Journalism

There are several areas in which you can work in journalism: 

Broadcast journalist – research and present news stories and factual programmes for television, radio and the internet. You could also work in a specialised area, for example, as a political journalist.

Newspaper journalist – investigate and write up stories for local, regional and national newspapers. Newspaper or magazine editor – Manage the style and content of printed publications.

Public Relations Officer – You would be responsible for managing an organisation’s image and reputation.

Radio Broadcast Assistant – You would carry out administration tasks to make sure that live and recordings were carried out smoothly.

Translator – As a translator, you would need to interpret text, converting the written word from the ‘source language’ into the ‘target language’.

Skills Needed
– Excellent communication and presentation skills
– Excellent grammar and spelling
– Commitment and persistence
– Ability to generate original ideas
– A broad range of interests, including current affairs
– Good research and interviewing skills
– Good organisation skills
– Initiative
– Decisiveness
– Team-working skills
– Creativity and problem-solving skills
– Analytical skills
– Multimedia skills

Experience Required
Any degree subject; however, if you are interested in a specific type of journalism, such as politics, obtaining a relevant degree such as Politics and International Relations will demonstrate your interest and knowledge of the subject.

Some roles will also require trainees to have completed a National Council for the Training of Journalist’s qualification prior to application. If you have a degree you may be able to complete the 18 week fast track NCTJ Diploma. The NCTJ’s Diploma in Journalism reflects the multimedia environment of modern journalism and includes mandatory modules on reporting, essential public affairs and media law, and shorthand. For details please visit http://www.nctj.com/.

Remember to check the entry requirements of the particular role you are interested in before applying.

A career in journalism is extremely competitive, so getting prior work experience is essential to applying for any job or trainee scheme. Build your work experience by writing for: student papers/magazines, local papers and free magazines, online publications and blogs (both your own and comment pieces for other blogs).

Where to Get Work Experience 
Kent Union’s Student Media Centre
Inquire Media Group (Kent Union)
KTV (Kent Union)
CSRFM – Canterbury’s Community radio station

Employers
BBC Radio Kent
KMFM
Kent Messenger Group
Heart FM
Kent News
KM Kent Online
Kent and Sussex Courier Training Programmes
Incisive Media
CNN
BBC
ITV News
Channel 4
The Scott Trust
Sky
Press Association
The Times

Further Information about a career in Journalism
https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/advice/planning/jobfaily/Pages/publishingandjournalism.aspx
http://www.prospects.ac.uk/types_of_jobs_publishing_and_journalism.htm
http://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/workin/journalism.htm
http://wannabehacks.co.uk
http://www.shoutoutuk.org
http://www.youthmediaagency.org.uk/ Job sites https://www.journalism.co.uk/ http://jobs.theguardian.com/jobs/journalism/ http://www.jobs4journalists.co.uk/Home/Home.aspx http://journograds.com/ http://www.holdthefrontpage.co.uk/

Courses in Journalism
http://www.bjtc.org.uk
http://www.nctj.com/