6 Ways Journalism Skills Can Help Your Career In Business

There is no right or wrong answer when it comes to what path you take to your dream career. Perhaps you began college wanting to go into journalism and ended it thinking a career in business was more your jam. Maybe you always dreamed of going into business but thought that a journalism degree fulfilled your wants and needs better. Maybe you’re already pursuing your business career but thought some journalism skills would give you a boost in the industry.

Whatever your story, you’re not alone. Many people have found success in the world of business after initially going into journalism. There is a surprising amount of similarities between journalism and business.

The skills you learn in a master's of journalism are highly transferable to a number of other career paths. Here are six reasons why your journalism skills might benefit you and your career in business.

Your communication skills will be second to none

Communication skills are priceless. Professional, respectful communication- or lack thereof- can make or break your business. And since communication skills are highly essential in journalism, they’ll be covered extensively in any degree in journalism.

Businesses rely on effective communication. An important aspect of business is networking. Communicating with your potential business partners, investors, shareholders and clientele will build the foundation of your business. This can mean face-to-face conversations or phone calls, but in the modern world, this often means written communication via the internet.

The most important tool in a journalist's toolbox is the ability to write and edit. Being able to communicate through writing is a highly valuable tool for anyone, but especially for those seeking a career in business. Legible, cohesive written work will make your business appear more professional, and being able to express yourself through words will charm potential customers and shareholders.

It’s not just about grammar and spelling. Communication, whether in the context of journalism or business, must be professional, ethical and appropriate. This is another skill taught in journalism school.

There is a significant overlap between journalism and business

Journalism and business really aren’t that different. In fact, they’re so alike that there is even a career that combines the two- business journalism.

The skills learned in an online master's of journalism are highly similar to the skills learned in a master's of business association. There is a heavy focus on communication, ethics, digital literacy, diversity and integrity. Those pursuing a business career who feel they need a little extra help with the writing and research aspects may find that a master's in journalism better suits them and their needs.

Digital media skills are always handy to have

Technology is one of the handiest tools for a business owner. Social media provides an easy, versatile, fast and often free way to promote your business, communicate and collect data.

Similarly, social media is a highly effective tool for journalists. Budding journalists are taught to use social media to promote their brand. And utilizing media isn’t all about social media. Business owners and journalists alike can use technology to collect data, conduct research, share information, discover exciting new opportunities, code and create their own website.

Research is highly important in both journalism and business. Both careers require you to be highly detailed, accurate and familiar with your audience and what they want.

Marketing is perhaps the most significant aspect of business ownership. You can run the greatest business in the world, but it won’t take off if nobody knows it exists. Journalists know how to market and promote things and how to use digital media to their advantage.

You’ll always be in the know

Journalists are experts at staying on top of news and trends. Journalists must know what’s trending, what’s working, what isn’t working, what the newest advances are and how to stay ahead of competition.

This is a skill that will be highly envied in the business world. Staying on top of what’s popular and new means ample opportunity to generate high-quality and engaging content and services. Staying in tune with what people want can be the key to making your business boom.

Collaboration is important in both journalism and business

What’s another thing that entrepreneurs and journalists have in common? They both rely heavily on connection, communication and collaboration!

Business means networking, and networking means collaborating. Journalists learn to work as a team. After all, if every journalist had to do every aspect of the job- sourcing, writing, editing, photographing, researching, publishing, web design, SEO and more- they wouldn’t be able to generate content very fast. They need a qualified person- or multiple people- doing each job to ensure that their content is well-rounded and high-quality.

Business is the same. You may be a one-person operation, but collaboration can make your business blossom from a side hustle to an empire. Connecting and partnering with the right people can take your business to a whole new level.

It will give your business more credibility

The key to building a stable base of loyal, happy customers is to provide excellent and trustworthy services. There are a few ways you can prove that your business is reliable and that customers will be getting value for their money- but in order to get any customers in the first place, you need to act with the utmost professionalism, integrity and dignity.

Journalism, in a way, is about storytelling. When promoting your business you are telling a story too. Whether you decide to promote yourself via social media, a website, or a physical flier, it must present you and your business as trustworthy.

Did you know that an advertisement laden with spelling errors could decrease the chances of someone using your business? People feel more confident giving their business to someone they feel will act with total professionalism and accuracy. A clean, easy-to-read website or advertisement free of errors and inappropriate language may sway someone to choose your goods and services over a competitor. Journalism, too, means building a credible and engaging brand.

Additionally, journalists must be accurate, truthful, impartial, professional and able to present themselves in a positive way. These are all great skills to have when promoting a business that people can rely on. A business owner without these skills may make the mistake of lashing out at bad reviews, acting inappropriately toward customers, or make their personal political beliefs the main attraction on their professional social media accounts.

Conclusion

It is beyond doubt that journalism and business have many similarities. A background in journalism may put you in a good position to transition into the world of business- or anywhere else your dreams may take you.

If you’re looking for a new opportunity in life and an exciting new environment in which to apply your hard-earned journalism skills, this may be your sign to take the leap!

This article does not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors or management of EconoTimes.