Breaking Into Journalism: Top Tips for Newcomers

I am just starting my journalism career, but I have spoken to people who are journalists at BBC Sport and work freelance with TNT Sport, Conde Nast, or freelance PR. I have gathered all the information they gave, plus guest speakers and lecturers at my training course at News Associates.

1. Website/ Portfolio 

Many jobs in the industry or even training courses will want to see evidence of commitment and that you're invested in this career, especially a training course where the focus is on you to put the effort in. So having your website, even if it's just for you, shows that you are severe enough to create a website and understand the digital publishing process, which for many news outlets or magazines is more online than in print. Also, they will hope you know a lot about SEO and how to get readers in with the title. Also, have sections to make it look presentable, like an art portfolio. This is a professional tool. They will be looking for page organisation, use of references, imaging and layout. Depending on the writing you're completing, they'll want to feel engaged in the work. If you are interested in sports journalism and want to see a range of writing, for example, match reports, players profile and transfer news, to show you can write about different events.

2. Network

This means talking to people. I used a five-day course at Conde Nast, where we went to their headquarters and had speeches from those working there to network. I emailed and researched each person and found a common interest from the work area or personal if appropriate. Make them remember you when you apply for jobs. If those networking events are available, guest speakers, even if not in your field, show others your professionalism and commitment. Also, the classic link is all nice in a while; you still have to make an impression on a person for them to remember you. Go to networking events, try to get press accreditation, and surround yourself with like-minded individuals who might have a link or professional for you.

3. Work experience

The most important thing is that it is something everyone bangs on about being important, and trust me, as someone who has no or little work experience, I know its importance. At some point, most secondary schools will have a week's of work experience and will try to help. Unfortunately, due to COVID, I didn't have this opportunity. Do not worry if you did your work experience somewhere irrelevant at the university. There will be opportunities. Again, unfortunately for me, there was no journalism society or university paper for me to work on, so I had to find one elsewhere. You can find one on LinkedIn or start-up websites that want volunteer journalists. They want to see your work and will likely give you an opportunity. This is a great example to show employers that you have experience being published and have an editor, and you can deal with constructive criticism. Also, sometimes, it is essential to work to a deadline for the news to be relevant. Work experience is excellent. No employer will want to employ someone without any prior understanding of the industry anymore. Which leads me nicely to my next point

4. Courses- NCTJ

Training courses for masters or undergrads. Having that piece of paper that you can wave in front of their faces shows them that you have the knowledge and technical skills surrounding media law and different types of journalism. It's not just print or digital; it's news headlines, radio and podcasts. Also, having an example of academic work helps the NCTJ, which is the qualification a lot of high-end news outlets like BBC, for example, will like as it doesn't just show commitment to go out and succeed at these exams but also shows you have training in media law and PR. They will not only teach you the different types of journalism and how to write for different platforms and companies, but they will also teach you the different types of presentations, like podcasts, and how to use the equipment. I have only been doing it for one week and already have three guest speakers and multiple exercises. These exercises also involve working with others as a pair or group, which is crucial when working in a team to finish the job and meet the deadline. 

5. Social media 

Now, this is great when you're starting to publish and spread around your work to get traction. Some jobs require social media to have a public presence, especially if you're working on social media or digital platforms. Some might prefer private accounts only for their safety if they work in foreign affairs, for example, to protect themselves. Though not necessary, it is something my course director has preached about to celebrate your achievements. But there are some rules: only have images of yourself, don’t post anything that you would not like your boss to see, try to think of your future job and think about what they would or wouldn’t appreciate their workers having public views on. Remember to be careful about locations and remove those bots. This is the modern-day CV. They want to see you know how to use different tools like reels; many jobs now require you to be able to edit. They want well-rounded, skilled applicants, especially in journalism, where social media is now essential for people to read their news and be updated on the world around them.

Last note: Get Grammarly Premium. I was lucky enough to have access through my degree, and the contract was over a two-year renewal so that I could have it for my training course, but I will even have it in my job. Advocate for your boss to have it. It helps you with spelling, grammar, and punctuation, especially if you're dyslexic like me. It gives me extra security.