Where to start
Don’t wait to be asked - get writing. Write for student media, write blogs, write stories. Journalism is all about communicating stories to an audience. Find your style and learn how to source, research and write those stories. You’ll shape them differently for articles, blogs or social media and for different audiences.
These early pieces will tell you what kind of journalist you want to be and provide you with a portfolio of work. Look at the job profiles on Prospects.ac.uk to see the different kinds of journalist – Broadcast journalist, Magazine Journalist, News Journalist. Data journalism is a growing sector – reporting on news and stories sourced in primary data.
Many journalists are freelance, continually pitching ideas to editors, marketing themselves, managing their own finances and tax returns. Being comfortable with this lifestyle is a must.
Do you thrive on variety and flexibility? Are you excited by not knowing exactly what you’ll be working on in a few months’ time? Are you goal and deadline orientated? Are facts and detail important to you?
You will need to be self-motivated, driven and adaptable as this sector is changing rapidly. The stories will still be told but the way consumers access journalistic content will continue to develop and change. Increasingly you will need to be familiar with working with digital sources. Resilience is key as you will need to take constructive criticism well throughout your career.
Start with student media. If you tell future employers that you have a passion for uncovering the truth, telling stories and writing articles - but you haven’t written for any student outlets - they’ll wonder why not.
Move on to local/regional papers and magazines. This is the time to be proactive and write speculative approaches. Writing on your own blog is also a good idea, as is get experience across of social media, vlogs, and website building.
Most entry-level and trainee roles in print journalism require either an NCTJ accreditation or a Master’s in journalism, although it is sometimes possible to get in without this. Journalism training doesn’t replace the need for practical experience.
Look through the following resources:
- Hold the Front Page – entry level and trainee roles
- Press Gazette Jobs
- Journo Resources - the only complete list of UK journalism and media graduate schemes
- The National Council of Training for Journalists has course information.
- Broadcast Journalism Training Council (BJTC)
There are over 8000 UK magazines and papers. Most don’t run schemes and internships. Improve your chances by being flexible about which publications you apply to. Seek out opportunities and make speculative applications for work experience. This is the norm in journalism. Organise your contacts and keep in touch with them.
Time your approach. Don’t contact a publication just prior to a print deadline, as you won’t be a priority. Instead, approach them just after they’ve gone to print, and have more time for you. Proactivity and confidence in following up your speculative approaches shows commitment.
Recognise your skills gaps – if you have plenty of article writing experience but no experience communicating journalistically in social media then seek to fill the gaps through your next experience.
Familiarise with the content and style of the publication you are applying to and their competitors. E.g. For the Financial Times you should know the current financial affairs news, and how its reported in the FT, Economist, fnlondon.com, BBC, Reuters etc.
Be persistent, and make targeted, well researched approaches. Don’t send out generic requests for work experience.
Network – ask people you have met for a conversation about journalism. Then, if appropriate you can ask them for work experience.
- A wealth of student media to cut your journalistic teeth on
- Vacation work feedback – see where others had journalism experience and how they got it
- The Varsity Trust - Annual Scholarship Competition – funds towards postgraduate course fees in the media.
- Handshake - contact alumni now working in the media
- Past talks of speakers at previous media careers event
- Careers in Journalism (Handshake resource)
There are few structured internships and graduate schemes though there are a variety of competitions and awards for young journalists including:
- Fulbright Alistair Cooke Award In Journalism - British graduates seeking a Master's degree at any accredited US university
- Nico Colchester Journalism Fellowships - Fellowship usually at Economist or Financial Times (£6,000 for travel and accomodation). EU applicants only, March/April deadline - watch website for details.
- Scott Trust Bursaries – support for postgraduate study at specific institutions
- Journalism Diversity Fund - Bursaries to help those from either ethnically diverse or socially diverse background access media courses and become NCTJ accredited.
See HoldTheFrontPage for other Media Awards
The media sector, including print journalism, is actively trying to diversify its workforce. Many of the schemes and opportunities focus on this and eligibility criteria often include people with disability, BAME or those from lower socio-economic backgrounds.
Now you have looked at this page, think about your next steps. Everyone's journey is different. There are many ways to move forward. Here are some actions you could take now:
- Look for roles using the resources above.
- Talk to alumni working in this field via Handshake or LinkedIn.
- Talk to a Careers Consultant - book a 1:1 appointment through Handshake.
- Attend events - watch for relevant events.
- Ready to apply? Use the CV and cover letter guide to draft a CV or an application. CareerSet is a tool you can use to review your CV and cover letter. Write a speculative application.
- Subscribe to the Media Careers Newsletter