If you have a knack for numbers and still have that journalistic instinct to report news that is both impactful and visible to the public, then you have an advantage as a financial journalist already! Journalism newspaper jobs that cover the financial markets require the highest degree journalistic integrity, accuracy, and ethical awareness. But rest assured, if you choose this path you are choosing a job in journalism that is highly important to the general public. Imagine being able to take what politicians say regarding their budget plans and translate that into a language that regular folks can understand. Imagine the value of being able to explain trends in the stock market so that people can make informed decisions regarding their finances.
Journalism jobs at major newspapers with a focus in finance can mean many things. It could be that you cover politicians and follow up on their statements regarding the economy. You may look at their budgets and determine how feasible they really are and if their public comments are in line with what their budgets actually say. On the other hand, you may be required to follow the various markets and write articles related to stock market trends, do analysis on a company's position in the market and make suggestions for investing.
Jobs in journalism focused on finance may require some specialized training. Apart from a basic journalism or communication degree, it couldn't hurt to have a minor or other degree in finance. An interest in numbers, financial markets, and the way they relate to one another, is a necessity. Many major news outlets also require some practical experience in their financial journalists. This means that having a previous job in the financial sector would be beneficial to your chances at landing a job in journalism for a major news outlet, and it would go a long way to adding credibility to your resume. At an even higher level, some journalism newspaper jobs related to finance might require intense analysis of the financial markets. This type of journalistic reporting would require you to have some advanced degree in finance and would put you ahead of many other journalists trying to pursue jobs in journalism related to financial reporting.
In addition to your degrees and practical experience, jobs in journalism require some practical computer knowledge. With advances in technology, the use of the web to communicate financial ideas, and more tools being applied to financial analysis, it would be helpful to have an affinity for learning these applications and using them to your advantage.
The working conditions for jobs in journalism related to finance can be varied. As a freelance journalist, you simply report on markets, working from home is a possibility. Jobs in journalism working directly for a major publication will require you to work on site for the company in an office with many other journalists and news people. These offices may be rather noisy and congested, or if you work your way to a respectable position at the publication, you may receive your own private office.
Jobs in journalism working for a major publication can be extremely competitive, as these jobs are highly sought after. However, many journalists reporting on finance fail to acquire the necessary education to accurately report on financial news, so if you can prove that you have the necessary financial education and skills to back yourself up, then you will have a better chance at jobs in journalism working for major publications.
Although the growth for jobs in journalism are expected to remain negligible through 2016, it can be assumed that in the financial subset there will be some growth considering the need for journalists who have the financial qualifications to accurately analyze and report on financial news.
There are different jobs in journalism, but ones related to financial reporting have the potential to pay the best. While the median average for general reporters and correspondents are around $35,000 - $40,000 per year, jobs in journalism for senior financial journalists can start as high as $70,000 per year.
Imagine the impact you can have by pursuing jobs in journalism related to the financial sector. Not only can you have the opportunity to work for a major publication, you can make a difference for anyone wondering where their tax dollars are really going and what to do when it comes to investing. The public depends on the accurate translation of financial numbers, both spoken by politicians and from stock market figures, to make informed decisions on how they will vote or how they will invest their money.
You can make a difference as a financial journalist!
