I am Sarah Rocha, an independent beauty, health, and nutrition reporter at a newspaper in Clovis, California.

My typical day

My typical workday involves a lot of research. Trends in the beauty industry are dynamic. I need to constantly make sure that my stories have context, background, and relevance. I spend a lot of time ideating, trying to put forth the message in the best way possible.

My day at work usually begins at 8 AM, and my first order of business is to finalize the afternoon print edition. I review and edit the front-page stories with a team of editors and feature writers. Following that, I’m usually conducting research or sourcing for my new work. Sourcing articles is my favorite part of my day because it’s an on-field job where I have to investigate and find reliable information. Finally, I spend an hour or two every day writing and modifying my articles. I head home around 7:30, but that’s not where it ends for a reporter. Even at home, I’m constantly looking for new stories, new ideas, and trying to understand what my audience wants.

Pros

Working in the media industry certainly brings its glamour, which is a pro. As a reporter, you constantly get to meet and talk to new people. You get exposed to new ideas, thoughts, streams of belief. It is a career full of surprises and thrill. It also helps you grow your network and connections, which could be useful at any point in your life.

Another advantage of being a reporter is the reach you get. It gives you the power to spread your ideas to millions of people in one go. Very often, the broadcast industry gives you exquisite travel opportunities as well.

Cons

A con is that you might not always be adequately compensated for your work. The journalism industry has a history of underpaying reporters.

Another disadvantage is the public perception of media. In many places, the press may not be welcome. Lastly, as a reporter, you’re under constant pressure to produce content. You will have strict deadlines, which can get challenging, especially when you face writer’s block. Brainstorming does not always come easy. It is difficult to accurately predict which type of content will be successful.

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