Using two different Web-based mapping services does not always identify the same route. But all of them, ultimately, will get the user to the same destination. The same is true of finding the “correct” career path for science or environmental journalism. Indeed, the prescribed route may depend solely on who is asked.

If one were to ask an academic, he or she is more than likely to recommend a traditional approach: journalism school. If one were to ask a scientist, the recommendation may be altogether different. If one were to ask three working journalists, the questioner will probably get three different answers. What is really the correct answer? There probably is not one. Indeed, any number of choices will probably get someone to his or her ...