Editors Note: The Wall Street Journal is considered the de-facto standard for business news and information. However, there’s a certain way to read it, as Allison details below.
Firstly, don’t read every word on every page. Don’t get hung up on big words and jargon you don’t understand. Just read this article to learn how to become familiar with the Wall Street Journal and how to get something out of every day reading.
Utilize quick glance areas
The front page of the Wall Street Journal is filled with tidbits of stories and news items. In the first column there is a section called “What’s New”. Skim that section to find out what is going on in America and around the world. If you find something interesting follow the rest of the story throughout the journal. This section is a great way to get caught up on the news in just a few minutes.
Along the top of the journal there is a banner for a quick glance at NYSE, NASDAQ, Oil, Nikkel, the Euro and Yen exchange rates. For more information on the exchange rates check in the Money and Investment section, on the 5th or 6th page. There will be a box will many currencies and their rates, including forward rates for some currencies. There will also be commodity prices from the previous day. For more up to the minute data, check out their website, www.wsj.com.
The personal journals
One thing I really like about the Wall Street Journal is their personal journals. They have about once a week a section that is different than just news. These have included the top 100 Business Women, What business leaders think the president elect should do, Best Energy Ideas and Inventions 2008 as well as personal finance sections on managing your loans and budgeting. The greatest part about these is that they are useful for you, and not just news happening across the world. You can apply what you learn from these personal journal sections.
Read it more
At the University I attended we received the Wall Street Journal every day, and I am kicking myself for not reading it more. When I was first starting school, I only read it if my instructor forced us too. Now, in the final days, I pick one up every day just to see what’s going on, to be informed. I don’t read every word, nor will I ever, but at least I have a clue as to what’s happening outside of my campus bubble. I have a stack of great articles in my room that I want to do some further research on and continue to learn more about them when I find a spare minute or two.
Also, check out this article on Wall Street Journal’s website to follow along with an interactive newspaper to find out what sections have the information that interests you the most. Most universities have a partnership with Wall Street Journal, so be sure to take advantage of it. You should also be able to connect online to find old articles, in which you must be a subscriber to view.
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Allison Dagilis is a Training Analyst at a solar energy company, focusing on development of employees' learning. She has traveled and worked overseas, where she focused on international consulting through communications and continuous improvement.
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Great post. I also recommend business professionals read USA Today. It’s slightly more timely and, to be honest, the color makes it easier to not be so distracted.