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Journalism work-experience prior to uni

I'm thinking of doing journalism at uni next year, I've always had an interest in it yet I have not really got any experience in it and some of the unis I have looked at suggest that some relevant experience is required. Also, my A levels were History, Psychology and Politics (BCC respectively). I've sent emails to many local newspapers and magazines asking for unpaid work experience/volunteer work but none have replied as of yet. What kind of journalism-related experience would I be able to get with my grades and current experience? And how important is work experience really for a journalism degree?
Mostly, it'll depend on your Uni. Everyone has different requirements and a statement like "work experience" can be vaguer than it seems. I did some time on a Journalism course and the work experience wasn't until 2nd year I believe. Before that, the experience they wanted you to have was actually quote broad in a sense. Some students had active blogs, some wrote for WhatCulture in their spare time, another had even created a newsletter back in high school. Don't get me wrong, putting in time with a local paper will really help you on the course and give you an 'in' when it comes to actual work experience. The main thing will just be to show a genuine interest and ability in the field. As a journalist you'll always need stories, and you'll need to be in the habit of constantly finding, writing and publishing them without missing a day. If you can just demonstrate you do this through blogging or something a bit more official I'd say your chances can't be too bad.

Also your A-levels don't largely matter for Journalism. English is a big plus though, and will often be the weight that tips their decision, but I imagine History may help demonstrate your ability to write just as well. Why does it matter a bit less than usual? Every field on Earth has Journalists telling people of their latest endeavors.

Little tip, try practicing the inverted Pyramid Structure of writing with any story you can find (even ones in books). It's such an easy writing style a brain-dead monkey could do it, yet it's a very valuable writing style for any Journalist to know.

EDIT: For extra brownie points check out saylor.org for a list of free online courses. You could take English or maybe even Journalism in your spare time.
(edited 8 years ago)
If your looking to do journalism in the future, make sure your degree has an NTCJ qualification, this is seen as the passport into the industry!

If not, you can take this at post grad level (like I'm doing)

I would call up the news desk directly and get the direct email for the PA of the editor of the news, otherwise you will end up in the large inbox of enquiries.

Also, when at uni join the student newspaper, anything that is published can go to your work portfolio Which will be help you get jobs in the future :smile:
It's great that you're trying to make an effort before you've even started your course. I do journalism as a joint degree, and there are people on my course and the straight journalism who never did an ounce of it before joining, same goes for other people at different universities that I know. You won't be turned down solely on the point of no experience but obviously it helps.

When I was in secondary school I joined a volunteering organisation called Headliners that trained young people in the media, so they'd teach you about journalism, or photography, radio etc. I worked with their journalists on a project where we produced a yearly magazine that was distributed around the borough. I also received a level one accreditation with them. That's all the experience I've done in terms of journalism, I've done more for the other subject my degree is joint with. But that little experience seemed to be enough for me to get on the course. What many universities look for is drive and passion. Two great qualities for any budding journalist.

But as you seem very keen on getting experience, try looking for organisations like Headliners that specialise in working with young people. I think you'd have a better shot workig with something like that, rather than getting work experience or an internship with an established news/magazine company because tbh, not many will even provide you with what you're looking for.

Over this next year if possible I'd advise you to learn about writing. Many people think writing in journalism is basic, but there are many components to it and specific ways of doing things. So if you could get a head start then that would be great.
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There are some media company running magazines also need journalists in China. If you want to find such internship, you can ask me.

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