A 1993 ASNE survey asked editors what fields of study students should take to prepare themselves for newspaper work. Editors thought that courses that developed writing skills and fostered an understanding of economics, statistics, and the basics of reporting were most important. Lower priorities included classes on photography, media law, the role of mass media in society, and journalism ethics. Virtually all editors agree that getting a summer internship on a newspaper while you are in college helps you land that first newspaper job. If an internship isn t possible, the student should make every effort to get published.
Editors are always interested in clippings.
That carries a lot of weight in getting entry-level newspaper jobs. A graduate degree may be interesting and personally useful, but most editors say that they do not pay higher salaries to job candidates because they have a master's degree. Students whose interests lie in photography or the graphic arts should build their portfolios while in college. Knowledge of computer graphics is essential to young people seeking jobs in graphics in today's newspaper environment. Colleges and universities can provide information.