Journalism is a glamorous occupation - or so many students
think.
But what is the reality?
How do you get into journalism,
and what happens when you do? This page gives you at
least some of the answers.
1. Qualifications
Before you consider what you should be
achieving academically if you want to become a journalist,
you should ask yourself if it really is a suitable job
for you.
There are two quite different things you
need to be able to do if you want to be a journalist:
- get a story
- write a story
In order to get a story you have to be relaxed in the
company of strangers, inquisitive and able to put people
at their ease. You must not mind talking to people who
do not want to talk to you, and who may be angry or
upset. And you must be sensitive enough to know when
to withdraw, and when to persist and get the story you
want.
Not everyone can do these things. If you
have doubts, you should consider seriously whether journalism
is the career for you.
In order to write the story, you need
to have excellent basic English and to enjoy writing.
If you have problems with grammar and punctuation or
get no pleasure from words, journalism is again probably
not your ideal choice.
Journalism is an out-of-the-rut job that
demands dedication, resourcefulness, tact, an ability
to get on with people, and
a recognition that news does not always happen in a
convenient 9-5 bracket.
Academic achievements
Trainees are usually graduates, but this
is not essential. What is essential is education to
A-level standard or equivalent. In almost all cases
you will still need basic journalism training in addition
to your degree.
Work experience
It will be helpful if you have already
done work experience, either with the Eastern Daily
Press or Evening News, or with another newspaper
School or student journalism
This will help you to know if you might be happy in
journalism; it will also show that you are serious about
journalism and have not just settled on it as your second
or third option.
If you are in the sixth form or a college
student and you would like some work experience with
our papers, you should contact: Bernadette.wapshott@archant.co.uk
2. Getting in
Archant Norfolk is sometimes prepared
to sponsor trainees through their pre-entry journalism
training, although it is not planned to run a formal
recruitment scheme for 2008. For more information contact
Bernadette Wapshott, editorial training
co-ordinator, Prospect House, Rouen Road, Norwich NR1
1RE. We try wherever possible to recruit people with
East Anglian roots or at least strong regional connections.
Successful applicants will attend the Press Association-Trinty
Mirror training course lasting 16 weeks, starting in
January next year and based in Newcastle. During that
time you will be taught the key skills you will need
as a junior reporter including law, public affairs,
practical journalism and shorthand (100wpm) before joining
one of our offices.
Other info: You can also
visit the National
Council for the Training of Journalists website,
or to find out more about the newspaper industry in
this country, try the Newspaper
Society website.
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