The internet offers the same content as the old newsagents, but for free. It’s great news for consumers, but it isn’t so good for those who used to write the content. Those that are left often earn less than they did twenty or ten years ago. People who used to work in journalism now choose other careers, such as marketing. But it’s not all bad news. It’s hard to get into journalism, but not impossible. You can compare it with getting into medical schools. The amount of effort required will differ from that of a student in medical school, but the time commitment will be the same. Here’s how to start a career in journalism if you decide it’s for you.
1. Work experience is a must.
You can earn the qualifications you need to prove your ability in certain careers. You don’t have to have work experience in order to become an accountant. If you are qualified in accounting, this is enough proof.
Journalism is not the same. Journalism courses will make you better, but are not enough to land you a job. Experience in the workplace is essential. It shows that you have some practical experience in journalism, which goes beyond the classroom. It also shows you have a practical understanding of what it is like to be a journalist. This might mean less about investigating high-level scandals and more about trying to find interest in stories such as minor magistrates court decisions or a lost cow.
It is best to get as much work experience as possible, and ideally from different publications. (Although the willingness of the same publication to accept you back again is also a positive sign.) Local papers are often willing to accept work experience students, even if it is only for a few days. Even better if you can secure an internship via a formal program.
2. You can also ask for money by writing to the local newspaper.
Most journalism internships and work experience are not paid. If you create a blog or do something similar, except for small advertising, it’s unlikely that you will earn an income. To get to the point of being employed as a reporter, you will need to do a great deal of free writing.
If you have the chance to write for cash, take it. You’ll get a lot more done if you write for free. It’s normal to expect that your articles will need some editing or even be scrapped. However, it is still better than paying someone. If you’re upset by the criticism, there is little incentive to improve.
A person who pays for your writing has no reason to criticise it. If you write blog posts that are three-times longer than they should be, your employer will ask you to reduce the length. Unpaid experience can be easier to obtain than paid experience. However, paid experience will often teach you the most.
3. Learn about the business.
It’s not just about being a good writer. It’s about the business and turning beautiful prose into material that pays the rent. In the face of increasing internet pressure, this business has become increasingly difficult. Newspapers are trying a variety of models to earn money from their content: subscription services, paywalls and freemium models. They also try out supporter models. Do some research to find out how the various business models described in this sentence work and which newspapers employ them.
You’ll be able to better understand the types of writing that generate the most revenue and the pressures editors face when deciding whether or no they want to hire you. You’ll be more likely to get a job offer if you demonstrate your knowledge during an interview or while networking.
4. As much as you can, network.
Most journalism jobs are not advertised. After a work placement or internship, after a programme of training, or via a network, you may be offered a job. It is therefore important to get to know journalists.
It doesn’t necessarily mean you should treat every networking event like a job interview. You should always try to meet new people. For example, if attending a conference for young journalists, you would want to make sure you attend the drinks and lunch receptions. If you want to make a good impression, you should have business cards. This will allow others to contact you if they are interested. Be polite and helpful, putting your friends in touch as needed. They may return the favor one day. It’s a bit of a Catch-22, because it’s difficult to meet people if you don’t have any connections. This is why attending networking events can be worthwhile.
5. You should apply for as many jobs as you can.
You’ve probably noticed by now that there are more journalists who want to be journalists than there is work in journalism. It’s important to be the best candidate you can be, but there is another way to find success in journalism. That’s by playing the numbers. If you apply to 50 opportunities instead of five, you’re more likely to be accepted into a graduate programme, get a job or internship, or get your foot in any door.
It may mean that you have to compromise on your dream job. For example, applying for an internship at a newspaper whose editorial position does not align with your own. It could mean settling for a B&B stay while you gain work experience. You may also have to fill out a lot of applications, for little or no return. When you finally get accepted, all the effort will be worth it.
6. Social media is a great way to stay connected.
It is important to avoid embarrassing photos and unwise rants on social media. Journalism is different. Social media can be a good proxy for gauging the success of an article. If hundreds or thousands of people share it, it is likely to have been well received (or hated enough to increase traffic to your website and your advertising revenue). Journalists love Twitter because its 140-character limitation forces them to have sharp and snappy conversations.
It is a great way to impress journalists to have a Twitter account with dozens of followers. They’ll engage with you on social media if you do an excellent job.
7. Create a portfolio.
If you don’t have any proof of your work, then all the networking will be for nothing. You can showcase your writing skills and expertise by building a portfolio of your work, whether it’s commissioned, written independently, published in your blog, or elsewhere.
All of this should be online (including links for articles published elsewhere) and linked to your active social media accounts. Include a short, informal CV as well as your contact details and general information. Include details you would not normally include in a professional setting, such as e.g. You could write, “I enjoy eating out and I have watched every episode of The Big Bang Theory.”
8. Learn related skills.
If you can do more than just write and research, you will be much more attractive to employers. Can you, for example, take great photos, even if you’re in a rush? How about your digital skills? You can use a content management system ten years old if you know how to navigate it. Most journalists do this every day.
Also, other digital skills can be useful. Photoshop skills are useful. Can you remove a lamppost from the subject’s face? Or optimize a text piece for search engines. Use basic html or a search engine? These things may not seem like part of the job description for a journalist, but with newspapers cutting staff to make ends meet, it’s very helpful to have employees who are able do them. If you want to increase your readership by creating a blog, then having beautiful photography and great SEO will help.
9. Where jobs are, live!
You have two choices if you want to be successful in journalism: either work for a small newspaper where the circulation is declining but you can still work predictable and steady hours, or move to a large city, preferably London where most journalism jobs are located. Most people don’t want to be journalists because they want to report on local crimes and council meetings.
It can influence the choices you make when still in school. Many people settle down in their hometown or city of university because they met a partner or because they enjoy living there. Choose a city such as London, Edinburgh, or Manchester, where there are many journalism jobs. It will be easier to find internships during the summer if you choose a city like London, Edinburgh or Manchester.
10. Cold-calling is not a bad thing.
All the confidence and resolve in the world will not help you if you fail your exams. If you want to be a journalist, your tenacity can get you far. If you want to be successful, you will have to endure a lot of rejections.
Cold-calling people is a great way to eliminate rejections quickly and increase your success chances. It may seem scary to you, yet it is perfectly normal for the person who you are calling. Calling a newspaper is a good way to ask for work experience, or to simply pitch a story. If you are friendly and pleasant, you may get a contact who will remember you for future internships or commissions. If you have done all the other things on this list and are still getting no, then it might be time to try cold-calling.
