5 Quick Tips for Recent Journalism Grads
Photo by olia danilevich on Pexels.
You’ve just walked across the stage, diploma in hand, ready to take on the world of journalism—congrats! Whether you’re dreaming of bylines in national publications or just trying to land your first gig, the early days of your career can feel exciting, confusing and a little overwhelming. We’ve all been there.
Here are five tips to help you navigate the next chapter with confidence:
1. Start writing—anywhere and everywhere.
Don’t wait for The New York Times to come calling before you begin writing or publishing your work. Start a Substack, pitch freelance stories, contribute to local publications or even revive your college blog. The more clips you have, the easier it becomes to prove what you can do. As you publish new pieces, make sure to update your writing portfolio to effectively present your work.
2. Pitch smart and often.
Cold pitching can be intimidating, but it’s also one of the most direct ways to get your foot in the door. Research the publication and editor, tailor your pitch to their audience, and keep it short and clear. Not every pitch will land, and that’s okay. Rejection is part of the process (every seasoned journalist has experienced this!).
Looking for story ideas? Create a custom newsfeed with PR Newswire for Journalists to get the latest press releases in your inbox each morning (or whenever best fits your schedule). Creating a newsfeed targeted to your coverage area can be done in just a few quick steps.
3. Be curious and always open to learn more.
Even if you graduated top of your class, the real world of journalism is going to teach you things the classroom couldn’t. Ask questions, seek feedback and be open to learning from editors, peers and even sources. Curiosity is what makes a great reporter—and a great colleague.
4. Network with authenticity.
It is important to build your network as much as possible; however, it is equally important to be your authentic self. Reach out to journalists you admire for a quick 15-minute chat, attend media events or virtual panels, and stay active on platforms like LinkedIn or X. The 2025 State of the Media Report found that 96% of journalists use social media for a variety of work tasks, so connect with them where they are. Approach it with authenticity—relationship-building for the long term is abundantly better than a quick transactional exchange.
5. Protect your spark.
Journalism can be intense. Tight deadlines, tough edits and the emotional toll of covering difficult stories are real. Take care of your mental health, find supportive mentors and remember why you got into this in the first place. Your perspective is unique and it matters—don’t lose it in the grind.
Final Thought:
Breaking into journalism isn’t easy, but if you’re persistent, humble and passionate, there’s room for you. Stay hungry, stay kind and NEVER underestimate the power of a well-timed follow-up or “thank you” email. You’ve got this!
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Caroline Kouneski
Caroline is an outgoing Content Editor for PR Newswire from Baltimore, MD. Caroline is a Randolph-Macon College graduate, with a bachelor's degree in Political Science, Communication Studies, and Religious Studies. She enjoys game shows, sushi, and visiting the city in her free time.
