How can you determine if you're ready to switch to a new beat in business reporting?

As a business reporter, you might be tempted to explore different beats and topics, especially if you feel bored, burned out, or curious about new opportunities. But how do you know if you're ready to make the switch and what steps should you take to prepare for it? In this article, we'll share some tips and insights on how to determine if you're ready to switch to a new beat in business reporting and how to make the transition smoother and more successful.

1 Assess your skills and interests

Before you decide to switch to a new beat, you need to assess your current skills and interests as a business reporter. What are your strengths and weaknesses as a journalist? What are the topics and industries that you enjoy covering and learning about? What are the gaps in your knowledge and experience that you need to fill? By answering these questions, you can identify your areas of improvement and your areas of passion. You can also compare your skills and interests with the requirements and expectations of the new beat you're considering.

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Chris Roush

Innovative. Consensus builder. Culture focused. Connector. Networker
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Business reporting is in every beat because every beat involves money and the economy in some way or another. So if you're thinking about it, I would say the transition won't be that difficult. You'll have to learn how to read financial statements and SEC filings and some financial terminology, but if you're curious and like to learn -- and most journalists are -- I'd say go for it. Plus, business journalism hasn't had the drastic layoffs that have occurred in other fields. Places like Bloomberg, ACBJ and The Wall Street Journal are constantly hiring good journalists who know how to tell good stories using a financial lens.

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Dave Moore

Helping others tell the stories that matter.
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As a former business reporter and local government reporter, I can tell you if you think you've written every story that could be written about your beat, you're probably not learning much on the job. I recall leaving a beat at a small paper, and then hearing that the reporter said nothing was going on, on that beat. Funny thing was, when I left, the beat was hopping. That was because I was using data journalism and digging into documents to reveal the underbelly of county government operations. I left that job with a good year's worth of reporting undone. Business reporting can be more challenging, because public records aren't as available. But there are other sources -- namely, competitors -- that can be even more useful.

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2 Research the new beat

Once you have a clear idea of your skills and interests, you need to research the new beat you want to switch to. This means finding out the current trends, issues, challenges, and opportunities in that field or industry. You also need to learn about the sources, data, terminology, and regulations that are relevant to that beat. You can do this by reading, watching, and listening to other business reporters who cover that beat, as well as by reaching out to experts, analysts, and practitioners in that field. You should also check the demand and competition for that beat in your market and niche.

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3 Build your portfolio and network

Another important step to prepare for switching to a new beat is to build your portfolio and network. You need to showcase your ability and credibility as a business reporter who can cover the new beat effectively and accurately. You can do this by pitching and writing stories related to the new beat for your current or potential outlets, as well as by creating and sharing your own content on your blog, social media, or newsletter. You also need to expand your network and connections with the people who can help you access and understand the new beat, such as sources, editors, mentors, and peers.

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4 Plan your transition

Finally, you need to plan your transition from your current beat to the new one. You need to consider the timing, the logistics, and the risks involved in making the switch. You should also communicate your intentions and expectations with your current and future editors, colleagues, and sources. You should be ready to face some challenges and setbacks along the way, such as rejection, criticism, or confusion. You should also be open to feedback and learning opportunities that can help you improve and grow as a business reporter on the new beat.

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5 Enjoy the change

Switching to a new beat in business reporting can be a rewarding and exciting experience, as well as a challenging and risky one. You need to be prepared, flexible, and curious as you explore new topics and perspectives. You also need to be confident, professional, and ethical as you report on new issues and stories. By following these tips and insights, you can determine if you're ready to switch to a new beat and how to make the most of it. You can also enjoy the change and the opportunities that come with it.

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6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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How can you determine if you're ready to switch to a new beat in business reporting?

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1 Assess your skills and interests

2 Research the new beat

3 Build your portfolio and network

4 Plan your transition

5 Enjoy the change

6 Here’s what else to consider

Business Reporting

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