A Career in Journalism
What's it about?
We are looking here at newspaper journalists, who research and write news stories and feature articles in order to inform readers about issues and events in the news.
What skills do I need?
To convince an editor that you are worth appointing, you will need to be able to demonstrate the following:
- An interest in current affairs at all levels -
- A lively interest in people, places and events
- An ability to write in a style which is easy to understand
- Good spelling, grammar and punctuation
- An appreciation of the part a local newspaper plays in the community
- A willingness to accept irregular hours
- An ability to work under pressure to meet deadlines
- Determination and persistence
How do I get into the newspaper industry?
Trainees come into the industry by a variety of routes. Some are recruited directly by regional or local newspapers and carry out their basic training under the terms of a training contract. This is known as direct entry. Within this category are those who may have secured employment with a newspaper company or a group of companies who run their own training programmes.
However, most trainees are recruited after attending full-time vocational education and training courses for post A-level students and graduates. Such courses are generally held at colleges accredited by the National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ). Some of these courses are for graduates only. This route is known as pre-entry.
What qualifications do I need?
The usual entry requirement for newspaper journalism is a minimum of five GCSE passes (grades A-C) or equivalent. However, in recent years it has become rare for a trainee to come into the industry at this level. Over half the recruits are university graduates and many of the others have achieved at least two A-levels or equivalent. One of the passes at GCSE must be in English. Five GCSEs (grades A-C) is also the minimum NCTJ requirement for the pre-entry courses. However most colleges require two A-levels.
What do I have to study?
Current training courses lead to a variety of qualifications but all courses cover those aspects of law, public affairs and newspaper journalism necessary to enable a journalist to perform competently by the end of the training period. As well as demonstrating competence in these and other practical areas, trainees are expected to be able to achieve 100 wpm in an accredited shorthand system before obtaining an industry-recognised qualification.
Direct entry
If you are recruited into the industry from school or university, you will be regarded as a direct entrant. Most companies expect you to enter into a two-year training contract, during which time basic training is carried out. The first six months of employment is likely to be a probationary period, during which you will be able to decide whether you have got what it takes to become a successful journalist. Most companies register you with the NCTJ and provide you with a distance learning foundation course to study.
After about six months, you should attend a block release course at college. Following a further period of work experience, you will have the opportunity to prove that you are competent to obtain the NCTJ's National Certificate or a National /Scottish Vocational Qualification at Level 4.
Trainees recruited by in-company training schemes undertake their off-the-job training at their company training centres. The NCTJ currently accredits one in-company training scheme: Midland News Association.
Pre-entry
If you attended a full-time journalism course before obtaining employment, you will probably enter into an 18-month training contract. The first three months is likely to be a probationary period. As with direct entrants, you will be expected to prove your competence after a period of work experience.
How do I get started?
As a direct entrant
Apply direct to the editor of a regional or local newspaper for employment as a trainee. The names and addresses can be obtained from current editions of Benn's UK Media Directory, and Willing's Press Guide Copies should be available at your local library under the reference section.
On a full-time course
Visit www.nctj.com/ for information on accredited courses and institutions that offer them. Suitable applicants are required to take a written test and, if successful, will be invited to attend a selection interview.
Good Luck!
