The NCTJ Essential Guide to Careers in Journalism

The NCTJ Essential Guide to Careers in Journalism

by Andy Bull

4.1 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	5482 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	288 pages

FREE

The National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ) is the UK's leading journalism training organisation. It offers a range of qualifications, including the NCTJ Essential Certificate in Journalism, which is the industry-recognised qualification for aspiring journalists.

This guide provides an overview of the journalism industry, different job roles, and how to get started in your career. It is essential reading for anyone considering a career in journalism.

What is journalism?

Journalism is the process of gathering, writing, and reporting news and information. It is a vital part of a democratic society, providing the public with the information they need to make informed decisions.

Journalists work in a variety of settings, including newspapers, magazines, television, radio, and online. They may specialise in a particular area, such as news, sports, or business, or they may work as generalists, covering a range of topics.

Different job roles in journalism

There are a wide range of job roles available in journalism, including:

• Reporters gather and write news stories.
• Editors oversee the production of news content, including writing headlines, editing stories, and laying out pages.
• Producers plan and oversee the production of television and radio news programmes.
• Photographers take photographs to illustrate news stories.
• Videographers record and edit video footage for news stories.
• Digital journalists produce and edit content for online news platforms.

In addition to these core job roles, there are also a number of specialist roles in journalism, such as:

• Broadcast journalists present news and current affairs programmes on television and radio.
• Investigative journalists research and write in-depth stories on important issues.
• Foreign correspondents report on news from around the world.
• Sports journalists cover sports news and events.
• Business journalists cover business and financial news.

How to get started in journalism

There are a number of different ways to get started in journalism, including:

• Do a journalism degree. There are a number of universities and colleges that offer journalism degrees. These degrees provide a grounding in the principles of journalism, as well as practical experience in reporting and writing news stories.
• Take a journalism course. There are a number of colleges and training providers that offer journalism courses. These courses are typically shorter than degrees and provide intensive training in the practical skills of journalism.
• Get work experience. One of the best ways to get started in journalism is to get work experience. This can be done by volunteering for a local newspaper or magazine, or by interning at a professional news organisation.

Once you have some experience, you can start applying for jobs in journalism. It is important to tailor your CV and cover letter to each job you apply for, and to highlight your skills and experience.

Useful resources

There are a number of useful resources available to aspiring journalists, including:

• The National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ): The NCTJ is the UK's leading journalism training organisation. It offers a range of qualifications, including the NCTJ Essential Certificate in Journalism, which is the industry-recognised qualification for aspiring journalists.
• The British Journalism Review (BJR): The BJR is a bi-monthly magazine that covers the latest news and trends in journalism. It is a great resource for aspiring journalists who want to keep up-to-date with the industry.
• The Journalism Skills Academy: The Journalism Skills Academy offers a range of online courses and resources for aspiring and practising journalists. Its courses cover a wide range of topics, including reporting, writing, editing, and digital journalism.

A career in journalism can be challenging but rewarding. It is a job that requires hard work, dedication, and a passion for storytelling. If you are considering a career in journalism, it is important to do your research and to gain as much experience as possible.

With hard work and determination, you can achieve your dream of becoming a journalist.

The NCTJ Essential Guide to Careers in Journalism

by Andy Bull

4.1 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	5482 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	288 pages

FREE