Joe Grimm's News Jobs Café: Ask the recruiter

How can I get started in high school?

Q: I am an aspiring journalist who is looking to gain newspaper experience in any way possible. What are some ways I could get more involved, seeing as how I am a senior in high school?

Are high school internships available? How and where do I apply for one?

Also, I am trying to make a decision on where to attend college to study journalism. The two colleges I have in mind have little or no journalism programs. Would it make sense to attend a non-journalism school and work on the newspaper for two years, and then transfer to a school like Wisconsin-Madison, who has a pretty good journalism program?

Also, the professional journalists I have talked to do not really seem to like their job due to low salary and long hours. Are these things true and if so how does one overcome them?

Shane

A: Well, you're getting started early, and that's good.

The only real opportunities for high school journalists will be very local. Call the local papers -- especially the smaller ones -- and ask if they can use any help getting high school scores, covering local events -- anything at all. If your high school offers a co-op program or externships, see about doing one of those at a local newspaper.

I am not fully understanding why you are so intent on going into journalism but NOT attending a university where they teach it. However, that can work -- and it can work for transfer students. Just make sure you get a lot of real-world experience starting ASAP.

I know some journalists who are not happy with their jobs, too. Almost everyone I know would like to make more money and work fewer hours. And a lot of us are concerned about the future of journalism. There are changes on the horizon and change can be exhilarating or scary. The happy journalists I know feel fulfilled by what they are doing -- most of the time -- and have found a good balance between work and their personal lives.

High school student into newspaper job?

Q: I absolutely love to write. To me writing is my only way of speech. In my high school I'm a very good writer. I want to major in journalism when I go to college, but what if I'm not good enough to make it? What can I do to enhance my journalism skills? Is there any where I can be an intern?

Ashley

A: One of the secrets of succeeding is deciding that failure is not an option and preparing yourself for only one thing: success. You may change your career plans several times, but each time you set of on a direction, you can plan only for success. Plan and prepare so that you know you will make it.

At this stage -- just out of high school -- any job you can get, even a volunteer job helping out in the newsroom of the smallest paper you can find, will help. Make some calls, knock on some doors, show up.

Write every day. Read good writing. Know what's going on in the news.

Job for an eighth-grader?

Q: Right now I'm an 8th grader at a good private school in Maryland. I will be in high school in the fall. I enjoy writing, reading, typing, and finding out what goes on in the world. I know a lot about politics, poverty, etc. I'm even a member of Greenpeace.

I get very good grades at school, especially in my writing. I'm bilingual. I really want to be a Journalist when I grow up. Unfortunately, I can't wait any longer. I'm sure about this. I've always wanted to do this. Do you think I could get a job in a small newspaper or magazine for starters? Do you think I could without leaving home or am I just dreaming?

Felix

A: Well, I'm taking you seriously.

If you're good enough, you may be able to get some work for a small local paper in your area. That would give you a great start. It could be writing from the perspective of your generation, or it could be work like community news and sports. There's no reason why you shouldn't take a crack at it. There is no minimum (or maximum) age requirement for journalism.

I'd see how soon your new high school will let you get involved in student publications like the newspaper and the yearbook. And if they don't have such opportunities, I'm willing to get you'll get something started.

I'd continue to live at home for a few more years.

Jobs for teens?

Q: I am 14 years old, will be 15 in May, and am at wits' end. Are there jobs out there for 14- and 15-year-olds? I am a 3.5 GPA, very bright and intelligent individual.  I have applied everywhere and I keep getting the same answer: "You must be 16."

Please help, if you know of any place hiring at 14 please tell me...

Ann

A: I admire your work ethic! People often run into discouragement when they try to work at a young age, as newspapers look for people with more professional experience. In your case, however, I would say there are some labor laws on the newspaper's side.

Rather than looking for a traditional job-job, look to do everything you can on high school publications -- both the newspaper and the yearbook.

Also, investigate whether you can write about high school news for local newspapers that might like a correspondent.

You should also look into journalism workshops for high school students. Start by checking whether there is a state press association. They sponsorj ournalism contests and lessons specifically for high school students.

Do the things that welcome 14-year-olds and soon-to-be-15's, and you will be in great shape to tackle professional opportunities in the future.