Five tips to help jumpstart your career

Journalism can be a tough industry to breakthrough in. So here are five tips to help jump start your career straight from our editor, Amber Sunner.

Build up your portfolio

A portfolio is as important as your CV or cover letter. It shows someone that not only can you say that you can write, but you actually can write. I host my portfolio on my website but it can be as simple as a blog with all of your work on. Also, anything can go into a portfolio as long as it is showcasing your abilities.

Build a brand

The next building block is a brand that represents you. This is a lesson I was taught on my journalism degree. It is basically how you want your employers or future colleagues to see you. My brand is my Twitter primarily and my website too. But a nifty trick to help your brand merge in one place is a Linktree. Here's mine if you want any inspo!

Network

Network - the daunting word that frightens me too! Honestly, once you get into the swing of it, it'll be like second nature! Also, the pandemic has seen virtual networking skyrocket so you can even be in the comfort of your own home if you want to be at this moment. Networking isn't just about big halls with people milling all around you - it can be as simple as DM'ing a person saying hey, and striking up a conversation like that.

Look up, not around you

A fantastic thing I learned from the affable Nicola Slawson. One of the least helpful things you can do for your career is to get stuck looking at the people around you and being envious of what they're achieving. That's why you should look up - look up to that journalist to you admire and try your best to get to that level.

Keep going

The long days can often turn into long nights, but every word you write is a step closer to where you want to be. Keep going - you will get to where you want to be. 

Credit: Canva Pro image collage by PressPad