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| Careers: Journalist |
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| Job description |
| Due to the incredible technological advances of recent years,
news is relayed almost instantaneously around the world.
Journalists have been at the forefront of this revolution,
researching and writing news and articles for newspapers,
magazines and the internet or for broadcast on radio and
television.Whatever the medium, parts of the job remain the
same: researching stories and events, attending press
conferences, following up leads, interviewing people, meeting
strict deadlines and ensuring stories conform to a house style.
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| The type of journalism you pursue will influence how you
spend your working life. Magazine journalists, for example,
write features, spend time in editorial meetings and work
closely with designers, whereas broadcast journalists may
decide how a story should be presented and contribute to
programme ideas.
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| Study routes |
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| Pre-degree level |
| More than 70 per cent of journalists are now graduates. The
qualities needed to be a successful journalist, however, have
more to do with personal aptitude. The academic route to a
degree course is A-levels in three or more subjects.
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| Degree level |
| Undergraduate media and journalism degrees tend to last three
years and include placements to give students experience of a
working environment. You can specialise in various types of
journalism. A degree accredited by the National Council for the
Training of Journalists (NCTJ) is invaluable.
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| Experience is vital, as is putting together a cuttings portfolio.
Student newspapers, magazines, radio stations and in-house
television stations all offer useful placements. Freelancing, (selling
articles or ideas to publications) also provides valuable experience.
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| Further study |
| Although undergraduate degrees in media studies or journalism
are available, many students choose another subject, such as
English, and then take a specialist vocational training course.
Whichever degree you have, a qualification accredited by the
NCTJ will further your chances immeasurably.
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| Working environment |
| Long, irregular hours are common. At a national paper or in
broadcasting, you may be expected to work shifts including
evenings, nights and weekends. The hours are more regular
when working on a magazine. Journalists generally work in
hectic and noisy office environments and also spend time out
of the office chasing up stories. Studio-based presenters spend
more time in the office and, as a result, working hours are often
more predictable.
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| Many people make careers as freelance journalists, contributing
pieces to a variety of publications. Working from home may suit
some people but isolation from work colleagues and a lack of job
security is not for everyone.
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| Career options |
| Newspaper journalists in the UK usually start by working on a
local paper, although placements occasionally arise at a national
daily. Enthusiasm and persistence will stand you in good stead
so don't be put off by the first rejection letter. Jobs in print
journalism vary from columnists and news reporters to feature
writers and sub-editors. There are also opportunities for
journalists as researchers, writers and production assistants in
television and radio. Broadcast journalists tend to start in the
newsroom before moving on to reporting, while some become
presenters and correspondents. London is a recognised and
respected world media centre and UK-trained journalists are
often in demand overseas.
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| Skills required |
| All successful journalists have excellent communication skills,
an inquisitive nature and a lot of self-confidence. You need to
be accurate even when working to strict deadlines and will
require good interview skills and the ability to write
knowledgeably and concisely. You must be able to take
responsibility for your work and accept criticism as many people
will read your work and may not agree with you.
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| Student Profile |
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Name Jana Ciglerova
Age 26
Home country Czech Republic
Course International Journalism
Institution City University
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Why did you choose to study in the UK?
I think the UK has the best journalism in the world. I couldn't choose a better
country to gain the best professional experience and journalistic education.
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What has been the highlight of your course so far?
The experience and devotion of the professors. It was them who made me realise
that journalism is not just a job, it's also a mission.
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Do you enjoy UK life?
It took me a couple of months to get used to it but I'm going to miss it after I
leave in September. I had to fight to fall in love with the UK but our affair is now
so much stronger.
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What are your future plans?
In October I'll go back home to my newspaper, as my chief editor wants me to
become the Sunday edition editor. As I am sure I'll be a significantly better
journalist when I get back, I hope there's a great career ahead of me.
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| Web links |
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Education UK
www.educationuk.org
Links to UK institutions offering journalism study options.
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The Chartered Institute of Journalists
www.ioj.co.uk
The Institute is the world's oldest organisation for journalists.
The site is a source of regular, up-to-date news regarding all
aspects of becoming a journalist. |
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The JournoList
www.journolist.com
The JournoList is an annotated list of sites chosen to help
reporters, writers and editors make good use of the internet.
The site carries links to web directories and search engines. |
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National Council for the Training of Journalists
www.nctj.com
An invaluable website with information on becoming a
journalist. Includes links to NCTJ-accredited courses in
the UK and information on distance learning courses. |
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National Union of Journalists (NUJ)
www.nuj.org.uk
The NUJ is among the best-established journalists' unions
in the world. The site carries information on everything
from training to legal advice.
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