Getting started as a journalist
For those who love writing and want to earn money from it journalism may be the perfect career.
Journalists generally have a strong interest in people and places and have an inquisitive nature as well as a way with words.
As a field it is pretty competitive and can be challenging to break into. However if you have determination and commitment it need not be impossible.
To get started as a journalist in the UK it is worth doing an NCTJ accredited course. These are available at numerous centres across the country at private colleges, universities and community colleges.
Without NCTJ qualifications it will be difficult to get started as a journalism as these are the industry standard qualifications and include reporting, Media Law and Court Reporting, Public Affairs, Sports journalism, Teeline Shorthand, Sub-editing and Video Journalism.
A Writing, English or even Journalism degree is not sufficient and it is possible to study for a NCTJ Diploma in Journalism straight from college if you have good grades and the right attitude.
Prior to applying for a course it is worth contacting your local radio station, newspaper or TV station and getting a few weeks unpaid work experience to make sure it is what you want to do. Many people have a glamorous perception of journalism but the reality may be very different then you expect.
Work experience will also help you familiarise with a paper or station you might some day want to work for so it is well worth doing.
It will also help you get some work published which you can use for your cuttings file when you begin looking for work.
Being qualified as a journalist gives you the confidence in yourself that you can do the job and perspective employers will respect that you have gained the qualifications needed to begin your career as a journalist.
Generally courses range from 16-20 weeks fast-track to a year they can be done as post graduate courses or as an MA.
Whether you want to be a features writer for a magazine, a news writer online or for your local paper or even a broadcast journalist for TV or radio the NCTJs are essential.
I have written many articles on this subject and have past papers for aspiring trainee journalists on my website as well as advice of how to pass exams and tips for improving your Shorthand skills and the necessary books to buy.
I also give advice about how to obtain funding for your training which can prove expensive.
For more information check out my website www.paulynlloydwriter.yolasite.com
Journalists generally have a strong interest in people and places and have an inquisitive nature as well as a way with words.
As a field it is pretty competitive and can be challenging to break into. However if you have determination and commitment it need not be impossible.
To get started as a journalist in the UK it is worth doing an NCTJ accredited course. These are available at numerous centres across the country at private colleges, universities and community colleges.
Without NCTJ qualifications it will be difficult to get started as a journalism as these are the industry standard qualifications and include reporting, Media Law and Court Reporting, Public Affairs, Sports journalism, Teeline Shorthand, Sub-editing and Video Journalism.
A Writing, English or even Journalism degree is not sufficient and it is possible to study for a NCTJ Diploma in Journalism straight from college if you have good grades and the right attitude.
Prior to applying for a course it is worth contacting your local radio station, newspaper or TV station and getting a few weeks unpaid work experience to make sure it is what you want to do. Many people have a glamorous perception of journalism but the reality may be very different then you expect.
Work experience will also help you familiarise with a paper or station you might some day want to work for so it is well worth doing.
It will also help you get some work published which you can use for your cuttings file when you begin looking for work.
Being qualified as a journalist gives you the confidence in yourself that you can do the job and perspective employers will respect that you have gained the qualifications needed to begin your career as a journalist.
Generally courses range from 16-20 weeks fast-track to a year they can be done as post graduate courses or as an MA.
Whether you want to be a features writer for a magazine, a news writer online or for your local paper or even a broadcast journalist for TV or radio the NCTJs are essential.
I have written many articles on this subject and have past papers for aspiring trainee journalists on my website as well as advice of how to pass exams and tips for improving your Shorthand skills and the necessary books to buy.
I also give advice about how to obtain funding for your training which can prove expensive.
For more information check out my website www.paulynlloydwriter.yolasite.com
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