How to Get a Job in Journalism

Post-graduate courses are a great way to break into journalism, and will allow you to become a “specialist” in whatever subject you studied at undergraduate level – such as a science or economics writer.

However, certain characteristics will always be in demand by newspapers, magazines and websites. These include intelligence – though not necessarily a blue-blood education, determination, persistence, inquisitiveness, an ability to probe and ask the right questions, tenacity, charm and an interest in the trade and current affairs.

While a journalism degree isn't essential, work experience is, and many employers expect you to work for free until you have enough experience and published work to demand a paid job.

The classic route has changed

The classic route into national newspaper journalism used to be via an apprenticeship on a local paper, working your way through the newsroom covering local, small-scale events, such as parish council meetings. After a year or two, you could start applying for jobs on the nationals, or in radio broadcasting.

While this is still a popular route, many journalists are now educated to degree level in almost any subject, and then take a post-graduate degree in journalism, such as those run by City University, London, Cardiff University, Wales or a course accredited by the (National Council for the Training of Journalists.

Such training is an advantage because it teaches shorthand, media and libel law, and is seen as a commitment to the profession.

Work experience

However, what will make your job application stand out in any pile of CVs is the interest you have shown in journalism. Did you write for your college magazine, or work for your university radio station? Have you had any work published to date?

Many organisations have journalism training schemes, including the BBC, Channel 4, BSkyB) including the Daily Mail and the Mirror. But places on these are always oversubscribed.

There are many small magazines, newspapers and websites where it might be easier to get your first job - or at least some work experience. A directory of such organisations, called the Writers’ and Artists’ Yearbook, should be available at your local library.

If you send an application letter, check and double-check it. Make sure the name and title of the person to whom you are writing is correct – any mistakes will affect your chances of getting a job. Phone to follow-up your application and remember: journalists are expected to be tenacious.

You probably won’t succeed at your first attempt, and it might take a long time to get your foot in the door.

Pay rates

Although many people think journalism is a glamorous profession, you should expect much financial remuneration for your efforts. While some top newspaper columnists command hundreds of thousands of pounds a year, starting pay on a local paper can be as low as £8,000 a year and your first break into national papers could start at around just £16,000.