CAREER PATHWAYS Journalism - 2021 Edition - The 93% Club
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
CAREER PATHWAYS Journalism 2021 Edition The 93% Club x TipStart
AN INTRODUCTION TO JOURNALISM The job of a journalist is to tell a story. The open-ended nature of the industry means branches of journalism are unlimited, and means in which to communicate are endless. Classic desks - or subject sections of a publication - include politics, crime, health, science, technology, sports and showbiz among many more. While traditional reporting - in newspapers, radio broadcasts or television news bulletins - are still highly- desirable fields, the rise of social media has made way for a host of modern platforms for storytellers to utilise. These include - but are certainly not limited to - podcasts, live streams, online blogs and YouTube videos.
Jobs in the Industry
There are a whole host of jobs in journalism
and the rapidly-changing way we consume
the news creates new roles every day.
Here are a few classic roles:
Reporters: The news can be reported in many Correspondents: Correspondents are senior,
different ways including - but not limited experienced reporters who specialise in one
to - online articles, newspaper stories, live particular field, such as science education,
blogs or radio broadcasts. A reporter’s role is politics or the Royal Family. They are
to tell a story to a reader in a digestible way. a publication’s go-to reporter for issues in
Many reporters choose to be affiliated to a their field, and are relied on to pitch stories.
publication, which can be local to their area,
Photojournalists: Known as ‘snappers’,
about a cause or industry they are interested
photographers tell stories visually. They are
in, or a national outlet. This path provides
sent out to capture major news items - with
regular income and employment protections,
their images often making or breaking a story.
but it can limit a journalist’s freedom to write
Photographers need excellent camera skills
about what they want. Others opt to go
and great news sense in deciding how a story
freelance, working their own hours and
should be told.
pitching stories to publications which they
buy and publish. Doing this means reporters
have the freedom to write about what The above roles barely scratch the surface
they choose, but it can be an irregular of jobs in journalism. Roles that have emerged
and uncertain income. more recently include video journalists,
Editors: Editors help shape the news who source footage to illustrate events,
agenda at their publication. They decide Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) operators
what stories will interest readers and should who ensure stories will appear high up in
be published on the day. Reporters will pitch Google searches and social media reporters
stories to editors who help shape their ideas who share trending stories to publications’
into fully-formed copy. Other roles of an Twitter, Facebook and Instagram pages
editor include reading over copy to check for
potential issues, often necessitating a strong
understanding of media law and the Editors’
Code of Practice.
Sub-editors: Sub-editors are responsible for
proof-reading copy, ensuring it is accurate
and grammatically-sound. They also make
sure the story is written in the publication’s
style, making it appealing and digestible for
readers. Sub-editors influence the design of
a page - often writing headlines, deciding how
many words each story deserves and where
it should appear on the page.Progression Pathways The classic pathway into the industry involves getting a diploma from the National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ). It qualifies reporters in media law, ethics and shorthand - as well as basic writing and sub-editing (or proofreading and formatting skills). Most entry-level jobs in national publications require NCTJ qualifications. But these diplomas can be expensive, and are not the only way to begin a career in the industry. Many successful journalists succeed because of the skills gained from previous experience - such as writing blogs, joining trainee schemes or internships or through work experience. While journalism degrees are also an excellent way to break into journalism, make sure you do your research. NCTJ-accredited courses stand well above the rest and equip budding journalists with the practical skills needed for the entry-level job they desire.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCES FOR JOURNALISM What you can do now The best thing to do to help forge a career in for journalism careers. Many offer invaluable journalism is to keep reporting. Keep writing tips and post job opportunities in the industry. blogs, making podcasts or producing videos on And, perhaps most importantly, consume lots the issues you are passionate about and the of news. Learn how the news agenda works stories that matter to you. Use this time to and see what stories jump out at you the develop your love for journalism, as that key most. skill will carry you through gruelling months of job applications. And start developing your contact book. Find journalists you look up to on Twitter and read their work. Send them a message seeing if they have any tips for entering the industry - or if there are any work experience positions available. Beyond that, look up helpful social media accounts Skills to master Communication: Ask people to share their Tight writing: One of the hardest skills to learn stories as much as you can. Hear what people is to condense your writing. When pitching have to say, especially if they live different a story to an editor (or to a commissioning lives to your own. A key skill is to know and editor as a freelance reporter) you need to understand your readers and the issues that ‘sell’ your copy in a short and compelling matter to them. few lines. News sense: Deciding whether a story Sub-editing: Proofreading your own work and is interesting enough to be published is learning your common grammatical errors is a difficult skill, but an easy way to start an essential skill - and it’s never too early to developing it is a simple method known as master it. ‘The Pub Test’. Simply ask ‘would I repeat this story to my friends at the pub?’ If the answer is yes, your readers will likely want to hear about it too.
