Investigative journalists today need a combination of professional and academic training to navigate the vast amount of data available online. Volunteering in journalism and taking classes in library studies or information management can also help develop the necessary skills. Opportunities exist in various media, including government blogs, documentary production, and citizen journalism. Networking is important for job seekers.
An individual striving to become an investigative journalist today requires a different skill set than investigative journalists in the past. Thanks to the Internet and innovations in data management, information is more accessible to writers than ever before. However, an increase in the volume of data available to the modern reporter can also make it difficult to isolate reliable information and separate fact from hearsay. As a result, a person will need a combined background of professional and academic training, involving modern journalistic ethics, in order to prepare to become an investigative journalist.
One of the first steps to take towards becoming an investigative journalist is to volunteer in the field of journalism. Just having a position in the marketplace, whether it’s a volunteer position in a newspaper’s mailroom or an unpaid internship with a documentary crew, can give someone an edge in getting into a journalism program. Both community college and Bachelor of Journalism certificate programs are typically quite competitive when it comes to admissions and look favorably on prior experience in the industry. An academic background that implies having completed some type of journalism program is required in almost all cases to become an investigative journalist, as it teaches a combination of skills and ethics required in the field.
In addition to taking classes required for a journalism certificate or bachelor’s degree program, additional classes in library studies or information management can teach you the investigative skills needed to become an investigative journalist. These skills can include the ability to research highly relevant statistics and quotes, as well as the importance of properly fact-checking and finding credible sources. Not only are these skills important for maintaining professional credibility, they also help you avoid legal liabilities such as libel and defamation charges.
While job opportunities for investigative journalism with print newspapers may be dwindling, there are still opportunities in other media for those striving to become an investigative journalist. Television magazines and major news networks require a large ensemble of journalists in their investigative reporting, including writers, editors, fact-checkers and anchors. Opportunities also exist for investigative journalists in government blogs, communications departments, documentary production and citizen journalism. Before applying for a position in investigative journalism, it’s helpful to reach out to journalists we already know in the field, whether through volunteer opportunities, internships or classes, and see if they know anything about the position. This type of networking is an important part of the job search, as any existing contact with the organization you are hiring can give the candidate a competitive edge in the recruitment process.
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