Articles | Following the Career Path of a Hip Hop News Writer

There are many of young and talented writers who really want to become a hip hop news writer. However, there are not many people who know that these jobs are only for the hard-working and are well-trained in their field. Starting a career as a hip hop news writer is never the same as applying for positions at popular publications. There are a lot of hip hop journalists who finished their studies in communication-related fields. These journalists-to-be also have plenty of internships, which serves as their background for their future job. Anyone having these credentials can land on a suitable job and work their way up towards success.

For your application as a hip hop journalist, you are going to need an updated resume, a portfolio of your previous work and a list of possible networking acquaintances. Here are some steps to do to achieve your dream job of becoming a hip hop news journalist.

You should be willing to transfer to LA or New York. Wannabe hip hop journalists must stay in a place where most hip hop magazines and other entertainment publications are created. These two places are considered as the center of American entertainment. Transferring to these places can make interviews and applications easier for you and your possible employers.

Get in touch with your former editors and present contacts. If you've had an experience of working for a hip hop publication as an intern or if you know someone who is of potential help, call them to know if they have some information on possible openings in your field. Even if they'll say that there are no present jobs open, at least you have made it known that you are aspiring for such a position. Your present contacts might be willing to call you when there are vacancies for a position.

Do some freelance jobs while looking for a permanent occupation. Music is an ever-changing field where fads, headlines and people change from time to time. Writing articles during your past time can help boost your portfolio. It can also help you create some income while you look for a permanent position. Also, working as a freelancer in your field can also allow you to increase your contacts list and will let you sharpen your skills.

Maintain a blog. Make yourself an expert in your field by writing articles relevant to your field. Maintain a blog to show your skills, portfolio, knowledge and style. Make your blog search engine-friendly by using words and phrases looked for by hip hop fans. You can also use Google Analytics in order to track the traffic on your website. This can then tell you if your work can lure potential clients to place ads in your website. Don't forget to write your contact information in your "About Me" page so that people interested in your work can easily contact you for an interview.

Some things to keep in mind when you want to be a hip hop news writer:

Most editors prefer writers who have a background in communication, journalism and other related fields.
Read a lot to look for freelance jobs on the net.