Journalism in Canada: Career Options and Competencies Required
A diploma in journalism prepares students for a variety of careers, including
- Broadcast journalists
- Editorial assistants
- Magazine journalists
- Newspaper journalists
- Press sub-editors
- Proofreaders
- Print production planners
- Commissioning editors
These are just a few career options for journalists. However, the advancement in digital media and online platforms has opened doors to more exciting career options. The career prospects are bright for new-age journalists. They can be engaged in
- Researching a subject
- Writing and telling stories
- Producing and live-streaming radio and television newscasts
- Covering different events
- Preparing reports
- Writing for magazines, newspapers, radio outlets and social media platforms
- Attending press launches and other events
- Interviewing people face-to-face or on phone
- Writing scripts for bulletins
- Identifying and deploying resources
Competencies Required for Building a Career in Journalism
Building a career in journalism is difficult, given the fierce competition in the job market. In order to seek employment in this field, the professionals are expected to possess some basic knowledge, skills and ability, such as:
- Inquisitiveness
- Excellent writing skills
- Ability to relate to all kinds of people
- In-depth understanding of social and political issues
- Ability to keep up with the latest happenings or current affairs
- Good at absorbing information quickly
- Critical analysis skills
- Ability to handle stress
- Flexible yet creative approach
- Ability to meet deadlines
- Ability to communicate information effectively
A journalism program can help individuals gain all necessary knowledge and skills required to enter the world of work. It helps students learn how to
- Report
- Examine issues
- Tell stories
- Break news
- Operate in a real newsroom
- Produce an online publication
- Write for online media
The course covers a wide range of subjects, including:
- Journalism Design
- News Reporting
- Imaging: Journalism
- Journalism Laws and Ethics
- Magazine/Freelance Journalism
- Advanced Interviewing Techniques
- News Laboratory
- Radio News
- Multiplatform Journalism
- Beat Reporting
- Television News
- Journalism Career Management
The program combines classroom learning, real-world experience producing stories for award winning newspapers and websites, one-on-one interaction with experienced faculty and a one-semester intensive field placement.
Journalism Schools in Canada
There are a number of journalism schools in Canada, but Centennial College offers a fast-track program in journalism that prepares college and university graduates for diverse careers in just two years. It is an accelerated yet intensive program that covers all aspects of traditional and contemporary journalism, preparing students to enter this fast-paced and exciting career.
The college also allows qualified graduates to apply their credits earned during this fast-track journalism course towards further study at the university. They can also choose to pursue their careers right after graduation.
Admission Requirements
In order to apply for this course, students will need:
- College diploma or university degree in any discipline
- Relevant work experience (for applicants with partial post-secondary education)
Additional Requirements
For Applicants with a Record of Published Journalism-Related Work
- An up-to-date resume
- References
- Six-ten published pieces, including clippings, printouts or airchecks
For Applicants without a Record of Published Journalism-Related Work
- Complete a two-part writing test
- Submit an up-to-date resume
- Submit six-eight writing samples