Are you a stickler for the facts? Do you find yourself nutty for the news? Do the answers to who, what, when, where, and why get your pulse racing? If so, then a career in journalism might be for you. If you've got a talent for writing and a desire to see your name in print or to be front and center as a TV news anchor, then perhaps journalism school, sometimes called j-school, might be the right option for you.

Write on!
If you enroll in journalism school, whether it is on the undergraduate or graduate level, be prepared to write. Even if you've got a hankering for being on camera as a broadcast journalist, you will need to learn what goes into crafting a news story. A news story is first and foremost about disseminating the facts to readers and listeners, but it's also about conveying those facts in a way that will make people continue reading and listening.

You might have aspirations of winning the Pulitzer Prize one day, but keep in mind that your first job as a journalist after completing journalism school will most likely be a humble one. Many successful journalists note that their first jobs were at small newspapers, covering stories like community board meetings and school events. However small your first few assignments are, keep in mind that you are building a portfolio of your work, and so any kind of writing will be helpful to you as you establish your journalism career.

During and after journalism school, expect to earn a modest salary. While a formal education in journalism is very important, what also matters greatly is that you prove yourself as a writer. Journalists often refer to a specific article or interview that was the launchpad to their success.

Although it's not required, many people choose to earn a master's or doctoral degree in journalism, though this advanced level of study is usually more appropriate for those who wish to become journalism professors.

Journalism school students can expect to learn about the history of journalism, ethics, industry trends, research, interviewing techniques, and, of course, reporting and writing. Many students opt to complete an internship in addition to classwork in order to get real-world experience and make connections in the field.

Beyond Black and White
People need to know what's going on in their communities and the world at large, which is why journalists are so important. Although newspapers are a huge part of the journalism world, don't forget about news and consumer magazines. This longer form of journalism is often a desirable career route for journalists who enjoy showcasing their own unique style of writing as they report the news.

Many people prefer to read their news online, which is why blogs have become so popular. A blog (short for "web log") is a frequently updated column about a single topic or a multitude of topics. Many traditional news outlets are incorporating blogs into their online presence to keep up with the times. Journalism schools will help you learn how to not only report and write, but also how to develop a writing style that online readers can relate with.

Although it might seem that print newspapers are having a bit of trouble these days, that doesn't mean that journalism is on its way out. That's why journalism schools are adapting to the changing faces of media, including Internet and social media platforms.

While many journalism program graduates seek full-time positions on the staff of newspapers, magazines, and news programs, a good number also opt for freelance careers. A career as a freelance journalist allows writers to seek their own assignments by pitching story ideas to many different sources. It is definitely challenging to make a good living as a freelance journalist, but there are some who do earn top salaries.

So if you are an aspiring journalist, get "write" on it and attend journalism school to jumpstart your career and meet industry professionals who can help you pave your path to writing success.