Molly Hulsey, 23 years old, hometown — Anderson, South Carolina, journalist
About career choice
I am graduating from University in international studies, but I have worked as a freelance journalist and Intern in several publications.
I had my first serious experience as a journalist in 2014, when I was preparing for a student publication. Many dismissive of it, but it is a great way to gain practical experience. For example, the skill of finding and editing information.
Since childhood, I have loved writing. When I got older, I came across a strong journalistic work of John Krakauer as if it talked to me.
For me, journalism is the window through which people today interact in the digital world. Journalism helps to understand the life and ideas of other people, representatives of other nations.
About journalism in the USA
Quality journalism in the US is always protected by the democratic values of the country. The free press is often disagreeable with authoritarian regimes, but I am grateful that our country supports freedom of speech and the independence of journalism.
The state of journalism leaves much to be desired. Many independent online media have appeared despite Washington's political agitation publications. This provoked the growth of the competitive environment. Large publications are forced to attract the reader with scandalous headlines and stories focused on mass consumption. I hope I will be able to find a job where the laws of free journalism will operate.
About working conditions
Most of the traditional editorial offices have turned into an online office where journalists work remotely and communicate with editors online or by phone.
My working hours have never been regulated since I worked as a freelancer. At the same time, I had experience working on a project where I had to work 40 hours a week. I am sure that most journalists work overtime, they have an irregular schedule it is profession feature.
The average salary of a journalist in the USA is $32,000 a year. A lot depends on the experience, skills, and media you work for.
About plans
I have no clear plans for the future, but I hope to use my experience in public journalism. I would like to create stories that unite politics and public interests.
Malika-Budur Kalila, 24 years old, hometown — Shymkent, TV and radio broadcasting journalist
About career choice
I studied Economics at College in Kazakhstan, but my passion for journalism has been since childhood. So after graduation from University in the US, I realized journalism was my profession.
About journalism in the USA
The profession of a journalist passing through a hard time. For a professional journalist, it is not enough to just write, it is also necessary to have many skills: video and photo shooting, analyze information and etc. Journalism in the US is a competitive market where the strongest survive.
In my opinion, wages are high here. Beginner journalist gets about $40,000 — $50,000 a year. Sometimes young graduates get a job with a salary $70,000 and above.
About working conditions
I work 20 hours a week as a journalist's assistant, but it all depends on the project. As reporters, we must find information on a specific task and analyze it. Sometimes it takes all day. On average, a full-time journalist works 40 hours a week.
The work of a journalist does not have a normalized schedule, any day at any hour, the employer can call for a work, and you should be ready for it. A beginner in the field, especially a foreigner, needs to be fluent in English and to know another European language in addition. It is also good to have knowledge in a narrow specialization. For example, if you are applying to become a medical journalist, you must know all the details of this area and be aware of new trends. Now experts in the field of engineering, IT-technologies and other similar specializations are in demand. Therefore, the profession of a journalist is not the easiest and requires hard work.
About plans
I would not say the US is a rainbow country where finding a job is easy. Even for Canadians is hard to find a good place here. But if you show perseverance and hard work, you can get a job in a good media. The main thing is to work and show the Americans what they do not know or have not seen.
Be unashamed of the accent: if you formulate thoughts clearly and distinctly, and give good content, you can get a job. Our bilingualism is a plus, and we can easily formulate thoughts in short and informative sentences. The Americans have huge problems with this, and in this case, we are more valuable employees.
Thomas Schueneman, hometown — San Francisco, freelance journalist
About career choice
I work as a freelance journalist and a sound engineer. I started my career as a paid freelancer in 2005. My main task is to pay attention to the environment, sustainable human development, society and the economy. I am an independent writer, journalist and creator of Internet content. My field is environmental science and policy, energy and sustainable development, economy and business Triple Triple Bottom Line.
About journalism in the USA
Journalism in the US is under attack by the administration. Free press pressured.
About working conditions
I'm writing articles at home, travel when I need to cover some stories. My last trip was to Peru, but most of the trips to Europe or different States within the country.
The average and individual salary depend on many factors. Payment depends on the client and the project, therefore it is difficult to live as a freelancer.
