Graduates of the class of 2019 Journalism studies courses have an unpredictable road ahead and need to keep their eyes on the horizon. A new crop of future journalists have taken their first steps into the industry by beginning their studies. Given the changes that journalism has seen in the past few years, predicting the skills that will be needed in three/four years will be a challenge.
There are a wide range of entry points in the industry through academic study from Certificates to Masters programmes. Most aim for good preparation for either entry level positions in the news media organisations and equip for further exploration in media research. So if you are thinking of applying or have just embarked on your studies, some direction might help to get the most out of the journey.
Cover as much of the industry as possible
Increasingly, Journalists are expected to be able to work across a number of different media platforms as well as deal with a wide range of subject matters. General transferable skills are crucial to widening future job prospects.
Journalism is a highly diversified field. As well as the mass media there is a specialist niche for almost every aspect of human life. There are different types of journalism, from topics (political to lifestyle) to styles reportage (features, opinion or analysis) and mediums, (broadcast and digital).
As well as equipping you with a wider range of skills, a good range of experience will provide a better insight in to the area you have a talent for or particular interest in. You may enter wanting to be next Glen Greenwald and leave the next Carrie Bradshaw or vice versa. Keep an open mind and be as curious about journalism as the stories you cover.
Cover the basics well
There is a knowledge base and skill set that is the foundation of almost every conceivable type of journalism. Most courses run modules that cover them and they usually include variations of: introduction to the news media industry, news gathering, law & regulation, ethics, news and feature writing, digital media production and broadcast production.
Despite the tumultuous time the industry has suffered in recent years certain criteria for employment have not changed. Good researching and investigation skills, excellent writing or presenting skills, a knowledge of the law and regulation as well as the formalities of producing work are required traits in any journalist, whether you want to be a sports presenter or political reporter.
Specialist skills
At some point in the next few years you will be asked to focus on some aspect of the industry in specialist modules. You many veer toward broadcast and select an advanced production or editing modules, you might prefer digital media and chose a html module. Although general skills are important to hone these specialist skills can make you more a suitable and desirable candidate for certain jobs.
Data journalism and visualisation, digital storytelling and mobile journalism are all popular skills at the moment, but it is important to pay attention to developing trends in the industry and continue to upskill as the industry changes.
Also, if you already have sense of where you want to go and would prefer to pursue more focused career path check the universities emphases on this element. For example if you lean towards specifically broadcast journalism, check the range of modules they run in this area and what your options to pursue them are. It is also worthwhile checking the types of hardware and software Universities use, that it is up-to-date and that they are not using different software packages to the industry norms.
Work Experience and Internships
Every year hundreds of budding journalists are various stages of their education are expected to secure work experience. The market is flooded and spaces are limited. But these ventures in the work place are extremely important and can be clinchers for employers. A high value internship with respected media outlet can be hard work but gives a give a competitive for those who secure a spot.
Some colleges partner with media companies and internships are organised internally, but not many, and places are still not guaranteed. So it is useful to check when internships are expected to start and begin the process of applying early. Don’t leave it too late because even the smallest local free sheets and start-ups will be inundated with requests.
Extra circulars
Both inside and outside the college, extra curricular activities orientated around journalism is a great way to explore your future options and looks impressive on a CV. Whether it is joining the college paper or writing a blog, participating in college radio or podcasting building up a body of your work as you study shows not only experience but also enthusiasm and dedication.
Journalism is a fast changing and expanding industry. In a few years’ time new media platforms and brands will have emerged and new methods of delivery as well as ways of monetizing news. Core transferable skills and the experience gained in college provides a strong foundation for flexibility in what promises to be a challenging and exciting career.
