Ask the Recruiter

Q. I am a 45-year-old looking to make a career transition. I am fairly well-read and write reasonably well. I have been contemplating getting into publishing/journalism, but have no college degree (some college coursework).
 
Most of the information I'm finding seems geared toward college-age people, college grads, internships, etc.
 
What would be your recommendation for someone who would like to get into journalism late in life (with or without a degree)? One drawback for me is that I live in the southeast in a town of approximately 400,000 -- not a big metro city.
 
Robyn, Greenville, S.C.

A. The lack of a degree will not be as big a deal as the lack of experience.

To compensate, you'll have to aim at spots where there may be a talent shortage, and you'll have to get some training.

Editors are in greater demand than reporters.

See whether the jobs you have had in the past have given you some knowledge that would prepare you for specialty publications such as trades.

And do not beat your head against the front door of the local newspaper; the paper is unlikely to let you in. Your lack of experience and the economic challenges that newspapers are going through make a job in one unlikely for you. Consider whether your ambitions might be satisfied in other kinds of publications or online.

Some interesting experience, good writing, training and an aptitude for new media might be the combination you need.

Coming Thursday: He is working the Web at a digitally savvy paper, but wants to report and write. He can get that at a paper half the size. Should he go?