Publishing and Journalism

[Hayleyoxford]

Whats the best way to get into these fields? I am about to finish a degree in Modern History at a good uni and I have done work experience at a national newspaper as well as having some (pretty limited) publishing experience. I really want to avoid post-grad study or years of doing time at a local paper if possible. Are these jobs as competitive and contact-oriented as people say?

[metagirl]

You will need to do more work experience, most likely at a local newspaper - sorry. But you have more of a chance of getting bylines at a local than you would if you were doing work experience at one of the majors. And getting your name in print is very important. Once you have more clippings under your belt you will have better chances at securing an assistant role at a larger paper. Or you can build up enough contacts to go freelance. Its very competitive, but not hopeless. You need to know where you want to work (newspaper v magazine v TV v Online v Radio) and what you want to do (reporter v editorial assistant v subeditor v production v researcher) - not knowing exactly what you want will only hold you back.

[metagirl]

Oh and Publishing and Journalism are completely different industries - I completely missed that the first reading. You will first need to decide which industry you want to go for! All the best!

[Hayleyoxford]

Thanks, I do realise that they are different industries, and I've already had some stuff printed in a national paper and a book.

[Buenchico]

You might find some useful information by selecting from the links here:
http://www.learndirect-advice.co.uk/helpwithyourcareer/j obprofiles/category24/

If you want to make progress in journalism then you'll probably need to do some freelance work (even if this alongside a paid position). Journalism is one of the few professions where you can get to the top without any formal qualifications. I'm not saying that qualifications are irrelevant but neither are they essential. I started freelance writing when I was 14 and didn't bother getting any relevant qualifications for another 30 years!

Getting into journalism is dead easy. Making a real success of it is just the opposite! Good luck!

Chris