Career Evaluation

Jabari Stafford

English 111

Professor Brandon

11/27/12

                                                 Career Choice Research Paper

            In English 111 class with Dr. Brandon, we were instructed to construct a research paper about the career we plan to pursue in. If I was to choose my career choice right this second, I would decide to become a Journalist. It seems to be an extremely entertaining job, although it is a job that will keep me occupied all the time. There are parts of the job that will be fit for me, but there are also parts that will not benefit me. I have done some research to determine whether I like the job or not. I think this is the career that is best suited for my personality.

A journalist or reporter gathers information from sources about a subject and shares it with the world. (Solis, 927) There are many responsibilities also while doing Journalism. First of all you have to ensure you deliver the correct information. If you are not collecting legit and truthful information then you will cause people to believe the wrong facts. Next, you have to “research topics and stories that an editor or news director has assigned to them.” (Solis, Pg. 927) This is part of the reason why it is so fast paced. Thirdly, reporters also “interview people who have information related to a story or article.” (Solis, Pg. 927) This is one of the reasons journalists are not usually in their offices. Reporters have jobs that take lots of time and dedication.

Journalists have many benefits with their occupation. According to the information I gathered from different sources, it has a substantial amount of income. To be precise sports journalist could possibly make between 18,000-75,000 a year. Most of the time a journalist can make about 36,000 a year which is 17.31 an hour. (Solis, 927) These are one of the most important reasons I would enjoy becoming a journalist.

There is also a terrible disadvantage in being a journalist. The employment rate is expected to decline by 8 percent from 2010 to 2020, because readership and viewership of newspapers and televisions are decreasing. (930, Solis) This will definitely lower the possibility of any individual in pursuit of this career. These are one of the biggest downfalls of attempting to become a journalist. Despite the chances becoming slim in being a journalist, it will not prevent me from trying.

To be able to work in this field it is better to have some experience. It can make it easier rather than being introduced as a newcomer. It is preferred that you have a bachelor’s degree in either English or political science, or Journalism. (Solis, 929) I have also researched some internships and jobs in Richmond and other areas. Jobs such as Richmond times Dispatch, Media General Inc., and many more. (Virginia Wizard) The environment of this occupation is very busy. Some of the assignments include going out of country. Journalists possibly stay in a country for a week depending on the job that has to be done. It is a very busy environment, but as a reporter you have to be able to keep up with the pace. (occupational outlook handbook)

In conclusion, many great accomplishments and achievements can come out of this career. A journalist is a challenging, and a difficult job to manage, but with confidence, work ethic, and determination it can surely happen. My future career goal is to be a successful journalist/reporter and to be able to manage my career for as long as I would like.