Getting into journalism can be tricky, so you need to master two key things - experience and determination. Imogen Groome tells us how she’s going about becoming a journalist. You can read more student stories of how they are going about becoming a journalist in the February issue of Moving On when it comes out.
Having a degree isn’t essential for a career in journalism but it’s definitely advantageous. It doesn’t necessarily matter what subject you study, as long as you can demonstrate writing skills to employers.
One way to do this is to get involved with the student media at your university. Most Universities will have a student newspaper, which is an excellent way to gain relevant experience and prove that you can write. In addition, The Tab is an alternative online publication for students. I started out as a news writer for the Exeter branch, before being promoted to News Editor.
Getting your work published on other websites or publications proves you can make a name for yourself. For example, I’ve had my work published on The Real Uni Guide, studentbeans and MoonProject. Keep an eye out on websites you’re interested in writing for, along with their Twitter and Facebook feeds, where vacancies are advertised.
Once you’ve got some writing experience, apply for work experience at a local newspaper. Tom Payne, trainee reporter at the Daily Mail, advises: “Ask for the name of whoever organizes the interns then send your CV and availability to their work e-mail.”
Gaining national experience is tough, but doable. Once you have a decent portfolio, get to know the newspaper or magazine you want to gain work experience at. Send an email directly to the relevant person, and cite an article they’ve recently written, complimenting them on it. Pitching a few ideas for articles is also useful - that’s what gained me a work experience placement at Huffington Post UK.
This will all help if you wish to pursue an MA in Journalism - the courses are competitive, and having relevant work experience is often a prerequisite. Courses will train you in a variety of skills, from online journalism to media law, as well as allowing you to specialise in particular types of reporting, such as lifestyle and sports journalism.
Another option is to complete an NCTJ diploma - National Council for the Training of Journalists.
Fancy and apprenticeship in journalism?
If you don’t want to go to university, apprentices are accepted from the age of 16. However, work experience and related BTECs, GCSEs or A Levels are also useful in this instance. The diploma is available to all, and covers a variety of practical journalism skills, from shorthand to public affairs training. It also allows you to specialise in specific types of journalism.
Using social media to get noticed
When looking for jobs, social media is a must. Following the publications you’d like to work for on Twitter and liking their Facebook pages will allow you to see when vacancies are advertised. Career databases are useful, with www.gothinkbig.co.uk and www.mediargh.com advertising internships and media jobs.
With the right attitude, experience and determination, becoming a journalist is possible, enjoyable and rewarding.”
Pay and prospects for journalism
The average annual salary in England for a journalist is £38,000 but this will vary significantly from one region to another, with the average in London being £40,000 and in the North West, £26,000.
