What Is an Automotive Journalist and How to Become One
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What Does an Automotive Journalist Do?
The job duties of an automotive journalist involve reporting on and producing news stories about the auto industry. In this career, you write about car models and engine design, new automotive products on the market, auto production and business news, and other trends and events in the industry. Your responsibilities can vary depending on the media outlet for which you work. Some magazines or websites expect car journalists to produce feature stories and interview industry stakeholders, while others expect journalists to publish news stories daily. You work with an editor who assigns stories and edits each draft of your articles.
How to Become an Automotive Journalist
The qualifications that you need to start working as an automotive journalist include a degree, writing skills, knowledge of the auto industry, and a portfolio of past work that you can show to prospective clients or employers. While a degree is not as important as your experience and portfolio, most aspiring journalists pursue a degree in journalism or communications. Some journalists learn to cover the auto industry during an internship in college, and they build a portfolio of auto-related stories during their studies as well. Some employers do not require a degree, but college is a great time to develop your skills.
