Journalists
Formal Description
“Journalists research, investigate, interpret and communicate news and public affairs through newspapers, television, radio and other media. They are employed by radio and television networks and stations, newspapers and magazines. Journalists may also work on a freelance basis.” (NOC 2021)
Sample Job Titles
This category includes a variety of job titles that may not necessarily be reflected by the category title. For a full index of job titles, see the category entry on the ESDC site. Example job titles include:
Financial Reporter
Foreign Affairs Reporter
Law Reporter
Political Analyst - radio or tv
Press Reporter
Sports Writer
Stock Market Reporter
Television Researcher
Typical Employment and Education Requirements
The requirements listed for each occupational category will tend to vary across particular roles, job titles, and contexts.
The following typical requirements are listed on the ESDC’s 2021 entry for this occupational category:
- “A university degree or college diploma in journalism or a related field such as communications is usually required.”
Success with a Social Sciences Undergraduate Degree and Beyond
When reviewing typical requirements, please remember:
- Degree and diploma listings often end with a purposefully open-ended phrase (“or a related field”, “or a similar discipline”) that acknowledges the variety and applicability of social sciences and liberal arts degrees.
- Employers often focus less on the name or title of a candidate’s degree, and more on how they articulate their transferable skills and experiences.
- Many qualifications and certifications are available as post-graduate certificates aimed at recent university graduates; these can make an excellent further education option for a social sciences or liberal arts degree.
Related Sectors
Whereas Economic and Social Development Canada’s ‘occupational’ categories tend to focus more on the duties and functions that people play in specific roles, exploring careers by ‘sectors’ helps us to sort by employer type, industry, or general field of work. Here are just a few of the sectors that may be relevant to this category:
Academic Program Connections
As you select your program of study and the courses you will take, you can chart a path towards success in this sector from any one of our social sciences departments and programs. Here are just a few examples of academic disciplines that have connections with this sector:
Anthropology Learn More
Anthropology teaches deep cultural insights, critical thinking, and a global perspective, which creates more impactful and informed narratives in the field.
Economics Learn More
An Economics degree helps journalists understand and explain key economic concepts like inflation, GDP, trade policies, and labor markets, central to major news stories.
Political Science Learn More
A Political Science background equips journalists to cover complex topics like public policy, international relations, election analysis, and political corruption with depth and accuracy.
Sociology Learn More
Understanding the root causes of issues such as poverty, racism, gender inequality, and political dynamics, provides deeper and more meaningful coverage.
