As a Columnist, you will need to master following:

• build contacts to maintain news flow
• evaluate writings in response to feedback
• follow ethical code of conduct of journalists
• follow the news
• participate in editorial meetings
• stay up to date with social media
• study topics
• use specific writing techniques
• write to a deadline

More generally, a columnist is also versed in:

• apply grammar and spelling rules
• consult information sources
• copyright legislation
• develop professional network
• editorial standards
• grammar
• present arguments persuasively
• rhetoric
• spelling
• writing techniques

It also helps to know the following:

• ICT software specifications
• adapt to type of media
• check correctness of information
• create online news content
• ensure consistency of published articles
• interview people
• manage personal finances
• manage writing administration
• promote one's writings
• rewrite articles
• write captions
• write headlines
• apply desktop publishing techniques
• desktop publishing
• document interviews
• economics
• interview techniques
• multimedia systems
• political parties
• political science
• press law
• proofread text
• provide written content
• stock market