OFO No: 343101

Other names for Photojournalist:

What is a Press Photographer? What is a Photojournalist?

A Press Photographer (Photojournalist) tells a news story mainly through pictures (using both stills and video).

The “press” usually refers to newspapers.

Press Photographers or Photojournalists tend to travel a lot.  Their bags are usually small and light for easy movement.  They usually carry with them a couple of cameras, lenses, a flash and a notebook and pen to record details and even write stories.  Most Photojournalists are also reporters.

Photojournalists work within a strict ethical framework which demands that the work is both honest and impartial. 

What does a Photojournalist do?

• getting and finishing between 2 and 6 assignments (approx.) in an eight-hour workday.
• spotting possible news worthy stories
• setting deadlines
• getting accurate directions to locations
• arriving early at locations
• setting up equipment, prepare backgrounds and work out angles
• taking photographs
• editing them according to ‘press’ specifications
• being on call, working shifts, being ready 24-7 to shoot news stories
• being ready at all times with equipment

Are you … ?

• interested in the news?
• love photography?
• work on your own?
• motivated?
• quick thinker?
• confident?
• energetic?
• a keen writer?
• handle yourself in stressful or volatile situations?
• stake out locations for long  periods of time?

How do I become a Press Photographer? How do I become a Photojournalist?

Photojournalists usually need a college degree or diploma in photography. They must keep up-to-date with the latest photography equipment eg cameras, scanners, software and internet technology. 

Photojournalists are always attending launches of new products, conferences etc to keep themselves skilled.

A good Photojournalist always maintains their portfolio. This shows the photographer’s skill with a wide variety of photographic subjects and covers a wide range of techniques. Their portfolio usually consists of approximately 20 images.  It’s important that Photojournalists get their photography published.

For TRAINING OPTIONS: CLICK HERE

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER:  Camera Operator … or … Photographer

Is becoming a Press Photographer / Photojournalist the right career choice for me?

OFO No: 264202

Other names for Fashion Editor:

• Newspaper or Periodical Editor
• Associate Editor
• Editor
• Editorial Administrator
• Features Editor
• Legal Editor
• Magazine Designer
• News Editor
• Pictures Editor
• Programme Editor
• Publications Advisor
• Publications Editor
• Publications Officer
• Subeditor
• Technical Editor
• Website / Blog Editor

What is a Fashion Editor?

If the idea of fashion and creativity excite you – why not think of becoming a Fashion Editor.  This job may be perfect for you!

A Fashion Editor’s career is filled with glamour and lots of hard work! 

• They are always deadline driven and work tirelessly to bring new faces, fashion styles and trends to the public’s attention. 
• Fashion Editors usually work for magazines and are responsible for the content, creation and layout and presentation of fashion-specific articles and photographs for the magazine. 
• They can also work for websites, newspapers or television shows.
• Fashion Editors may specialise in a particular field such as: clothing, accessories, beauty and make-up etc or in some cases – work in all these fields.
• Well known Fashion Editors wield huge influence on the world of style and, therefore, can make or break an up and coming designer’s career.

What does a Fashion Editor do?

• constantly researches new fashion trends
• guides the direction of a publication in terms of clothing, accessories and shoes etc
• supervises writers or writes articles themselves
• formulates and styles fashion photo shoots
• chooses photos for publication
• makse sure design layout is eye-catching and appropriate
• networks with industry professionals like designers, photographers, trend-setters etc
• attendsfashion and trade shows

Are you … ?

• passionate about fashion?
• creative?
• stylish?
• a person with a good sense of colour and design?
• determined?
• a good writer?
• computer literate?
• able to delegate?
• able to meet deadlines?
• able to work well under pressure?
• detail orientated?

How do I become a Fashion Editor?

Most Fashion Editors either come with a background in fashion or graphic design. 

See ‘Fashion Designer’ and ‘Graphic Designer’ for more study details.

PATH 1

You may start your career as a Fashion Editor – first, as a junior layout artist or an assistant to an established Fashion Editor. 

You would gain experience through these positions and eventually, after many years experience, work your way up into the position of Fashion Editor.

PATH 2

National Certificate in Editing and Document Design

TRAINING:

• CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
• Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
• To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education. 
• CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions. 

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER:  Set Designer … or … Furniture Designer

Is becoming a Fashion Editor the right career choice for me?

