Journalist
Learn about this occupation – including typical duties, education required, salary and job outlook information, job boards and more.
Journalists research, investigate, interpret and communicate news and public affairs through newspapers, television, radio and other media. Journalists are employed by radio and television networks and stations, newspapers and magazines. Journalists may also work on a freelance basis. (National Occupational Classification)
Occupational profile
Find detailed information about the occupation, including typical duties and working conditions, in the links below:
- National Occupational Classification (NOC) - Canadian occupational descriptions
- O*NET Online - U.S. resource for occupational descriptions and information
- Sokanu - occupational profile and videos
- Interview: Journalist / Writer - from StudyinCanada.com
- Becoming a Journalist - career advice from the Society of Professional Journalists
- A Career In Newspapers (occupations and roles) - News Media Canada
- In The Field - series of stories featuring journalists from the CAJ
- UM alumnus profile: Nahlah Ayed (p. 18-23) - April 2008 On Manitoba, UM alumni journal
- Career Opportunities Spotlight: Multimedia Journalist - National Association of Broadcasters
- Why Business Journalism Matters - from CNBC
- Environmental Reporter career profile - ECO Canada
Education
The University of Manitoba does not offer a degree in Journalism. Students may choose to select related undergraduate education at the U of M on their pathway to a Journalism school in Canada, and may consider their preference for type of journalism/reporting when making this choice. In Manitoba, Red River College offers a diploma in Creative Communications, and along with the University of Winnipeg, offers a Joint Communications Degree.
U of M Academic Calendar
The Academic Calendar & Catalogue outlines program admission and course requirements. Use the left menu to navigate to a specific faculty and program. To determine which degree path suits your unique occupational goals, speak with a Career Consultant. For support with course registration and academic issues, speak with an Academic Advisor.
Exploring Education Programs
- Search Directories
- CBC Pathways Program - a full-time, 9-month learning and development opportunity for six First Nations, Inuit and Métis candidates who want to develop practical skills as a storyteller in a CBC newsroom
- U.S. Masters in Journalism programs - Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication
Labour market information
Labour market information informs users of supply and demand for specific occupations and sectors. It includes such things as salary and job outlook information. These resources support informed career decision making and job search efforts.
Resources
- Trend Analysis - Job Market Report (Winnipeg Region) - Gov. of Canada Job Bank
- OCCinfo by alis: Wages & Salaries - for Journalists in Alberta
- Occupational Outlook Handbook - Job outlook for the U.S.
- OpportuNext - salary range and job growth prospects - Manitoba
Professional Associations
Professional associations may organize events and provide directories, job postings, career and labour market information. Student membership opportunities may also be available: engage, learn and network!
- Canadian Association of Journalists (CAJ)
- The Canadian Farm Writer's Federation
- Society of Professional Journalists (U.S.)
- Online News Association - non-profit membership organization for digital journalists
- Society of American Business Writers & Editors
Directories, Industry Associations, and Sector Councils
These resources provide industry news, labour market information and a list of potential employers. Remember, there are usually multiple industries worth exploring.
- News Media Canada - database of newspapers
- Canadian Association of Broadcasters - radio, television and specialty members
- Magazines Canada - member directory
- Manitoba Community Newspapers Association - members
- Creative Manitoba
- Sports Media Canada - Canadian branch of the International Sports Press Association
- National Sports Media Association (U.S.)
- North American Broadcasters Association
- Creative Skillset – U.K. Sector Skills Council for the Creative Media Industries
Job Boards
Search occupations of interest in the industry-specific job boards below to learn about skill requirements, employers, job duties and available jobs. You may also wish to search more general online job boards.
Other links
These external resources may provide you with additional information about the occupation and opportunities to build experience:
- Centre for Creative Writing and Oral Culture - University of Manitoba Faculty of Arts
- The Manitoban - University of Manitoba Students' Newspaper
- UMFM Campus Radio Inc. - University of Manitoba campus radio
- Canadian University Press
- National Campus & Community Radio Association
- Reporters Without Borders
- Canadian Journalists for Free Expression (CJFE)
- National Press Club - discussion forum on issues that impact journalists working in traditional and new media formats
- Canadian Media Guild - trade union
- The Canadian Press
- The News Guild: Communications Workers of America (U.S.)
- Columbia Journalism Review (CJR)
- American Journalism Review
- International Federation of Journalists
- International Federation of Agricultural Journalists