Is a Journalism Masters after my Current Masters worth it?

[ahirameno]

I'm currently in a Masters of Environmental Policy. It's a dual degree program wherein I finished my undergraduate degree in 3 years, so I'm going to graduate a year earlier than the typical age. I am thinking of trying to get into the journalism field with an environmental niche based on my knowledge of the subject from my two environmental degrees.

I'm thinking about applying to journalism Masters programs (in NYC). I spoke to a journalist friend who told me to try to get into journalism now without a formal education in it, try coming up with some stories and pitching them, but I just don't know how to do any of that and don't know who would take my work when I have no experience. Because I'm in such a big city, IDK any local publications who would let me write for them for free.

I have always been a writer but don't necessarily have any published work to show for it. I have started a little blog. I wrote a short post for the blog of the environmental advocacy nonprofit that I currently intern at. I'm co-authored on a research paper that is to be published in an academic journal. I've done a lot of research papers and policy briefs in my graduate program. That's about it.

Do you think I should go to journalism school? If so, any suggestions? If not, how else do I break into the industry and gain the knowledge I need to gain?

I would also love to hear about anyone's experiences in a grad journalism program! Thanks.

[ahirameno]

On 8/26/2022 at 6:07 PM, ahirameno said:

I'm currently in a Masters of Environmental Policy. It's a dual degree program wherein I finished my undergraduate degree in 3 years, so I'm going to graduate a year earlier than the typical age. I am thinking of trying to get into the journalism field with an environmental niche based on my knowledge of the subject from my two environmental degrees.

I'm thinking about applying to journalism Masters programs (in NYC). I spoke to a journalist friend who told me to try to get into journalism now without a formal education in it, try coming up with some stories and pitching them, but I just don't know how to do any of that and don't know who would take my work when I have no experience https://omegle.onl/ https://vshare.onl/. Because I'm in such a big city, IDK any local publications who would let me write for them for free.

I have always been a writer but don't necessarily have any published work to show for it. I have started a little blog. I wrote a short post for the blog of the environmental advocacy nonprofit that I currently intern at. I'm co-authored on a research paper that is to be published in an academic journal. I've done a lot of research papers and policy briefs in my graduate program. That's about it.

Do you think I should go to journalism school? If so, any suggestions? If not, how else do I break into the industry and gain the knowledge I need to gain?

I would also love to hear about anyone's experiences in a grad journalism program! Thanks.

I got this,..

[Alex741]

Honestly, I’d try getting some journalism experience before committing to another Master’s. Your environmental background could actually be a huge advantage for environmental journalism, and you already have more relevant writing experience than you’re giving yourself credit for—research papers, policy briefs, a nonprofit piece, a blog, and an upcoming academic publication.

I’d start by pitching a few smaller stories related to environmental issues in NYC. You don’t necessarily need to work for free; look for local publications, niche environmental outlets, newsletters, and smaller digital publications that accept freelance pitches. Your goal initially would be to build a small portfolio and learn the pitching process.

A journalism Master’s could definitely be worthwhile if you want structured training, internships, networking, and access to editors, but I wouldn’t assume you need the degree just to prove you can be a journalist. Give yourself a few months to test the waters first. If you enjoy reporting and start getting clips, you’ll also have a much clearer idea of whether journalism school is worth the investment.