If you have a goal of working as a print journalist and have set your sights on a newspaper in your city, you may dream of working as a reporter or columnist. A formal education in journalism, as well as ample on-the-job experience, can be the keys to your success. While reporter and columnist positions are often synonymous with working in print media, these aren't the only roles you can hold at a newspaper. If the newspaper isn't currently hiring reporters or columnists and you're interested in getting your foot in the door, here are some other careers that may be available and that may appeal to you.

Copy Editor

Many newspapers hire a staff of copy editors who serve as the initial set of eyes on each editorial piece produced by the organization's staff. Copy editing is often an entry-level position and is a good way to get your foot in the door at a newspaper. Your day will often be spent poring over a variety of articles to check their grammar, spelling, flow, and other elements. You'll answer to editors who will make the final call on each story, but your job will be valuable at ensuring clean, easy-to-read copy.

Fact Checker

Working as a fact checker at a newspaper can be an interesting career and one that is important for ensuring that every article the newspaper publishes is factually correct. Fact checkers are valued members of a newspaper's editorial staff because they may often be what prevents an incorrect story from being published and the newspaper to later have to print a correction or retraction. To be a fact checker, you'll not only need to be a skilled online researcher, but you'll also need to call sources from the freshly written stories to ensure their quotes and the information they've provided are accurate.

Researcher

Many reporters, especially those who write investigative pieces that may involve a significant amount of meticulous research, use one or more researchers. These staff members may research various topics online and even conduct interviews, but don't actually sit down to write articles. Instead, they'll pass their research findings along to the reporter they're paired with to assist him or her. Starting as a researcher can be a smart step if you dream of being a reporter, as the skills and contacts you gather in this role can prove extremely valuable when you're the one writing the stories.

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