To become a data journalist is not easy. It is tough to break into this field as it is a comparatively new career path in the world of the media. Some firms are seeking for investigative reporters who are skilled at sifting through and visualizing information. Others are searching for applicants with a good knowledge of statistics and big chops in programming.
In this article, I will talk about the ways to become a Data Journalist and leave your footprints in this fairly new venture:
Educational Requirements
Generally, journalism still probably is the best college major for aspiring data journalists who really want to work in conventional news organizations. Among the best programs for a degree in journalism are Northwestern University, New York University, Stanford University, Pennsylvania State University, Arizona State University, and American University.
However, to get the most out of your education, you do not have to go to a great university. You can also join online bootcamp programs or data science training programs as they also give students the chance to develop a portfolio. Look for opportunities that emphasize portfolio-building, practical knowledge, and networking, so that after completing your degree or bootcamp program you have a solid base from which to find a job.
How to Get into Data Journalism?
Gaining a degree or many degrees is a successful first move, but newly accredited journalism practitioners of all types often find that formal schooling in journalism is not as good as online learning and networking.
Many journalism initiatives help students create a pre-graduation resume better than the others, but it doesnot mean you cannot start writing articles when you’re still learning. Free reports are seldom rejected to by local news outlets and smaller publishers. You may as well try offering your services in the big publications.You will succeed in making contacts in the course of writing stories that will potentially prove useful when you’re looking for a job.
You should not get so entangled in the news side of data journalism that the significance of information technology and computer science is overlooked. Start applying to market research companies or analysis tech firms when you are searching for entry level jobs.
In addition, in data journalism, do not underestimate the networking opportunities you can find in webinars, meetups, discussion groups, and workshops. It is more about what you meet entering into real reporting. Eventually, you will need to find the editor-in-chief who really is ready to give you a chance and prove worthy, a budding reporter. Nurture all the potential relations.
Other Ways to Get into Data Journalism Career
You could be a true fountain of insights, and you need to get to practice. When their efforts stand out, motivated citizen-journalists will make it in the field of data journalism. There is plenty of knowledge around nowadays, and there is no reason as your first ventures into data journalism to be important.
The Aron Pilhoferfrom NYTimes advises that aspiring data journalists start off small and with something they already know and do. But always remember that their end-goal is journalism. So again, you might be a great researcher, but you are just not quite ready to dive into data. Maybe you try programming first? Online, there are plenty of free learning activities for a programmer. Also, there are many open databases and several videos that will show you how to visualize and analyze the knowledge so that you might find the experiences hidden inside it.
Besides, there are many online free and cheap data journalism programs. Even if you are seeking a graduate journalism degree, a data journalist will provide additional resources for certification and training.
Do Data Journalists Need to Learn Programming?
The fast reply is no. When folks say about knowledge, they began to assume about programming, so there is a misconception that in order to be successful, data journalists should have coding chops. A lot of them do, but not enough.
The traditional way, some data journalists still retrieve and evaluate data. Othesr will spend some time learning how to use one or even more platforms for analysis, most of which create visualizations which can be incorporated in your articles. Some publishers and academic researchers have customized software that must be used by anyone who enters the company, even though they can achieve the same results by developing their code.
What are the Benefits of Becoming Data Journalist?
If you are still not certain whether you really want to become a data journalist, note that this is all about the job. Do you think the real evidence makes the stories published better? Are you intrigued by the various ways of curating and presenting data? Would you want to introduce media to scientism?
To weigh your answers, take a look at the following advantages of becoming a Data Journalist:
Data Journalists Average Salary per Annum
Data journalism is not really a highly paying career choice, but data journalists just are not doing too poorly, either, with a yearly wage of $49K. So, putting it in a pro or con bucket is totally up to you. Do you think this salary is good enough for you then it is an advantage? If you are striving for more then maybe you should think about becoming Data Scientist or Data Analyst.
Data Journalists Job Satisfaction
Many reporters do not get into the profession for the income, but rather because they enjoy to try and sort out news and see their profiles in the press. In general, data reporters are often inspired with their own right to discern compelling stories. If you are among those people who love to see their names on a story then this is surely an advantage of this field.
Data Journalists has Bright Future
Since data journalism is a fairly new venture, it has a seemingly bright future as coming world is all about digital media. Soon conventional journalism will be replaced by digital journalism and those who are in these field today or are pursuing this career now will surely have the brighter future and endless possibilities.