en-us https://www.intensedebate.com/users/949847 Comments by GradyGrad http://bigjournalism.com/sright/2010/03/30/who-really-needs-a-journalism-degree/#IDComment64974251 I have a sheepskin from a j-school. I got one before it became a a communication school. I actually took some writing courses before joining in the electronic TV production No career path. I took a basic news writing and reporting course and found an aging newspaperman as a print media mentor. Besides learning how to build a news story I was indoctrinated in the holy tenants of writer objectivity, getting solid quotes or facts backed up by 2 sources. Finally I submitted my work to a story desk editor for approval. When my story landed on the copy editors desk it was checked for conformity to the AP style book, sliced and diced to the point I could not recognize it . It was hammered into me that my personal feelings were to be kept out of my writing and if I had an opinion it was only fair to let the reader know my story was a feature article or an editorial. After graduating I couldn't get a job (they didn't tell me I had to have a friend in the business) so I went to the Dean of placements and complained that I didn't have enough training for the jobs I was seeking and the Dean replied "we only educate students and not train them". That was back in 1976. Many great reporters have no formal training in journalism. Reputable and respected journalist have enough integrity and values to be honest with their reader base and differentiate between fact and opinion and checking their list like Santa twice on the facts. I think those without formal training or an "education" can be fine writers of blogs. Those who wright blogs can claim the distinction of being a professional and treat their readers like clients instead of customers. I think those who discount the "sheepskin" (journalism education) might be jealous and wish they could have some fun going to college because I had a great time and I worked my ass off on a 4 day newspaper. You don't need a journalism degree to write well. You need to be honest with yourself and your readers. Have fun! Wed, 31 Mar 2010 07:30:48 +0000 http://bigjournalism.com/sright/2010/03/30/who-really-needs-a-journalism-degree/#IDComment64974251