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| What advice would you give to anyone wishing to be a journalist? What type of work do people do in photojournalism? "Most photojournalists work for newspapers and magazines or freelance, but there are also some who work for related fields such as Web or commercial photography. The emphasis is on telling stories through photography." What kind of background is important? "You need to understand both the business and the technical requirements. Therefore, you will have to learn the rules of storytelling, both written and visual, the market and the profession, the technical requirements of a camera and the way to link this knowledge into a story as you approach people." What other qualities and skills are valuable? "Anyone can pick up a camera, look through a viewfinder, push a shutter-button and take a decent picture. Taking a picture that prompts the viewer to react emotionally, whether his heart breaks from sadness or his side splits from laughter, separates an amateur from a skilled photojournalist. Painters use brushes to link reality with creative imagination; photojournalists use cameras. They recognize decisive life moments in the form of honest human emotion and interaction (or lack thereof). In all instances, they are also masters of light, able to work long hours and conditioned to place themselves in uncomfortable positions, both socially and physically. Photojournalists are open-minded, yet critical, thinkers who work hard to tell stories without words. In so doing, they allow people to see the objective world from a fresh, subjective perspective." What kind of jobs are graduates getting with a photojournalism emphasis? Jackie Bell "After graduating, most of the students first get internships with newspapers. Later, they move to work as staff photographers or picture editors. They might also work for commercial magazines or Web." What are the salaries and working environment like in this field? What Do Newspaper Journalists Do? A newspaper journalist, or reporter, provides the general public with information about events, people and ideas. Newspaper journalists can work for a local newspaper or a national publication. Educational Requirements to Become a Newspaper Journalist: Most newspaper journalists enter the field with a bachelor's degree in journalism or communications. Along with a formal education, it is helpful for aspiring newspaper journalists to have relevant work experience. Many employers prefer to hire those who have worked at some type of publication such as a college newspaper or magazine since those individuals are better prepared to handle the stress of the position such as meeting deadlines and working with other journalists. How would you describe your role? It's a varied mix of broadcasting and production. I get most of my materials from meeting people and sharing their stories. What are your main responsibilities? What hours do you work? I work 10.00am to 6.00pm when I'm in the office, and 8.00am to 4.00pm when I'm out on the road broadcasting. Sometimes I have to work weekends, but get a Monday or Friday off in lieu. I get time off for any extra hours worked. Who do you work with? I work with a colleague who does exactly the same job as me, an editor and an assistant, and the daytime programme teams into whose programmes I broadcast. What special skills or qualities do you need for your job? Excellent interpersonal skills, adaptability, prioritisation and organisational abilities, diplomacy, the ability to be calm in a crisis, a nose for a good story and a sense of humour. Why did you choose this type of work? Simply because I thought I'd be good at it. I am very good at talking to anyone whatever their walk of life, and I capitalise on all my strengths in this job. What training do you receive/have you done? I decided I wanted to go into radio when I was about 13 and set about getting all the experience, working as much as I was allowed in local radio while still at school. I got unpaid work at radio studios, cable television, newspapers, hospital and charity radio. I researched which degree to do, and chose a recognised practical and theory course. I also have done a post-graduate degree in Broadcast Journalism. Do you use any tools or equipment? All manner of recording devices, most of which are digital nowadays, and a computer. What do you like/dislike about your job? I love the variety of my work and meeting all different people, although I don't think I'll ever get used to having to do outside broadcasts when it's very cold! What are the particular challenges in your work? How do you see your future? APPLICATION FORM List the school/colleges/universities you have attended: Dates Name ………………………. ……………………………………………………………………………………. ………………………. ……………………………………………………………………………………. …………………………….. ……………………………………… ………. ……………………….. …………………………….. ……………………………………… ………. ……………………….. …………………………….. ……………………………………… ………. ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… Give details of any other further or higher education courses you are applying for (this will not prejudice your application): ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… In what way do you consider any of the above activities relevant to the work of a journalist? ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… What were the chief influences in choosing journalism as a career? ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… What do you feel are your main strengths/aptitudes for it? ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… What steps have you been able to take to prepare yourself for it? ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… What do you believe to be the role of a newspaper? Where did you hear about this course? ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… Signed…………………………………………….(applicant) Date………./…………/………… PLEASE TAKE A PHOTOCOPY OF YOUR COMPLETED FORM (including supporting documentation) BEFORE RETURNING IT TO THE ______. Please return your completed application form, with your cheque, to:____ ____ Tel: _____ ______ Fax: _____ ______ Email: ____@______.com Web: www.______.com Magazine Journalist What is the work like? Magazine journalists write news articles and features for publications ranging from 'glossy' consumer magazines through to specialist trade journals. As a magazine journalist, your work would vary depending on the type of magazine, but would normally include: * attending meetings to plan the content of the magazine * suggesting ideas for articles that will be of interest to the magazine’s readers * interviewing and researching to collect material for articles * writing articles in the magazine’s house style * keeping up to date with developments and trends in the subject area of the magazine. Many magazines have related websites, so you might also produce versions of your articles for the web. You would usually have specialist knowledge in the subject area covered by your publication. Types of magazine include: * consumer magazines – aimed at the general public * specialist consumer magazines – aimed at people with interests in a particular subject, such as ______, ______ and ______ or ____ * professional magazines – for those working in a particular career such as human resources, or management * business magazines and trade journals * in-house company magazines. As a freelance journalist, you could write for both magazines and newspapers. What qualifications and experience will employers look for? There are no set qualifications for becoming a magazine journalist, although most people applying for this job role have a degree. How would you describe your role? I work as part of the editorial team covering West Kent, writing and news editing three editions. What is your daily routine? The day starts with a news meeting to discuss what everyone is working on and what stories to pursue and develop. I process reporters’ stories, put together news pages, source and write news stories, organise photographers and speak to people who have stories or complaints. What hours do you work? My hours tend to be fairly regular, Monday to Friday, 8.