Job Ideas
Journalist
Education Journalists must have a college diploma or a university degree in journalism or a related field (i.e., communications). Other requirements vary depending on the position and may include:
- a university degree in English or history with proven writing skills.
- experience working on school newspapers or doing outside writing work while in school
- one to two years of experience for daily newspapers
- newspaper layout experience and proven competency with a digital camera
Specialized reporting positions, such as a sports reporter or a music reviewer, require considerable background in the field
Salary Starting $40k
Tasks Specific job duties in journalism vary by job title. Reporters gather information on newsworthy events through observation in the field, research and interviews. Some broadcast journalists report live on air from the location of an event. General assignment reporters might cover city hall meetings, business openings, celebrity appearances or political rallies. Some reporters specialize in areas like health, sports, fashion, business or foreign affairs.
News analysts interpret the news from many sources and relay it to an audience through a television or radio broadcast. Correspondents report news from locations around the world. Some larger media outlets assign reporters to a specific beat like crime or politics. Reporters at smaller publications also might take on layout, administrative and editing duties.
Regardless of the specific job duties, all journalists must adhere to strict ethical policies and deadlines. Accuracy and timeliness are key aspects of news gathering and reporting. Increasingly, journalists must possess a working knowledge of computers and databases. People skills, tenacity and flexibility are other important traits of a journalist, according to the BLS.
Journalism positions usually require a bachelor’s degree in journalism, and some outlets require several years experience or a master’s degree. Jobs in the field are shrinking as revenues decline and consolidation continues in the industry, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Hours Varied
Skills
- Determination
- Confidence
- Perseverance
- Excellent oral or written skills
- Interpersonal skills
- Stamina
- Enthusiasm
Travel Yes
Animal Trainer / Behaviourist
Education high school diploma or general equivalency diploma (GED). However, in some cases, a bachelor’s degree is required. For example, a marine mammal trainer must have a bachelor’s degree in biology, marine biology, animal science, or a related field.
Salary upwards $30k
Tasks train animals for riding, harness, security, performance, or obedience, or assisting persons with disabilities. Accustom animals to human voice and contact; and condition animals to respond to commands. Train animals according to prescribed standards for show or competition. May train animals to carry pack loads or work as part of pack team.
Hours Varied
Skills Time management, critical thinking, customer service skills, physical stamina
Travel Depends
National Geographic Graphic Design + Manager
Education Graphic designers usually need a bachelor’s degree in graphic design or a related field. Candidates for graphic design positions should demonstrate their creativity and originality through a professional portfolio that features their best designs.
Salary $50k
Tasks
- Meet with clients or the art director to determine the scope of a project
- Advise clients on strategies to reach a particular audience
- Determine the message the design should portray
- Create images that identify a product or convey a message
- Develop graphics for product illustrations, logos, and websites
- Select colors, images, text style, and layout
- Present the design to clients or the art director
- Incorporate changes recommended by the clients into the final design
- Review designs for errors before printing or publishing them
Hours Varied, office, 9-5
Skills
- Communication skills. Graphic designers must communicate with clients, customers, and other designers to ensure that their designs accurately reflect the desired message and effectively express information.
- Computer skills. Most graphic designers use specialized graphic design software to prepare their designs.
- Creativity. Graphic designers must be able to think of new approaches to communicating ideas to consumers. They develop unique designs that convey a recognizable meaning on behalf of their clients.
- Time-management skills. Graphic designers often work on multiple projects at the same time, each with a different deadline.
- Analytical skills. Graphic designers must be able to look at their work from the point of view of their consumers and examine how the designs they develop will be perceived by the consumer to ensure they convey the client’s desired message.
- Artistic ability. Graphic designers must be able to create designs that are artistically interesting and appealing to clients and consumers. They produce rough illustrations of design ideas, either by hand sketching or by using a computer program.
Travel Most likely not
