OCVarsity Voice: Want to be a journalist? Grab a pen and write this down

Want to be a sports writer? Start by looking for an internship.

This is the best suggestion I can make to aspiring journalists. No one told me this when I entered college and I want to make sure someone tells you.

My next suggestion? Apply as often and as early as possible, in high school even, and by the time you enter college, for sure.

In fact, before that, inquire at the sports desk of your local newspaper about positions answering phone calls. We always have about 10 people filling this role at the Register, inputting high school results onto our Web site and college results into the paper.

While it is not glamorous, it is an invaluable experience. There is so much to be learned before you write a single word, and it only helps your internships prospects.

The next thing to do is major in journalism in college. Given that not all schools have journalism programs, at the very least you want to join your on-campus newspaper. You need to learn the fundamentals and this is a great opportunity to find your voice and figure out if this is what you really want to do. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes.

As for actually getting that internship … I wish you well. This is one of the greatest challenges in the industry. Most internships require experience you don’t have. You have to humble yourself and apply everywhere. Jump onto the Internet and do a Google search and you’ll get thousands of results from across the country.

I applied for dozens, from Baltimore, Maryland to Bangor, Maine, and did not get one. I ultimately landed a phone position with the Register, but this was after I had graduated from college.

It was a position I should have pursued years before. That was my mistake and I am very fortunate to be where I am now. I didn’t know what to do. Now you do.

My final recommendation is to read. Actually, this is a demand. You must read. And read a lot, newspapers, magazines, the Internet, everything. Just read. Any good writer is reading much more than he or she writes.

If anyone has further questions about internships and becoming a journalist, feel free to throw an email my way: amaya@ocregister.com

Contact the writer: amaya@ocregister.com