How do people get started as religion writers, either for print or for magazines? Do you start as a general assignment reporter? What job opportunities are there?
Very few people get hired into a religion reporting job without experience. So the best way to break into the beat, if you are just out of college, is to get hired in a general assignment position. Once there, try to write some religion stories on the side (being sure to clear it with any religion editors or reporters on staff). After you have some clips on the topic, it might help you to be hired as a specialist. Taking college courses in religion can also help give you a level of expertise that could be helpful. But generally, there are few openings in religion reporting and often they are filled by someone already employed at a media outlet.
