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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.