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Work experience at a newspaper

I would love to do some work experience this summer at a newspaper like The Times or The Telegraph etc. I realise this is a hugely competitive field, even more so for me as I am not yet an undergraduate. However, I am very keen to try and was wondering if anyone had any advice on how to stand out......

Reply 1

Noémie

i doubt you'd get it tbh.
go for a local newspaper and try for a big newspaper when you're a first year.

Reply 2

ChocolateFish

I did some work experience a few years ago for a local newspaper. It can be tedious, but I'd recommend going down that route first, build up a portfolio and then approach the larger papers! I think I phoned the Editor up and asked if he would be willing to take me on for a week or two - completely unpaid - and I ended up writing articles, interviewing the public, having my own workspace etc, with an offer to come back whenever I like! You also build up your contacts that way :smile:

Still, there's no harm in trying - perhaps just ring the Telegraph/Times offices up to see if they could offer you a few days work experience? I suspect you'd probably be doing a lot more of the 'menial' jobs such as making tea, but it would be good to put on your CV!

Reply 3

danpr

Don't think you won't be able to get it, the person above saying she doubts you will be able to get it is wrong; I had work experience on national papers (Express, Times, Sun) when I was 16 with very little prior experience, although I was on a journalism course. Be enthusiastic at all times, and always follow up any e-mails you send.