Wondering if a degree in journalism is for you? Check out this advice for becoming a successful journalism student.

For those interested in just about anything, a career in journalism can lead to a myriad of creative freedom.

If you are debating whether or not to pursue a degree in journalism, here’s a bit of advice on how to survive the busy yet rewarding journey.

Writing is Essential

You have to love to write…a lot. After all, writing is the profession. The more you write, the better you will become and the easier it gets. This tip may seem a little obvious, but you’d be surprised how many journalist hopefuls don’t realize the ability to write is essential. Even broadcast journalism majors have to have good writing skills in order to create a compelling story for the camera.

Don't Be Late

Deadlines, deadlines, deadlines. If you want succeed as a journalism major (and as a journalist period), you must know how to be on time with your work. For some, making deadlines come naturally. But for the rest of us, it takes two dreaded words: time management. Time management is tough to accomplish, but as the cliché goes, practice makes perfect.

Network Yourself

The key to making it in the world of journalism is networking. Get to know your professors and don’t be afraid to ask for advice. They are there for your benefit so they should be more than happy to give their feedback. If a professor is not easily accessible, ask a teaching assistant or soon-to-be graduate for help.

Some journalism courses also invite journalism professionals to speak. This is another perfect opportunity to network by asking questions and becoming more informed about what to expect in the future.

Speakers are also another opportunity to attain…

Internships

Internships are the gateway to getting a job after graduation. Your journalism degree can mean absolutely nothing when you don’t have any real-world experience under your belt.

If you are not yet ready to venture outside of the comfort of your college campus, try to work for the school newspaper, TV station, radio station or yearbook. These are also great ways to get experience during the school year when commuting to far away internships are too much of a hassle for the busy student.

Summers are typically the time most students (usually juniors and seniors) grab internships. Don’t procrastinate when applying; the good ones tend to go fast.

Of course, the intern has the reputation as the lowly, awkward, coffee-making errand runner who goes completely unnoticed. Yet the truth is most good journalism intern programs focus on what they are intended to be in the first place: a learning experience.

When looking for an internship, it is important to apply to the companies who genuinely want to help their interns gain valuable skills. Although most internships don’t pay a salary, the experience gained can prove rewarding in the future.

Usually, universities have career centers with access to internships. Some journalism departments also have internship databases so do a little research on what your university has to offer.

Take a Break from Journalism

Lastly, breathe in, breathe out. Don’t forget to take breaks from the writing, reporting and more writing. It does no good to drive yourself crazy before you even graduate. Of course, journalists are sometimes crazy anyway.

For more information visit these reputable j-school sites: University of Missouri School of Journalism, Columbia University School of Journalism (Graduate Program), Northwestern University Medill School, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill School of Journalism and Mass Communication