Art Director

CLICK HERE

for more info about this career

OFO No:

What is a Crime Reporter?

Are you tenacious, determined and passionate about writing and would enjoy covering stories emanating from the crime world? Then consider following a career as a Crime Reporter.

A Crime Reporter will need to analyse crime trends and statistics in order to comment on and analyse relevant issues and write about breaking crime stories.

They will need to be self-motivated and generate stories through a wide range of contacts:  for example through the police, social workers, crime and forensic investigators, informants.

As a Crime Reporter you will need to work shifts, have a good news sense and be a qualified journalist.

What does a Crime Reporter do?

• is always alert to breaking crime through informants and other networking systems
• is constantly keeping up to date with crime statistics and crime information
• keeps up to date with new technology relating to forensics and police procedures
• attends police press releases
• visits crime scenes to take photographs and get their own point of view
• interviews relevant parties: friends, neighbours, work colleagues, etc of suspect and victim
• researches background of crime and similar crimes for comparison
• checks facts
• writes interesting articles or posts for newspapers, magazines or blogs
• keeps their own blog (maybe)
• reports objectively

Are you … ?

• passionate about writing?
• interested in crime?
• inquisitive?
• interested in facts, stats and figures?
• knowledgeable about police procedures?
• detail orientated?
• observant?
• confident?

How do I become a Crime Reporter?

You have to have a degree in Journalism.  See under Journalist on our website for more details.

An interest in crime, forensics, ballistics and the law would obviously be extremely beneficial. 

TRAINING:

• CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
• Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
• To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education. 
• CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions. 

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Author/Writer … or … Copywriter 

Is becoming a Crime Reporter the right career choice for me?

OFO No:

What is a Film Critic?

Can you imagine a job where you actually get paid to watch movies? That’s precisely what a Film Critic does.

Film Critics are paid to watch films of all genres (subjects) and give their brutally honest opinion in the form of written reviews.

Film Critics usually attend a film’s opening, so they see the film and crit it long before the public gets to see it.

A review from a Film Critic is subjective. A Film Critic should have good sense of quality to distinguish a cheesy comedy from an awarding winning comedy, a spaghetti western from a good western film etc.

Reviews from Film Critics are publicised on the radio, television, in various print media, on the internet etc – which means that Film Critics may have a significant influence over audience attendance.

However, reviews must never reveal the ending or give too much away.

Film Critics must have a love of arts, culture and journalism.

NOTE:  Only a handful of Film Critics make it ‘big’, –  many Film Critics write other articles as well for newspapers, blogs etc as a side profession.

What does a Film Critic do?

• watches film screenings – sometimes more than one in a day
• evaluates the acting, editing, plot, themes, and quality of the script and soundtrack
• attends film openings otherwise known as premieres
• researches films and their storylines, background to directors and producers and any other interesting facts about the making of the movie
• meets newspapers / magazines deadlines
• makestelevision / radio appearances

Are you…?

• creative?
• passionate about films?
• able to work independently?
• a self-starter?
• a good writer?
• able to express yourself well?
• willing to work unusual hours?
• willing to watch both good and bad movies?

How do I become a Film Critic?

A degree or diploma in Film is recommended.

• SA FILM (News & Resources for SA Film Makers)

Alternatively, you could consider a degree in Journalism but you would also need courses in film studies.

• UNIVERSITY OF THE WITWATERSRAND

Bachelor of Arts: Dramatic Arts (BADA) with a specialisation in Film and television

TRAINING:

• CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
• Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
• To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education. 
• CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions. 

OTHER CAREERS:  Art Critic, Copywriter … or … Journalist

Is becoming a Film Critic the right career choice for me?

OFO No: 264201

Other names for Copywriter:

What is a Copywriter?

The job of a Copywriter is to create words, slogans, tag lines or scripts to promote a person, business, opinion or idea.

Their work is read in various marketing materials, sales letters, on postcards, brochures, flyers, posters, billboards, in email advertisements, on internet sites, in catalogues, in television or radio commercials, press releases and other marketing items.

Sometimes, Copywriters are expected to write the ‘body’ content for a brochure, document or other promotional items. 

Copywriters usually work alongside an art director or in a creative department/agency. They work closely with the client’s brief and the creative team to produce effective advertising campaigns.

What does a Copywriter do?

