Business editors oversee the business sections of newspapers, magazines and other print and online publications. You'll need at least a four-year degree in journalism, mass media or a related area and a strong understanding of local, national and international business to become a business editor. Strong writing samples that demonstrate your writing expertise and understanding of business topics typically are required to become a business editor. Experience in progressively responsible editorial positions also is generally needed. The larger and more prestigious the company or publication, the stronger your background, experience and samples will need to be.
As early as high school, you can begin training to become a business editor by working on the school newspaper, which will provide background into the way newspapers work and give you experience at writing stories and meeting short deadlines. Having experience and clips from the high school newspaper also will help you be accepted into a college journalism program. Make sure during high school that you maintain good grades in language arts courses and take any journalism, business writing and graphic design courses that are offered.
During college, be sure to contribute to your school's newspaper or magazine as often as possible. Look for opportunities to write about business topics that might be of interest on campus. If you are an editor for the newspaper, seek out opportunities to assign business topics and develop the business knowledge of the paper's writers. Newspaper business sections often attract a sophisticated readership, so being able to say that you helped develop business journalists can help your résumé stand out after you start looking for a job.
Also during college, seek out possible internship opportunities working on business sections of newspapers and other publications. Consider double majoring in business and journalism, minoring in business or taking business courses that will increase your understanding of the business world. Analyze the layout and content of your own local and regional newspaper business sections, as well as those in national and international publications. Consider volunteering with the local newspaper to write a few business stories to gain experience and writing samples, which will help you to become a business editor.
After you have found an entry-level position with a newspaper or other publication, no matter what area of the publication you work on, be responsible, meet your deadlines and learn all you can. At the same time you are demonstrating your responsibility and talent, stay on top of the latest developments in the business world. If an opening comes up on the business section of your publication, apply for it and highlight your background and business knowledge. When you have gained enough experience, consider applying for openings at business publications or openings at other publications that might have a business section. After you are working for a business section of a publication, work hard and keep expanding your knowledge, and eventually you could move into the business editor's role.
