Career:
Reporters and Correspondent
Job Description: Collect and analyze facts about newsworthy events by interview, investigation, or observation. Report and write stories for newspaper, news magazine, radio, or television.
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What Reporters and Correspondents do:
- Review and evaluate notes taken about event aspects in order to isolate pertinent facts and details.
- Determine a story's emphasis, length, and format, and organize material accordingly.
- Arrange interviews with people who can provide information about a story.
- Research and analyze background information related to stories in order to be able to provide complete and accurate information.
- Check reference materials, such as books, news files, or public records, to obtain relevant facts.
- Investigate breaking news developments, such as disasters, crimes, or human-interest stories.
- Revise work to meet editorial approval or to fit time or space requirements.
- Receive assignments or evaluate leads or tips to develop story ideas.
- Gather information about events through research, interviews, experience, or attendance at political, news, sports, artistic, social, or other functions.
- Discuss issues with editors to establish priorities or positions.
- Report news stories for publication or broadcast, describing the background and details of events.
- Research and report on specialized fields such as medicine, science and technology, politics, foreign affairs, sports, arts, consumer affairs, business, religion, crime, or education.
- Review copy and correct errors in content, grammar, and punctuation, following prescribed editorial style and formatting guidelines.
- Photograph or videotape news events, or request that a photographer be assigned to provide such coverage.
- Develop ideas or material for columns or commentaries by analyzing and interpreting news, current issues, or personal experiences.
- Transmit news stories or reporting information from remote locations, using equipment such as satellite phones, telephones, fax machines, or modems.
- Write columns, editorials, commentaries, or reviews that interpret events or offer opinions.
- Conduct taped or filmed interviews or narratives.
- Present live or recorded commentary via broadcast media.
- Write reviews of literary, musical, or other artwork, based on knowledge, judgment, or experience.
- Edit or assist in editing videos for broadcast.
What work activities does a Reporters and Correspondent do?
| Importance | Activities | |
|---|---|---|
Getting Information - Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources. |
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Communicating with Persons Outside Organization - Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail. |
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Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others - Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used. |
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Thinking Creatively - Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions. |
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Interacting With Computers - Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information. |
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Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events - Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events. |
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Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships - Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time. |
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Performing for or Working Directly with the Public - Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests. |
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Documenting/Recording Information - Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form. |
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Processing Information - Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data. |
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Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge - Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job. |
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Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates - Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person. |
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Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work - Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work. |
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Analyzing Data or Information - Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts. |
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Making Decisions and Solving Problems - Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems. |
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Scheduling Work and Activities - Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others. |
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Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People - Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people. |
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Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings - Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems. |
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Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards - Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards. |
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Developing Objectives and Strategies - Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them. |
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Selling or Influencing Others - Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions. |
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Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others - Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others. |
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Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information - Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity. |
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