How to get a job with National Geographic

To get a job with National Geographic, you need to do your research, consider all job types, gain experience, build a work portfolio, immerse yourself in nature, and develop your skills as a storyteller, researcher, and conservationist. A career at National Geographic doesn't come easy. It takes years - and most likely decades - to be called upon by premiere magazines for assignments, or companies for commercial shoots. It's not easy to get to the top, but the journey is the rewarding part anyway.

• Do your research

To begin, it's good to do your research and see what types of jobs National Geographic has to offer in relation to your own skills and aspirations. Consider all of your interests, such as history, and think of how they can fit into the journalism offerings. Are there places you can visit that have a history you're familiar with or interested in? Do you want to create a unique story documenting your time and perspective?

• Consider all job types

There are a lot of behind-the-scenes jobs if you have a particular area of expertise and would like to get your foot in the door. If you have a current job or degree, look for listings that align with your experience. For example, if you have a geology degree, look for research positions seeking people with this degree through employers like National Geographic GeoBee.

• Gain experience

Gain at least 5 years of professional experience for photojournalism jobs. If you want a photography career at National Geographic, get some experience in professional photojournalism in a specialty of your interest. Some specializations include underwater photography, aerial photography, and nature. Start creating your own photos and post them to an Instagram page to get your work out there!

• Build a work portfolio

National Geographic has people around the world at all times conducting a variety of exploring projects, from the psychology and ecology of fishing practices to the movement of peat swamp crocodiles in Borneo. Build your own work portfolio with relevant experience to show that you are a qualified candidate.

• Immerse yourself in nature

Whether you want to be a writer, photographer, or explorer, expeditions are a great way to get both inspiration and experience. Natural Geographic is all about telling a story via many kinds of media--use your skills to create a story on your expedition and figure out the things that interest you most. Explore as many places as you can and dabble in everything from writing to photography.

• Develop your skills as a storyteller, researcher, and conservationist

Take your education and interests and channel them into desirable National Geographic skills. Are you a history major? Take a writing course if you're interested in journalism and then travel to historical landmarks and document your travels. If you're taking a research science course, take a photography course and capture your work.

• If all else fails, apply for freelance work

If you are looking to work as a freelancer, there are a few opportunities at National Geographics Traveller magazine. The magazine publishes articles and blog posts about travel, cruises, and unknown places. Email story ideas to the editorial@natgeotraveller.co.uk editorial team with an overview of the story, the first paragraph, and links to your work. Visit the National Geographic Traveller website for more information. National Geographic is an equal opportunity employer