Help with my major, I am a journalism major and want to be an opinion writer-what should i minor in?

Question

I do not want to work for Time Magazine really or something political, what I want is to either be an opion writer or have a job like Kate Hudsons character in How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days-a 'how-to' girl.

I love to write, but more on a personal opinion bias and I want to work at a magazine. Preferrably a fashion one, maybe one that deals with social issues on every walk of life (relationships, family, work, etc). I want to be the one that writes cool pieces in Glamour or even Teen Vogue or something.

So how would I go about my major/minor if that is what I am interested in? Anyone that could help in this? Would I need some sort of sociology thing or creative writing? I will be at San Francisco State in the fall....any help????????????

Answer 1

Minor in communications

Answer 2

First of all, make a promise to yourself that you will never publish anything in a public forum without checking your spelling and grammar. A professional writer is expected to take pride in literacy, down to the last detail.

While it is helpful to minor in a field related to journalism, minor in something you love. You'll be a better writer for it.

It's never too soon to start a portfolio of your work. If you enjoy editorial journalism (opinions/personal analysis) above all,  the web is full of golden opportunities to have your work read and your abilities noticed.

School and talent are only a tiny part of achieving success in any creative field. Above all, you need to practice your craft. Start a blog. Write a book, music or movie review on Amazon. Review a product on epinions.com Write letters to the editors of your favorite magazines. Start a blog. Donate time to write an article for a non-profit organization. Tutor other students in grammar and English. Become the master of term papers.

Keep a journal. Find a couple of international penpals. Be thoughtful. Write, write, write. Investing tens of thousands of hours in your craft will separate you from the gazillion dime-a-dozen writer wannabes.  

And lastly, writing is like art. Its beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder. Never let a negative opinion about your writing get you down. Sometimes you have to produce garbage before you can deliver the good stuff. Getting good at something is as much about learning what NOT to do as learning how to do it right. If you have a passion for writing, you will succeed. Guaranteed.

Best of luck.

K

Answer 3

English or Creative Writing would either be good minors.  Or maybe some kind of Fashion, if that is offered.  I have a journalism degree in Broadcasting and a minor in Theater.  My advice to you would be start out small and work your way up.  Getting started in journalism is a lot harder than it should be.  Ecspecially broadcasting.  Make sure you get involved in your student paper or magazine and keep anything you write for them,  that way you will have published pieces to present at interviews.  Good luck!