Getting your foot in the door in the media industry can seem daunting. There are so many different ways to start out – but which one is best?
Degrees currently seem to be one of the main ways many start out their career with. In its annual report on the diversity in journalism, the National Council for Training of Journalists (NCTJ) uncovered that 91% of journalists have a degree-level qualification in 2023 – but university is by no means the only way into journalism.
There are many other ways to gain experience and take your first steps towards a career in the media including apprenticeships, dedicated schemes, internships and work experience, short courses, or creating your own space through freelancing or other means.
When it comes to choosing what the best way is for you, it really depends on you and your interests and circumstances – there are different pros and cons of different ways to start out.
Here, we have gathered some of these to help you in your decision:
Degree/ University Education
Getting a degree for a long time was the set way of starting out in journalism. Over time, more and more courses have popped up – many of which offer tailored programmes, links to the industry, and a good reputation within the media sector. Of course, there’s more to the university experience, too. Many people make friends for life while getting their qualification.
Ways to do it
There are many journalism courses available from universities and education centres across the country. While similar things will be covered, some will still differ in what area you are focusing on (print journalism, multimedia, broadcasting etc.) or have specific niches (investigative reporting, sports, fashion, business, finance etc.).
Do your research before enrolling. For example, if you want your course to also include gaining your NCTJ diploma, take note that not all universities are currently accredited to do so, so it is important you check before.
Pros:
- Will mean you have a degree in the subject – something which many employers still look to when hiring.
- Degrees are recognised outwith the media industry, too
- Tutors, mentors, and classmates provide a network to meet people in the industry and make connections for the future
Cons:
- Can be academic rather than practical (most are a mixture of both but will have academic elements)
- They come with a price tag – tuition fees are expensive
- Take a while to complete (three to three to four years as an undergraduate and an extra year as a Masters student)
Apprenticeships and other dedicated trainee schemes
Despite the on-going trend that many journalists have a degree, many publishers have started looking beyond hiring university graduates and providing more vocational pathways for those unable to or not looking to go to university. Several schemes and apprenticeships to enable those without a degree to get a foot in the door have popped up over the years.
Ways to do it
The BBC offers both a Journalism Fast Track Apprenticeship – a scheme for school leavers or for those looking for a career change – and a Journalism Advanced Apprenticeship – for those that have some media experience and “looking to develop advanced journalism skills.”
For those looking to work in the press instead of broadcasting, the NCTJ’s Community News project is a partnership between the NCTJ, Meta (formerly Facebook) and regional news publishers. It does not require previous experience in journalism and reporters are often employed within local newspapers with the aim of building strong connections in their patch, covering community stories, and receiving training by the NCTJ while doing so.
Other broadcasters and publishers also offer similar roles for those starting out. It is worth checking any job sites regularly. Some include:
- Channel 4’s Production Training Scheme
- The Insider Inc. Fellowship Program (Note: They do say for you to have some experience, but welcome applications from those that do not if you have a passion for the job you are applying for).
- Sky News’ Apprenticeships and trainee roles
- ITV’s Academy News Traineeship
Pros:
- Learning by doing – most apprenticeships are very practical. Apprentices learn as they work and are offered a glimpse into different elements of the job
- Normally do not require high amounts of formal education or experience in the field (good for those starting out, those looking for a career change and/or those without academic requirements for university)
Cons:
- Pay can be low when first starting out
- Schemes – especially with renowned publishers – can be competitive and hard to get into
Internships and work experience
Internships and work experience are a great way to get insight into newsrooms, make contacts, get some bylines, and are an opportunity to add to your CV. It is not unheard of that interns go on to get hired by the place they start out at. Often these stints last from a few weeks to a few months, so they give you some flexibility if you are looking to discover different workplaces, too.
Ways to do it
Some advertise dedicated schemes such as the Guardian’s Positive Action scheme. You will often find details of these online, so it is worth checking up on places you could see yourself working regularly.
However, it is also worth reaching out to publishers and newsrooms directly – even if they aren’t currently advertising any opportunities – and asking whether they would take you on. You’ll be showing initiative and many people have got work experience this way.
Pros:
- Offer you on the job insight and practical experience in a newsroom
- Great for connections
- More practical than educational training
- They are short term (offer flexibility if you are looking to try out different things).
Cons:
- Can sometimes – especially since Covid during which many places suspended their work experience schemes – be hard to come by. Particularly when it comes to national papers, you might find yourself competing with others trying to get work experience, too
- Are often more short term opportunities
- Can sometimes be unpaid or low paid. (Something we at PressPad are trying to change!)
Short courses and vocational training
Doing short courses can offer a great way to still get some of the skills you need as a journalist without enrolling in full-time education for years.
The NCTJ diploma in journalism is often a requirement for journalism jobs and is offered by several training bodies (e.g. News Associates, PA training, and other colleges – find the full list here), but can also be completed online via distance learning. Different courses range in length but normally take six months to a year, where the online distance learning can be done in your own time.
However, there are so many short courses for different certificates or to learn skills out there – from feature writing, to masterclasses on data journalism, or classes on how to be a freelance journalist.
Ways to do it:
These are some of the many places offering short courses or events to enhance your skills, but there are so many more:
- News Associates: https://newsassociates.co.uk/
- PA training: https://becomeajournalist.co.uk/
- National Union of Journalists: https://www.nuj.org.uk/learn/nuj-training.html
- Journalism.co.uk: https://www.journalism.co.uk/
- Guardian Masterclasses: https://membership.theguardian.com/masterclasses
- Women in Journalism: https://womeninjournalism.co.uk/
- Journo Resources: https://www.journoresources.org.uk/
You can also watch all of PressPad’s masterclasses we delivered as part of our #PressPadRemote training programme, covering and shining light on a whole array of important journalism skills and subjects, FOR FREE on our YouTube channel:
Pros:
- Can be completed fairly quickly (vs. university education that takes years)
- Cheaper than university education
- Often offer a more targeted way of gaining certain qualifications or focusing on certain aspects important to your career
Cons:
- Costs can add up – depending on what courses you choose, costs can still add up and often you’ll need to pay a large chunk up front.
- Can be very intense at times if they are fast-tracked and for certificates
DIY-ing it
While training courses, internships, work experience, and/ or a degree are a more ‘streamlined’ way into the industry, it is also possible to start out freelancing or using your time to build a brand based on another niche related to the media to get your foot in the door.
Ways to do it
Freelancing:
Freelance journalists work on a self-employed basis. While some will take occasional shifts in newsrooms, it is very likely a lot of writing pieces pitched and commissioned by outlets. It can be a great way to make contacts with editors and get your name out there, while also working on your portfolio. It also allows you to choose when you work, meaning you can shuffle your work around other commitments.
Through your other niche
Journalism is so much more than writing and ‘being good with words’ these days. There are so many important roles in the media and the landscape is ever-changing. Are you really passionate about TikTok? Love photography? Video editing? Or coding? All of these things are skills employers in the media industry are often looking for and by enhancing and showing off your skills in your specialist subject area, you could bag yourself a job working in the media industry.
Pros:
- You can focus on your own interests and schedule
- Can be a cheaper alternative to paying for training and/ or education
Cons:
- It can take time to build your brand and portfolio – success may not be instant
- Freelance work can be precarious at times in that you aren’t always guaranteed a stable income
