Become a journalist

 
noSWeat students....at the heart of news production

You'd like to quiz top politicians, interview Madonna or comment on the pros and cons of the Euro. The job of a journalist is both interesting and varied, but undertaking the above tasks is not as easy as it may at first seem.

There is a great deal of work to do both on the academic and practical side. One needs to develop a reporting voice. In other words, the trainee needs to be able to view incidents and activities from an objective viewpoint. News reports must be concise, accurate, balanced, and accord with media law.

There are several ways of developing these talents, but before an aspiring journalist is ready to take up a coveted place on a news desk it is important that they are able to prove that they have mastered the basic skills.

This is usually done by taking and passing various examinations set by a professional body. At noSWeat, our journalism training is geared towards standards set by the National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ). This body is instantly recognised by editors and publishers both in the UK and abroad.

The exams cover practical journalism, law for journalists, public affairs and shorthand. These lead to the NCTJ Preliminary Certificate, the first step on the road to reporting as a career. It shows that the fundamentals of the job have been mastered and that a prospective employee can carry out the basic duties of a news gatherer.

ways into print journalism

With freedom of expression a time-honoured right in the UK, journalism is a profession open to people of all backgrounds and ages. While many journalists have university degrees, higher education is not a pre-requisite. Some journalists begin their career at a very young age directly from school, others from university. While most are in their 20s, many enter the profession later in life, changing careers after gaining valuable expertise and experience in other areas.

career possibilities

With the NCTJ Preliminary Certificate, the first job as a trainee reporter is often, but not always, with a local paper. After 18 months experience the junior reporter sits the NCTJ's National Certificate Exam, the final step in attaining full professional reporter accreditation. From local papers journalists may move to a regional evening or daily paper and then on, perhaps, to a national title. Others may pursue opportunities in magazines, or online publications. Press officer and public relation positions are also open to those with journalism training and with added skills it is possible to migrate to radio and television.

As journalists establish their reputation the career opportunities become more varied and numerous. However, regardless of the paths eventually followed, the skills and knowledge learned from the NCTJ curriculum - media law, local and central government, shorthand and writing concise, accurate and fair copy - will serve the journalist throughout their career.