Your Career in Journalism
photo: ohpleasepeas - photobucket
IT LOOKS as if the journalism industry might be going through a similar crisis to that of the music industry a few years ago. With so much available on the internet for free, nobody wants to pay for content at a time with an increased number of aspiring journos. Something has to give. The widely believed theory of if you work hard enough for something then you will achieve it simply cannot work for everyone, no matter how brilliant nor hard working you are.
That’s the bad news. The good news is that if you are looking for a creative, varied job where you meet lots of people, there are many different types of role out there. You can have a fish for various different media internships and practical experience here via the search on the homepage.
Whatever area of journalism that’s for you it’s becoming more and more likely you will now need a vocational qualification from the NCTJ (The National Council for the Training of Journalists).
Here’s there site – http://www.nctj.com/. Checking out their website should be your first stop in taking your career in journalism seriously. Even if you decide not to go for a post grad NCTJ course it’s a great place to get information about getting into the industry and the skills that look attractive to employers.
General Tips:
- DO work experience. If you can, try to get some work experience before you leave university when funding is less of an issue.
- DO speak to people in the industry you want to work in. BUT be very careful, specifics of how to get into the industry may have changed. A lot of people will say they didn’t need a qualification for example but the media industry is changing at a dramatic rate.
- DO lots and lots of writing. Start a blog and write as often as you can. Carry a notebook around with you and be thinking of ways to write about the things you see or inspire you.
- DO when you hear tips that could help… actually do them. Force yourself to write AND keep it up, you are guaranteed to feel the benefit. Thinking of ways to improve is one thing, doing it is another.
- DO become an expert in a chosen field. Whether it’s politics or fashion, expertise in a specific area is valuable and will make you more employable.
Where famous gonzo journalist Hunter Thompson wrote his best
But of course as you know, there are different types of journalism. Here are some great places to start to develop your interest.
Newspaper journalism
http://www.prospects.ac.uk/p/types_of_job/newspaper_journalist_job_description.jsp
Broadcast journalism
http://www.bjtc.org.uk/
Magazine journalism
http://www.prospects.ac.uk/p/types_of_job/magazine_journalist_job_description.jsp
Speak to other students about anything (we love this site). Whatever you want to talk about, you can discuss it with other students.
http://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?t=42986
Here’s another article with some great tips, but have a look around, there are lots. And when you find them post them up here for all to share!
http://www.studenttimes.org/st_career/article.php?article_id=423
Give us your own tips or tell other people about your experiences. We love to hear your comments.
This is an interesting article for people looking in the media sector – how to use social media to help you job hunt.
http://www.lifetracks.com/working/job-hunting/how-to-get-a-job-using-social-networking-online
This is all really great adivce if you are looking to get into Journalism. I think it is really important to get yourself out there and try and get as much experience as you possibly can to build up your journalistic portfolio and skills.
WEXO is a great place to start looking for this experience. They have lots of opportunities that I’d definately recommend you have a look at, here are just two to get you started:
1. Tixdaq: “Tixdaq.com is the UK’s leading ticket search engine” (http://bit.ly/cb7BrR)
Tixdaq is looking for someone to assist the team in ensuring a smooth day-to-day running of the website. As well as helping to maintain high levels of quality control on the site, you will also have the opportunity to write editorial content. This will include writing news stories and assisting the editorial team.
2. Strategy Eye: “StrategyEye is a business development utility providing strategic intelligence and consulting services to executive teams involved in the digital media and clean technology industries. Clients include Amazon, the BBC, BSkyB, Microsoft, Vodafone, Philips, Enel and Deutsche Bank.” (http://bit.ly/3KFoYg)
Journalistic experience is not necessary but you will need good English writing skills, an analytical mind and plenty of initiative and willingness to learn. These paid internships are based in our Strand Office, London, and there may be future opportunities within the company for the right people.
If you are considering a career in journalism it is also worth thinking about getting some experience with a PR agency. Journalists often spend a large amount of time speaking to people in PR and it’s always good to see things from the other side of the fence.
There are numerous PR opportunities currently listed on WEXO. For example, Halpern PR have recently been looking for an account executive. Check out our website to find out more.