Woods 1

Bryant Woods

COM-2950

Professor Gilmer-Knudson

May 8, 2017

Career Plan - Reporting

For this assignment I have chosen a reporter. A typical entry-level reporter should expect

to make $38,870 a year, to begin with, according to the Occupational Outlook Handbook. The

three states with the highest levels of employment for reporters are New York, California, and the

District of Columbia. The cost of living varies for each of these locations. In New York it ranges

from $2,748 to $8,672 a month, California is $2,755-$7,787 a month, and the District of

Columbia is $3,510-11,289. For this reason, I should expect to live in one of these states.

However, depending on the organization that I choose to work with, that will play into where I

live and where I would be traveling. The news that I wish to report on would be special interest

whether it be for music, entertainment, or a sport. I should expect to travel to certain events

depending on what type of work I am involved with; travel is inescapable.

To qualify for this position a Bachelors degree in Communications and Journalism is

typically needed. However, depending on the organization you are working with, you may be

hired with a degree in a similar subject such as English or political science. Even if you dont

major in political science it is recommended to take courses in this field so that reporters have

experience with a wide array of different subjects. Currently, I will have my Associates degree

in Communications once this semester concludes, and then I will be transferring to the
 Woods 2

University of Maryland. Though it may seem unorthodox, I would venture into the field of

reporting with a Bachelors degree in Philosophy. I believe the philosophy program provided by

UMD is applicable to many career fields including those in reporting. Studying ethics and logic

will lend itself to me providing the most concise and objective reports, as well as fulfilling my

duties pragmatically. My writing will have a level of clearness and directness that is absent from

other aspiring journalists. Aside from just the classroom, I would also look to enter internships as

well where I could get more experience on reporting and conducting interviews. Though I do

have some experience interviewing people from podcasting, it would be essential for me to

further hone my skills. Through interviewing I would be practicing reading and writing skills

that I need to further expand upon. I would like to compile a portfolio of on-air appearances as

well as writing samples.

News can happen at any time, and therefore reporters work beyond just full-time and

have to be prepared to work weekends as well as overnight. You are expected to be the first on

the story and are tasked with working in a fast paced environment. Reporters spend hardly any

time in an office and spend most of their time in the field traveling for events, filing stories,

interviews, and meeting contacts. The primary duties of the job include conducting interviews

and investigating stories. Photography may also be done by the reporter or a photographer/artist

they are collaborating with. Skills in speaking, listening, reasoning, and social perceptiveness are

mandatory for the job.

If I am able to report on the news and events that truly interest me, that would be me

fulfilling my mission statement. In an ideal world I would be working closely to my passions and

thus if I were able to report on music or professional wrestling it would lend itself to a very
 Woods 3

fulfilling job. If given the opportunity to utilize what I have learned and be able to have engaging

conversations and interviews with fellow intellectuals, I believe that would be a gratifying life.

Works Cited

"Summary." U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, n.d. Web.
05 May 2017.

"Research Cost of Living." Career Trends. Career Trends, n.d. Web. 05 May 2017.

"Occupation Details - Reporter." Focus 2 Career. College of Southern Maryland, n.d.

Web. 05 May 2017.