Moving to campus: Examining motivations and outcomes for Chinese Journalists transitioning to higher education

Abstract

Journalism as a profession is facing growing challenges, which has led many journalists to explore alternative careers. One such trajectory, transitioning from news industry to higher education, remains relatively underexplored. This study employed semi-structured interviews with 15 Chinese journalists to investigate this career shift. Our interviews revealed three patterns of transition: (a) a full shift to higher education, (b) dual engagement in both domains, and (c) assuming senior academic positions through interchangeable professional titles across the two domains. Additionally, this study applied push-pull model to identify factors driving journalists to leave news industry, including transformations in the broader media environment, institutional constraints, and personal value vacuum. In contrast, the motivations for entering higher education often stem from the desire to systematize knowledge and uphold journalistic ideals, making this transition not simply a career change but an extension of core journalistic values. Moreover, this study enriched the push-pull model by incorporating the adaptation challenges encountered during the transition, particularly concerning professional identity and practices. This research contributes to a deep understanding of occupational mobility among Chinese journalists, highlighting the complex dynamics between professional shifts and identity renegotiations.