An increasingly large number of young people, as well as many others long established in occupations as diverse as medicine, the law, the armed services and numerous trades and craft industries, are being attracted to careers in the media.

It is not surprising, therefore, that degrees and diplomas in media studies are now the most sought-after in Britain and the US.

Those who document historical moments, people and current events become just as important as the events that they are covering. The field of journalism puts you right in the pages of history as you document everything from press conferences with politicians and groundbreaking developments to outrageous celebrities and sporting events. Not only is journalism one of the most exciting professions, it also allows for many career paths including: magazine, newspaper or TV reporting (in a variety of areas), online journalism, radio broadcasting, and editing. However, before you can think of embarking on an exciting and fast-paced career in this field, you must obtain a degree or diploma from one of Canada’s respected Journalism Programs.

Whether your preference is the speedy online world where updates are added to articles right as they happen or the magazine platform, which requires more of a literary style of writing or perhaps the action of live radio or TV broadcasting, training starts with the same basics. First and foremost, students begin journalism school by taking reporting, research and editing courses, which allow you to understand journalistic structure and theory. In addition, at Centennial College, journalism students also receive extensive hands-on training, which, in this field, is just as important as theory. You will apply your research, interview and writing skills by being an active journalist for a community newspaper and an online publication. These experiences guarantee that you understand the inner workings of a newsroom and the procedures taken to ensure that stories are factually accurate, concise, consistent and conversational so the public may easily relate. Centennial’s Journalism School also does an amazing job of helping students to develop new multi-platform and online skills, as much of today’s news is being produced for online avenues. Another important aspect of the journalism program is its field placement, which puts students into the newsrooms of some of the most respected newspapers, magazines or news stations. The real-life experience allows you to build your portfolio, which is essential to any journalist seeking employment.

More and more people are getting into journalism career because they feel that this is one profession that would give them freedom in terms of work schedule, office attires, and even in speaking their minds.

If you are one of those people who are looking forward into a journalism career, it is best if—as early as—now, you would start qualifying yourself for the position. The best thing that you need to do is really know if the journalism career is really what you want to do. It is best to understand the industry very well first before you finally decide on it.

You can do this by conducting a simple research on how it is like to have a journalism career. You can find many articles—some of these are even written by prominent figures in the newspaper industry—and ask yourself if you are willing to take this path. Once you have decided, you now have to earn the credentials needed for it or that can help you to achieve that goal of having a journalism career.