself in quality journalism. Authors like Susan Sontag and Roger Kimball offer both liberal and conservative perspectives and are incredibly insightful. Additionally, consider reading works by Diane Ackerman, whose ability to find wonder in nearly any subject can inspire your own approach to storytelling.

Practice Condensing Information

One key skill in journalism is the ability to condense a large amount of information into a concise and engaging story. Learn to effectively utilize external links to support your points and enhance your articles. By doing so, you can provide readers with additional context and resources, making your work more comprehensive and valuable.

Final Tips and Advice

My advice in this article is tailored for American high school students, but it is broadly applicable to aspiring journalists around the world. The educational systems of the UK, Denmark, Russia, and South Korea are all unique, but the principles of building a skill set and gaining experience are universal. Remember, success in journalism requires dedication, hard work, and a commitment to constantly learning and improving. Best of luck on your journey towards becoming a successful journalist!