Relevant Qualifications After university, a post-graduate NCTJ diploma is a brilliant way to increase your employability. Many entry-level jobs in national publications necesitate an NCTJ qualification - which can be completed on a part time or full time basis with a teaching centre, or independently. NCTJ Diplomas in Journalism are widely-respected and teach an array of skills. More information on these can be found at here. Relevant Societies Student media is key to beginning to develop a CV. Universities often have student-run newspapers, radio shows and television stations offering students opportunities to pitch their own ideas.
Relevant Degrees Several degrees can allow for a transition into journalism, especially if you have a particular desk in mind. While english, media or communications degrees may be the classic choice, a rise in section-specific reporting means science, mathematics and history degrees are equally as valuable. If a journalism undergraduate seems appealing to prospective students, I would always encourage them to do their research. NCTJ-accredited courses are highly-respected and not only give students an understanding of the theory behind the job, but the practicalities of it too. You can search for an NCTJ-accredited course here.
Typical Jornalism
Job Description DD.MM.YYYY
A typical entry level
role might include: The role might require:
Interviewing people in a range of Employers look for passionate
different circumstances journalists, eager to learn and grow
in the industry.
Seeking out and investigating
stories via your contacts, press Resilience and initiative in
releases and other media a candidate, as well as grit
and determination.
Attending press conferences and
asking questions Entry level roles at national
publications can also involve long
Attending a range of events
working hours, so employers require
Answering the phones on the flexibility.
news desk
recording interviews and
meetings using shorthand
Producing copy according to the
newspaper’s house style and to
strict deadlines
Salary Expectation
Typical starting salary could start at £12,000 to £15,000, depending
on whether you’re working for a local, regional or national paper.
Are you interested?
E-mail SignatureGRAD JOBS AND USEFUL
LINKS FOR JOURNALISM
Grad schemes Big employers
Journoresources It’s very tricky to pin down main employers for
(a phenomenal online tool for graduates keen to enter into journalism as the
journalists) has compiled a list industry changes so rapidly. It also depends
of every journalism grad scheme on what section of journalism interests you
available and when they are the most. As a way to start, try your hand at
set to open for applications. the main forms of journalism. These include:
Newspapers and news websites, magazines,
radio and television.
Typical Application Once you find something that interests you,
look up who provides that content, research
Process their hiring patterns or email for work
experience. If that doesn’t work, simply try
another publication and keep going until the
The application process differs depending
right opportunity comes along.
on the role. Some employers may ask for
the classic CV and cover letter before
bringing you in for an interview.
Many entry level roles are grad schemes
which may necessitate a more rigorous
and competitive application process.
These could include: Proofreading tasks
where an applicant will be asked to check
a generic piece of writing for accuracy,
grammar and spelling mistakes; news quizzes
to test applicants’ knowledge of the news
agenda; writing exercises (so brush up on the
writing style of the publication you’re applying
to); and group discussions.
Other useful Links
Journoresources For tips, the best place to go
Mediabeans Jobs board
News UK Large publisher e.g The Times & The Sun
Reach PLC Large publisher e.g The Mirror
Presspad Aims to diversify the industry by
connecting young people on work
experience with experienced journalists
who can offer up a spare room.Tipster TipStart leverages technology and innovation
to connect young people with the right
people in the right places to help jump start
Insights
their career, build professional networks and
remove barriers to entry into traditionally
elitist sectors.
Name: Positions held in this field:
Jemma Carr
Reporter at MailOnline, The Daily Mail, inews.co.uk, National
news agency, South West Londoner
Why do you recommend this sector? Top Tips
News is fast-paced and evolves quickly, meaning Hone in your skills early
I rarely see the same thing twice. Handling Consume loads of news from various sources.
breaking news stories as well as longer research- Practise proof-reading your own work and the
based features means I can practise a wide work of others.
range of skills every day. Communicating stories Get qualified
from around the world to a global readership Do your research into what qualifications
is an immense privilege and the rapid way the or training schemes are available and pick
journalism landscape is changing means there is which path is right for you. If qualifications
something for everyone. aren’t something you want to pursue, start
building your portfolio and keep writing.
Keep talking
Hear the stories of as many people as you
can. Learn about the issues that really matter
to people - and the ones that matter most to
you.
Ask questions
Learn from others already in the industry. Ask
questions and inquire about opportunities.
Everyone was in the same boat as you at one
point, and no journalist would begrudge being
approached for advice
If you want to build your own
professional network check
out TipStart and sign-up at:
www.tipstart.orgYou can also read