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m., but the nature of the job means there can be late evenings as the deadline approaches and breaking news stories that occur out of hours - including weekends. What’s your working environment like? I am based in offices within our readership area but away from the head office for the group. Our newsroom is a small but lively office, with people constantly on the phone or email. Out team is split between two newsrooms to ensure best coverage of the circulation area. Who do you work with? I work closely with reporters, sub editors, advertising staff and photographers as well as with key contacts, such as the emergency services and local authorities. What special skills or qualities do you need for your job? You need the ability to see a good story and an understanding of what is important to people. It is vital that you have the ability to talk to different people as well as good writing skills and organisation. You must be thorough, and have a solid understanding of media law. Why did you choose this type of work? I am interested in finding out what people do and like the thrill of working in a lively, pressured environment. What training have you done? I did a fast-track post-graduate journalism course after university, passing exams in shorthand, writing, local and central government and law. I then joined the paper as a trainee, and, after a year, sat an exam to become a senior reporter. I have received on-going training since in areas such as sub-editing and law. Do you use any tools or equipment? A computer, phone, notepad, pen and a car are the key tools required. What do you like/dislike about your job? I enjoy getting an insight into people’s lives. I also like the thrill of meeting deadlines, seeing the paper come off the press and comparing it with local papers that are printed by rival publishers. However, as a journalist you carry some difficult responsibilities. There is nothing harder than talking to a family that has lost a loved one or been involved in a horrific incident. Unfortunately, it is part of the job, and something no degree of training can prepare you for. What are the particular challenges in your work? The main challenges are all to do with pressure. For instance, the stress from meeting tight deadlines, juggling numerous tasks, asking difficult questions and making difficult judgements. How do you see your future? What further training and development can I do? As a new magazine journalist you would develop your skills on the job. Big publishing houses often have structured on-the-job training schemes, but this is less likely in smaller organisations. Where can I go for more information? What do you write about? I write news and features about commercial law firms and legal developments. My job also involves a considerable amount of research and interviewing. Do you have a typical day? No – that is what makes journalism so appealing. During a week, I could be writing a feature on the merger between two law firms, having lunch with contacts and attending a press party. When I go out of the office, I usually take a taxi rather than drive. I have rheumatoid arthritis and parking in central London is bad enough without having to walk long distances from car parks! Do you use any special equipment? I spend a lot of time on the telephone and on my computer – like almost all journalists, I do my own typing. What was your route into your career as a legal journalist? I worked as a qualified solicitor in a law firm before I switched to journalism. I completed a 'crash course' in journalism to help develop my writing and to gain an insight into the profession. I was very lucky to get my job at The Lawyer because I didn't have any work experience in the sector. How do you get hold of stories? In all sorts of ways – through research, keeping in touch with contacts in the legal world, keeping an eye on the news and asking lots of questions. The problem with news is that you never know when it will happen. Recently we had to change the main front-page story because our source for the story backed out. This resulted in one of the most frantic press days I've ever experienced, as we had to find a new front-page story in just a couple of hours! Why did you choose this type of work? Journalism is a great profession because it's varied, challenging and unpredictable. I also have the opportunity to meet lots of new people. What training have you had? Apart from shorthand, most of the skills I've learnt have been gained through hands-on experience. What hours do you work? Most days, I start at 9.30am and finish around 6.30pm. However, we are expected to go out with contacts after work. Press days (Fridays) can be a lot longer, as the reporters can't leave until all the pages have been sent to the printers. What do you like best about your career as a legal journalist? I enjoy the thrill of finding out about stories before anyone else. On a weekly publication the work is driven by deadlines and I like the highly-charged environment. We work hard, but also have lots of opportunities to socialise. Last year we were taken to a Madonna concert by one of our contacts! Do you have any dislikes? I often have to call people I've never spoken to before for interviews or comments and these calls are not always well received. Also, journalism is not very well paid, but the job satisfaction makes up for it. What kind of person succeeds in this job? Someone with good interpersonal skills, knowledge of the area they are covering (in my case the legal profession), energy and a nose for a story. You have to know your readers! What are your long-term career goals? I would like to work on the business pages of a national newspaper. Anne's route to her career as a legal journalist * Degree in Law (LLB). * Qualified as a solicitor. * Completed summer course with London School of Journalism. Anne's legal journalist tips * Try to get relevant work experience. * A journalism course is useful but not essential. * Persevere – journalism is a very competitive profession. Legal journalist related jobs * Barrister/Advocate Broadcast journalist * Court reporter * Journalist * Legal executive * Newspaper editor * Solicitor How to become a legal journalist * Legal journalists are either qualified lawyers who have switched into journalism, or journalists who have an interest in law and specialise in that area. * Legal journalists write stories for newspapers and magazines, as well as for book publishers who specialise in law subjects. |