Job working for sports illustrated?

Question

Im15 years old and I want to be a sports writer. What things in college do I have to major in? How do you get a job with a magazine like sports illustrated? I know you start off at smaller magazine/newspaper and work your way up. How much does a sports writer who works for a magazaine like SI or the houston chronicle get paid?

Answer 1

I know this feeling well. I was the same way.

OK. Write for the high school paper now and see if you like it. Remember, sports journalism is more about journalism than sports. You have to appreciate the language.

In college, there are many schools that have journalism programs. Work in internships and the college newspaper is also good.

Sports Illustrated can afford to be rather picky. Chances are you gain a reputation at another publication, and SI hears about you. I know one guy there who was a fine columnist at a newspaper, and jumped over.

Pay scale? Rick Reilly made major money when he was there. (Don't remember the exact figures, but he certainly was one of the best-paid sports writers in the country.) The staff writers probably do well (low six figures?) . Some write once in a while and are paid by the article -- could be a few thousand dollars if the story is long enough.

Don't know if the Houston Chronicle is a union paper, but it's a pretty big one. It probably pays $60-80,000 or so for most jobs. The writers can make extra money on the side.

Answer 2

Stupid people aside...

I know a couple of sports writers, though I usually work in news, many of them major in journalism in college. Sports writing is slightly different than all other types of news writing. A lot of times, you have to write what your editors tell you to write, but it's also one of the most widely read sections of the newspaper.

Yes, you're right, start at a smaller paper, college papers help, but you're going to learn journalism as a whole first, but just happen to work in sports.

And as far as pay, make sure you learn to be a good overall writer. Those who do their job well get paid better. Last I checked, many papers want good sports writers, so the job market is good for them. But I can't give you a solid figure.

Answer 3

Start by taking journalism classes in high school and college. Get your feet wet!!! Learn to write all styles, not just sports. If you want to make it out here in the world of journalism (and this includes sports) you need to read everyday and write as much as you can. Study books at school and study the world around you. As far as pay...don't except to get rich in any form of journalism kid. Good luck!