What subjects should I study in the senior years of high school if I want to write for a magazine/newspaper???

Question

Ever since I was little I've always wanted to become a writer for a magazine like 'Girlfriend'/'Seventeen' or a newspaper (something like that). I'm in Year 10 and I need to select my subjects for next year.

What level of English do I need to do (standard, advanced, extension 1 or extension 2) and what other subjects should I do (for example, information technology). Also, what degree should I study in uni (is it Bachelor of Arts - Media and Communication OR Journalism?)

Thanks, and please don't be rude :)

Answer 1

Well, I'm in the states, and all I can say is take what's needed to graduate and get into the university you want to go to. If they offer any sort of journalism classes in your school, then take them, but otherwise you really don't need to worry until you get into college.

After that, you can major either in Mass Comm or Journalism. One isn't really better than the other. You just have to be able to do a good job. (F.Y.I. there really aren't a lot of staff positions below "editor" at major magazines like Seventeen. Many of them fill their pages with freelance pieces. Just to let you know.)

Answer 2

As you are an Australian, I will tailor my answer to suit you.

In High School/Secondary College --

First -- English is very important so I would emphasize learning good spelling, punctuation and grammar. Many people of my age will say that young people do not know good English, and I am one of those, and probably more so.

Second -- It would depend upon which area of the Media you wish to pursue as to which other topics you choose. If you are interested in Fashion then I would look into textiles, dressmaking and related areas. If you are interested in politics at a local, state or federal level then I would suggest economics and political studies plus some Australian and Asian history (as Asia is/will be important in Australia's political sphere). If you wish to go into "Industrial Relations", then again it would be politics, economics and Australian history. If you are interested in covering "court reporting" or "Police-rounds" (fires, fatal car accidents, murders, robberies etc) then I suggest legal-studies.

There are many other specialist rounds plus "general reporting" and each can have their own needs.

If you intend to work as a "Foreign Correspondent" at some time. then I would suggest a minimum of two other languages preferably in the region that you intend to work in. French is good for Indochina or Indonesian for Indonesia and Malaysia (the languages are extremely similar). Tamil or Hindi if you wanted to go to the Indian Sub-continent.  Also, economics, politics, history of the region you wish to work and the culture. I know that some of those languages are not available in High School, but you could always start studying them on weekends etc.

Third -- Which type of media are you wishing to go into?  Newspaper, Magazine, TV, Radio, Public Relations or Internet.

Fourth -- If there is a media class or a school newspaper, then I would suggest you join.

I would also try to approach the local newspaper and see if they will allow you to submit articles and work in their newsroom over the holidays.  The more experience you have of writing, the better you chances are later.

At University --

Here I would suggest doing a BA (journalism), but a BA (media studies) would suffice. ( This is only my suggestion),

I would look at the various universities and see what their journalism and Media courses offer plus what are the availability of subjects in areas that you are interested in. The best university for you may be interstate or well away from where you are living. Talk this over with your parents.

Once at university and doing the subjects that best suit your future career, I suggest you join the university's newspaper and if they have a radio station/TV station, then also work for them.

Again, try submitting to newspaper working your way up to the main dailies.

ALWAYS keep copies of what you have published. Your "portfolio" will help with your gaining a position where you want.

Answer 3

History, Economics, English and Political science, you should be taking these courses because the broader your base of education, the more well-positioned you are to report the news accurately and knowledgeable.  Do as much English as you can because many newspaper editors indicate that they prefer to hire reporters with English majors rather than journalism majors, as English majors often have stronger writing skills.  

Computer literacy including knowledge of page layout programs is vital-- probably more important than a journalism degree. It's included in most journalism degree programs now.

Answer 4

In high school, it does not make a difference which English class you take. If your school offers any journalism or creative writing classes, you should sign up for those.

More important, you should get involved with your school's newspaper and/or yearbook or literary magazine, etc. and continue such in college.

In college, you should study journalism. Also, do not be afraid to take courses in other subjects that include a substantial writing component b/c you will gain a broader knowledge in a variety of subjects, while still building your writing experience. During the summers, look for an internship with a magazine or newpaper or alternative press (local is most likely, though Time, Inc. in New York owns/operates several magazines and offers summer internships)