1) Writing.  Regardless of what journalistic medium you work in, our business is about telling good stories, and if it’s a badly written story, all the editing and production in the world won’t be able to save it.

2) Creative thinking.  Learn how to come up with story ideas, what works and what doesn’t.  Learn how the rules work for getting information and how to use them to your advantage.

3)Technical skills: learn how to use the tools of the trade, whether it’s a tape reporder, a video camera, blogging, or editing software.  Convergence is the buzzword in the business these days, and the more you can do the better you will be.

I would also add a fourth for those of you interested in international reporting: know at least one foreign language.

W/S/E, Reporter

ATVN is as close to the real thing as it gets.  You have to think on your feet, come up with contacts, film and edit your story, and beat deadlines.

Always be curious and willing to ask questions.  Be persistent.  Be willing to learn about and cover new subjects you might not be familiar with.  Be very good at developing and maintaining contacts - you never know when one of them might be in a position to help you with a story.

Try to go work in a place where you can learn a lot of different positions and work your way up.  The more you do, the more experience you get and more doors open up for you down the road.  If you have to sign a contract, sign short term deals.  Don’t get locked in to something long term unless it’s what and where you really want to be.