Choosing a Career

            
             When journalism is chosen as a career, society tends to have a stereotypical image of a group of photographers chasing celebrities. If not, then an image of an anonymous person writing biased comments about current affairs, trying to manipulate the truth. However, their real work earns them every cent they deserve unlike the heartless lawyers who earns millions for defending criminals. The work of journalism, on the hand, consists of interviewing and attending events in all conditions in order to gather news and information for public interest. This is followed by further research into the background information then assessing suitability of reports and articles for public. The process is much more difficult than expected, especially with the requirement of interpreting news at the same time commenting on public's behalf within an established style and format. Although the hard work usually comes to a good income, certain qualities and skills are needed.
             The qualities and skills required mainly evolve around their general knowledge and English skills. All journalists must be able to write clear, concise, objective, and accurate material in a limited time. It also requires the ability to work under pressure and in long, irregular hours under any weather conditions. As the job could be undertaken in different areas, journalists must have good communication skills to gather news from sources and in cases of working on radio or television, must be able to interpret the information clearly. To be successful in their profession, good general knowledge and an interest in current events is necessary to be able to cover any topic of interest. Some other requirements may be learnt in further education after senior high school, such as understanding laws of defamation, contempt and copyright. .
             To find a career in journalism, two options are provided but both require a pass in the year 12 HSC with preferably good results in English.