To become an investigative journalist today, you’ll need a different set of skills than investigative journalists in the past. Information is more accessible to writers than it was in the past, thanks to the Internet and advances in data management. However, as the amount of data available to modern reporters grows, it becomes more difficult to isolate trustworthy information and distinguish facts from hearsay. As a result, in order to prepare for a career as an investigative journalist, a person will need a background that includes both professional and academic training as well as modern journalistic ethics.
Volunteering in the field of journalism is one of the first steps toward becoming an investigative journalist. Even just getting a foot in the door of the industry, whether it’s a volunteer stint in a newspaper’s mail room or an unpaid internship with a documentary crew, can help someone get into a journalism program. When it comes to admissions, both community college certificate programs and bachelor’s degree programs in journalism are typically very competitive, and prior industry experience is highly valued. In almost all cases, an academic background that includes having taken some kind of journalism program is required to become an investigative journalist, as these programs teach a combination of skills and ethics required in the field.
Additional classes in library studies or information management, in addition to the required classes for a journalism certificate or bachelor’s degree, can teach one the investigative skills needed to become an investigative journalist. These abilities could include the ability to find highly relevant statistics and quotes, as well as the value of fact-checking and locating credible sources. These abilities are important not only for maintaining professional credibility, but also for avoiding legal liability such as libel and defamation claims.
Although job opportunities in investigative journalism with print newspapers are dwindling, those who aspire to be investigative journalists can still find work in other media. In their investigative reporting, TV newsmagazines and major news networks require a large group of journalists, including writers, editors, fact-checkers, and news anchors. Investigative journalists can also work in government, communications departments, documentary production, and citizen journalism blogging. Before applying for an investigative journalism position, it’s a good idea to reach out to journalists you’ve met in the field, whether through volunteer opportunities, internships, or classes, to see if they know anything about the job. This type of networking is crucial in the job search because any existing contacts with the hiring organization can give the applicant an advantage in the recruitment process.