<p>If I wanted to get into sports journalism, and got an impressive resume of writing, tv, radio and editing, would it be hard to get a job out of school?</p>
<p>It’s very competitive, both in print and TV. Most people get their start in journalism school - the better ones offer internships which then give students that invaluable professional “tape” or portfolio. But it’s a hard business: even the best must work their way up from tiny markets in the middle of nowhere, there’s lots of moving, and constant insecurity that your contract won’t be renewed & you’ll be replaced by the next new wipper snapper…</p>
<p>Cousin’s son did it. Worked for one of the U’s papers, etc. Definitely think about where you would live, and the travel involved. Small markets away from the big city to cover NFL. It didn’t hurt him to cover the Rose Bowl while in college or have an NFL team near his first job. Not everyone will get those chances. Years later he is covering NFL et al news, but not in the big city in the region he he now in.</p>
<p>My D’s friend is making a good run at it. She started sports writing in middle school and had several things published in high school - in addition to the coverage she did for the school paper. She was awarded a very prestigious sports writing scholarship based on this work. She also got great summer internships in sports writing through her school - including one with a well known newspaper in a major city. I’m amazed at how many articles she had published this summer. Time will tell if she’ll make it professionally but she’s got a great start.</p>
<p>Earlier this week you were going to double major in convergence journalism and marketing and get a master’s degree in strategic communication at Mizzou.</p>
<p>Change your mind? Or do you just like to come to the Parents Forum?</p>
<p>If I could take you seriously, I’d answer your question seriously. I was the first female sports editor of a daily paper in Missouri in 1977.</p>
<p>If you have an “impressive resume” in almost any field, it’s still hard to get a job in communication these days. Whether it’s sports journalism or strategic communication, I’m convinced that on-the-ground experience through internships/coops/volunteer work/campus media/whatever is what will make the difference. Expect years of hard work, lousy hours and worse pay, and with a little luck you’ll get a break to a solid entry level gig within the first five years after you graduate.</p>