No amount of training or schooling can brace a journalist for a powerful scene of collective grieving such as this, news broadcaster Laura Graham said afterward.

Her job was to keep recording and to file on the April 20 event for News 95.7, the all- news radio station in Halifax. It was not easy.

"Some people think people in this business are made of steel, but we're not," Ms. Graham said. "This was certainly one of the more emotional memorials I've covered and I think everybody there was affected by it."

A tribute for the victims and the fishermen who participated in the rescue effort after a Cormorant helicopter from 14 Wing Greenwood crashed off Canso last year was similarly emotional, she said.

"A few of us ( reporters) were in a corner bawling," she said.

Even when emotions have been stretched to the limit, a journalist must somehow get it together and file, often on a tight deadline and under less than ideal circumstances.

It's a crazy work environment, said Ms. Graham, a Dartmouth High School graduate who believes the career choice in her case was a natural one.

"I was a total teenage geek with newspaper clippings on my wall. I was always writing and making videos," she said of her high school years that preceded studies at Queen's University in Kingston, Ont., and the University of King's College in Halifax, where she cut her teeth on student news operations.

"I learned how to cut tape volunteering at CKDU ( university radio) in Halifax at a time when you still had to physically cut the tape!" she said.

Ms. Graham did other newspaper and radio stints before joining News 95.7. Halifax is a competitive media environment with two major dailies, some aggressive alternative print and web- based publications, three major television broadcasters and almost 20 radio stations on the AM and FM bands.

If people have an interest in exploring this environment, they should not let any perceptions of personal limitations hold them back, Ms. Graham said.

"I had something of a stutter when I was beginning, and I mumble, so broadcasting is difficult. I really have to work at it."

She suggested volunteering through school and community access television to hone skills and to play with all the cool tools that some of these operations have available.

"If you have access to these resources, take advantage," she said.

NATURE OF THE WORK

Journalists research, investigate, interpret and communicate news and public affairs through newspapers, television, radio and other media. They may specialize in print or non- print media, in a particular geographic area or in particular issues such as political affairs or entertainment news.

Experienced reporters may advance to become editors or producers.

SKILLS

Journalists should be organized, resourceful and creative. A critical mind, excellent writing ability and language skills are also necessary.

Keyboarding and word processing skills are a definite asset. Knowledge of French is strongly recommended.

EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS

Journalists generally require a university degree or college diploma in journalism.

WORK PROSPECTS

Journalism is a diverse occupation and journalists may find employment in a wide variety of areas.

Opportunities include everything from working as reporters, editors, news anchors or interviewers to researchers, producers, online content providers or freelance writers.

About one- third of journalists work part time and self- employment is common. Journalism is a relatively small occupation in Nova Scotia. A high degree of talent and motivation is required, as there is unusually strong competition for these jobs.

The hours can be irregular, with many working evenings and weekends.

LABOUR MARKET INFORMATION

Outlook: Fair
Employment in 2005: 320
Estimated average annual number of job openings: 10
Earnings in 2005: From $ 8 to $ 26.75 an hour, with an average of $ 16.25

WHERE ARE THE JOBS?

Annapolis Valley 12.5%
Cape Breton 9.7%
Halifax 58.3%
North Shore 11.1%
Southern N. S. 8.3%

Journalists are distributed equally across gender. Both part- time ( 23%) and self- employment ( 23%) are very common. This is a young occupation. The average age is 42, and 35 per cent of all journalists are younger than 35. Over 80 per cent of journalists have some post- secondary education and 17 per cent have a postgraduate degree.

TYPICAL JOBS

Investigative reporter, news commentator, columnist, reporter, broad­cast journalist. Related occupations: announcer, other broadcaster, photographer, producer, director, writer, editor.