Imaginative careers illustration
Journalist

Did You Know?

A "freelance" journalist doesn't work for one company. They pitch stories to newspapers, websites, radio stations, and magazines, choosing what they cover and who they work with.

career image
FIRST STEPS

How to Get Started

Getting started in journalism begins with paying close attention to the world and asking questions about what is happening and why. Reading news stories, listening to interviews, and noticing how facts are shared helps build early reporting skills. Curiosity, strong communication, and a desire to tell true stories are the first steps toward becoming a journalist.

Explore the Basics

Practice interviewing by asking family members simple questions about their day, hobbies, or favorite memories. Write down their answers or record them (with permission) to practice listening carefully and capturing important details. This helps build skills in asking clear questions, paying attention, and sharing someone else’s story accurately.

Try It Out

Create a family newspaper or newsletter by writing short articles about family events, pets, hobbies, or neighborhood news. Add headlines, drawings, or photos to make it feel like a real publication. This activity helps practice organizing information, writing clearly, and sharing stories with an audience.

Join the Community

Create a neighborhood news board or flyer with help from an adult to share positive news, upcoming events, or fun facts about the community. Include short headlines, drawings, or photos to make the information easy and fun to read. This activity allows you to practice choosing important details and sharing information with a real audience, just like a journalist.

WATCH & LEARN

How to Become a Journalist

Video 1 of 3
CURATED LEARNING RESOURCES

Explore more resources for a future Journalist

Toy / Game / Kit
The Writer's Toolbox: Creative Games and Exercises for Inspiring the 'Write' Side of Your Brain (Writing Prompts, Writer Gifts, Writing Kit Gifts)

The Writer's Toolbox: Creative Games and Exercises for Inspiring the 'Write' Side of Your Brain (Writing Prompts, Writer Gifts, Writing Kit Gifts)

Callan, Jamie Cat

Why We Picked It

This creative kit with game-like writing exercises helps kids think differently, take creative risks, and build confidence in their storytelling voice through playful prompts.

Career Connection

Journalists overcome writer's block and generate fresh angles under deadline pressure, and this toolbox builds the same creative flexibility and rapid-ideation skills that working writers rely on daily.

Toy / Game / Kit
Makolle Kids Camera, Birthday Gifts for Boys and Girls Age 3-8, Green

Makolle Kids Camera, Birthday Gifts for Boys and Girls Age 3-8, Green

Why We Picked It

This durable kids' camera with video recording, filters, and a selfie lens helps children capture the world around them and share their perspective through photos and film.

Career Connection

Photojournalists and multimedia reporters document stories through images and video, and this camera lets kids build the same visual storytelling habit that drives modern digital journalism.

Book
Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life

Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life

Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life

Why We Picked It

Lamott's candid, funny essays tackle first drafts, jealousy, and writer's block while reminding readers they're not alone in the messy, rewarding struggle of writing.

Career Connection

Journalists write under deadline pressure and must push through imperfect first drafts to publish, and Lamott's practical advice builds the same resilience and revision habits that professional newsrooms demand.

Continue Your Journey

Keep exploring everything this career has to offer.