Journalism Q&A
Want to get into journalism? Here are some questions people frequently ask when they’re trying to get started
Questions answered by Nathan
Do I need to go to university to be a journalist?
Not technically, but it is a big help. There is nothing to stop someone who does not have a degree writing for a newspaper or magazine, but it is unusual. Writing and researching essays at university can be a great way to hone your writing skills, but the absolute best preparation for any journalist is to work for your university newspaper.
Do I need an NCTJ diploma?
The National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ) offers accredited courses in many different specialisms, such as sports journalism, multimedia journalism and shorthand. These courses are incredibly useful. They will teach you all kinds of skills and many senior journalists and editors swear by them. But you do not need to have an NCTJ qualification to become a journalist -- and having one won’t guarantee you a job.
How do I get an internship?
The most common way into journalism these days is to work as an intern. This is a great way to make contacts, learn the basics of the job, and understand the rhythms of a working news, feature or magazine desk. All major newspapers run internship programmes, and you will find out how to apply on their website. Some are unpaid, but many will now pay minimum or living wage. Competition is high, so do not be disheartened if you apply and hear nothing back for a few weeks -- just move on to the next. Here’s a tip: keep a spreadsheet with a list of all the different publications you would like to work for, what internship programmes they have, when each application window is open and how the process works. Then log any applications you send in and how you got on.
Should I keep a blog?
Anything that keeps you writing and writing regularly is a good thing. But I would issue a word of warning -- one of the main things an editor is looking for when they commission a new writer is that they can write to a tight and coherent structure. They need to know that the writer can interview people, and bring in their expertise; they need to know that the writer can uncover new information and express it clearly and put it in context. So, if you are writing a very concise and well-structured blog, then it could be really useful. But, while a freeform blog can be a great place to express yourself, and build a following, it is not always the best tool to convince an editor you can be a useful journalist.
Should I be active on social media?
Being on social media is a great way to keep up with the news and build contacts. Twitter, in particular, is used by journalists to break news, find case studies and generally talk among themselves. Don’t worry if you do not have a massive following, especially when you are starting out. A good way to get going is to create a list on Twitter of journalists you admire. Seeing who they follow and who they interact with is a great way to start your network.
How do I pitch a story?
This might be the most important thing to get right, because most journalists will work freelance at some point or another -- and often when they are starting out. Pitching a story is a bit of an art, rather than a science as different editors look for different things. But, in the main, you want to try and convince the editor, in as few words as possible, that you have a story worth covering and that you are the person to cover it. The first thing you have to do is make sure you have a story to begin with. Remember: you are not pitching a situation, or a concept. One tip is to try and imagine what the headline would be, or the stand first, which on a feature is the line or two in a bigger or bolder font that sits under the headline. Once you’re happy with it, you need to find out who the relevant commissioning editor is and email them. You want to set out what your story is, and explain it in a short paragraph. You should write in who you intend to interview, and include data if you can. Put some links to any previously published work too. Editors can be very busy, so do not expect an immediate response. If they have not got back to you after a few days, do feel free to follow up and send a reminder.