What is the most rewarding part of this job?  The most rewarding part about this job is that, if you love to do it, you can do it as long as you want. It is different every day and never boring; there is always something new and exciting to report on. You also get to meet a lot of new and exciting people.

Background Information:  Reporters/Columnists are hired by newspaper companies that report on many different topics ranging from sports to agriculture. They gather news and information and write articles and columns to keep the public informed on what is going on in their area. They may also write opinion columns or take pictures for the articles. Some columnists may be in charge of designing the newspaper layout as well.

Experience/Education Needed:  In this career, any education in writing is going to be very beneficial and some places even offer degrees like agriculture journalism. Experience in the agricultural field will allow you to become familiar with the industry. It is also important to have a bit of an understanding of government, law, and history.

Average Salary Range: Depending on the size of the company you work for, the average salary for a reporter/columnist can range from $20,000 to $60,000.

Career Roadmap: These are the steps one might take to get to this career.

Start in high school by taking advantage of your English, reading, and writing classes. In college, major in something like agriculture journalism and get exposed to the industry. You can do this through internships or other experiences.  Build your communication skills and study humanities and creative writing. It is also important to gain a strong understanding in government, law, and history.