• discusses with clients/advertising agencies their requirements and understands their brief
• brain-storms
• researches client’s target market, company profile/image and their competitors
• creates ideas and concepts and presents to clients
• writes clear, original copy
• checks for spelling and grammar errors
• amends or updates copy in response to feedback from art director/client
• monitors and records the effectiveness of the advertising campaign
• keeps up to date with popular culture and trends

Are you … ?

• a person who loves creative writing?
• a quick and out-the-box thinker?
• excellent at communication both written and spoken?
• good at concentrating?
• a team player?
• a person with a good, all-round general knowledge?
• computer literate?
• able to work long hours?
• good under stress?
• deadline committed?
• quality driven?

How do I become a Copywriter?

A Copywriter does not need training but they do need a bucket load of talent and be particularly adept at creative writing.

A qualification in copywriting, journalism or linguistics will help you jump ahead of the rest and it may assist you in getting employment. 

Here are a few examples:

• AAA SCHOOL OF ADVERTISING: (Cape Town and Johannesburg)

Offers a 2-year or 1-year postgraduate Copywriting Diploma

Offers part-time copywriting courses 

• SA WRITERS’ COLLEGE:  (Cape Town)

Minimum requirements: 

Basic writing and computer skills.  Be able to email and have connection to the internet.

• UNIVERSITY OF KWAZULU NATAL

Offers a Diploma in Copywriting

TRAINING:

• CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
• Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
• To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education. 
• CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions. 

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Journalist … or … Author … or… Linguist 

Is becoming a Copywriter the right career choice for me? 

See under:  Disc Jockey, Radio / Television Presenter and Sports Commentator / Announcer on our website for more information.

OFO No: 264302

Other names for Translator:

CLICK HERE

Youtube clip – The Career of a Translator

For training options in South Africa – scroll down

What is a Translator?

Are you bilingual or trilingual?

Do you have a love of languages and a flair for linguistics (the study of human languages)? Then a career as a Translator might interest you.

Translators put written, oral or sign language text into one or more languages, keeping the message the same.

Fields of translation:

• Commercial translation

Documents for the business sector including correspondence, reports, accounts, and tenders

• Legal translation

 Legal documents, such as contracts and treaties. Translators can also work for the courts system

• Literary translation

 Novels, poems, plays, and non-fiction literature

• Media translation

 Press material for newspapers, magazines, blogs, media websites, etc

• Medical translation

 Medical books, medicine instructions, manuals for medical equipment, etc. Mis-translation in the medical field can have serious consequences, so accuracy in extremely important!

• Technical translation

IT documents such as owner’s manuals, user guides, technical instructions, etc.

What does a Translator do?

• listens to tape of recorded conversations, translates and transcribes
• listens to live conversations or speeches and translates phrase by phrase trying not to lose context or style being conveyed
• reads and translates documents (technical, medical etc)
• proofreads and edits translated materials
• liaises with clients to ensure points, nuances, and context are communicated exactly and clearly
• follows ethical codes to protect the confidentiality of the information that they are translating
• identifies conflicts that might arise in relation to the meanings of words, concepts, practices or behaviours and being able to resolve them
• translates messages simultaneously into specified language, orally or by using hand signs, ensuring that the message content, context and style remain the same
• checks accuracy!

Are you … ?

• proficient in more than one language?
• a lover of languages?
• good a grammar, spelling etc?
• an active listener?
• accurate?
• an excellent communicator?
• good at memorizing information?
• able to communicate ideas effectively and clearly in writing?
• computer literate?
• good at comprehension?
• detail orientated?

How do I become a Translator?

• THE SOUTH AFRICAN TRANSLATORS’ INSTITUTE: (SATI)

http://translators.org.za/sati_cms/index.php?frontend_action=display_text_content&content_id=1

There are various ways to train to become a Translator.

Here are some options:

• A National Diploma, BTech and MTech can be done at some universities of technology.
• A Bachelors of Arts in either Applied Languages, Translations Studies or Linguistics can be done at numerous universities. See list below. Further studies like Masters or Doctorate can also be done.
• A Bachelor of Arts in Court Interpreting can be done through UNISA.

TRAINING:

• CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
• Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
• To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education. 
• CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions. 

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Script Writer … or … Copywriter

Is becoming a Translator the right career choice for me?

OFO No:

• Print Journalist: 264203
• Radio Journalist: 264204
• TV Journalist: 264205

Other names for Journalists:

• See below

CLICK HERE

to meet Eric Markham:  Sports Journalist intern

CLICK HERE

Youtube clip – The Career of a Reporter

For training options in South Africa – scroll down

What is a Journalist?

• Do you love writing? 
• Is your grammar and spelling good?
• Do you have a lively interest in people and events? 
• Are you are curious, determined and persistent?
• Do you want to know the story behind the story? 
• Are you scared to poke your nose in or ruffle feathers to get at the truth.  
• Do you have a balanced approach?
• Do you see both sides of an issue?
• Do you look at things objectively?

If you have answered yes to most of these questions, then maybe journalism is the right career path for you.

There are many different areas of specialisation in journalism.  As your studies progress, you will find out what suits you best, at community, regional, national or international level.

Some Journalists specialise in a particular field, for example:

• sports
• entertainment
• news
• crime
• politics
• human interest
• food and wine etc

Here are a few industries you might be interested in:

• print media: newspapers and magazines
• broadcast media: radio and television
• on-line media via the internet: blogging etc

What does a Journalist do? (this may depend on your field of expertise)

• researches stories before writing
• writes news and feature stories (usually topical with an in-depth approach) for example: interviews, travel reports, ‘how-to’ articles or opinion columns/blogs
• takes photographs – sometimes the job requires multi-skilling especially if you are working for a smaller company.  See Press Photographer on our website for more details.
• edits other people’s work (correcting grammar, writing headlines and making sure the publication has a consistent style)
• checks the facts

Are you … ?

• extremely inquisitive?
• confident?
• a good writer and communicator?
• a person who enjoys collecting and checking facts?
• persistent?
• aware of things around you?
• dedicated?
• prepared to work long and unusual hours?

How do I become a Journalist?

Good basic language skills are a great start.

It would be advisable to further your education and training in, for example, writing, media communication and/or journalism. With experience, you will learn to identify what will grab public attention and how to report on it in an easy-to-read, informative and entertaining way. 

Collecting and analysing facts gathered from interviews, investigation, observation and research will become a way of life for you.

PATH 1

Certificate in Journalism

• Tshwane University of Technology

PATH 2

Diploma in Journalism

• Cape Peninsula University of Technology
• Durban University of Technology
• Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University
• Tshwane University of Technology
• Walter Sisulu University

PATH 3

Bachelor of Journalism

• Cape Peninsula University of Technology
• Durban University of Technology
• Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University
• Tshwane University of Technology
• Walter Sisulu University

PATH 4

Degree in Journalism

Postgraduate Diploma in Journalism

• Rhodes University
• University of Venda

TRAINING:

• CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
• Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
• To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education. 
• CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions. 

Other names for Print Journalist:

Other names for Radio Journalist:

Other names for Television Journalist:

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Copywriter … or … Crime Reporter … or … Scriptwriter

Is becoming a Journalist the right career choice for me?

OFO No: 

What is a Broadcasting Editor?

A Broadcasting Editor is someone who edits programming for television or radio, such as news stories.

Broadcasting Editors make the final decisions on what material is reported on television or radio.

Broadcast Editors must keep up with current issues and know what will make a good story. 

Depending on the broadcasting agency, Broadcasting Editors have the responsibility to present balanced and un-biased coverage of issues.

What does a Broadcasting Editor do?

• selecting the most relevant and newsworthy material for broadcasting
• listening to story ideas from journalists
• editing reports from correspondents and reporters
• editing stories and interiews for the most interesting/best sound bites for allotted time slots

Are you … ?

• someone with excellent communication skills?
• a problem solver?
• organised?
• able to work under stress and deadlines?
• detail oriented?
• a multi-tasker?
• able to work independently?
• interested in journalism?

How do I become a Broadcasting Editor?

• SA WRITERS COLLEGE

Offers online certificate courses, one of which is Broadcast Journalism.

• TSHWANE UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY

Offers a National Diploma in Journalism

Subject Requirements: English – 4, Additional subjects – Any five other subjects (including Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy) with a final score of 18. 

• RHODES UNIVERSITY

Degree: Bachelor of Journalism and Media Studies degree (BJourn)
Rhodes University

JOURNALISM can be studied a number of institutions.  See the list below for more info.

TRAINING:

• CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
• Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
• To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education. 
• CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions. 

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Journalist, Author/Writer … or … Sports Commentator/Announcer

Is becoming a Broadcasting Editor the right career choice for me?