We know how hard it is to get journalism work experience – especially if you don’t want to spend a week making tea.
So, whether it’s news, sport or fashion journalism work experience you’re interested in – here are a few tips for landing that all-important placement.
@journoresources Our top three tips for getting #JournalismWorkExperience 📧 #WorkExperienceTips #CVAdvice #JournalismInternship #CoverLetterTips #FYP #IndustryExperience #CareerDevelopmentTips ♬ original sound – Journo Resources
Be clear and polite.
Journalists get a lot of emails and they are easy to ignore. So avoid putting someone in a bad mood and making their life harder.
Know what you are capable of.
Stand out from other applicants by explaining what you can bring to the publication – i.e knowledge of the area and a contacts books
“Work experience is the key to everything,” says @AlicePiper1.
“Be polite and persistent, just not too annoying!”#TeamNA #StartedHere #JournoFest pic.twitter.com/uDQvLxIah4
— News Associates (@NewsAssociates) January 25, 2020
Take advantage of anything you are offered.
If fashion journalism work experience is what you want but there is only space on the news desk, still take it. Just being in the office is a good way of making contacts, and you might be invited back if you make a good impression.
Do your research so you know the areas and subjects the publication covers.
You can never be too prepared. Go through their website, find out about the history of the publication, their audience and all the areas they have (and haven’t) covered.
Show an interest in the publication and the stories they have published.
Don’t only engage when you’re in the newsroom. Keep reading, watching and consuming journalism to really understand the publication.
Send a link to your journalism portfolio to showcase your work.
This is an easy and professional way to present your abilities and your experience.
The best way to learn how to be a journalist is by doing it!
Read about @jessmsharkey‘s work experience in local news ⬇️ #StartedHere https://t.co/D3L31UsqYJ
— School of Journalism (@TheJournoSchool) May 5, 2023
Pitch a few story ideas when you are asking for placement.
Be bold and prove that you understand the tone, topics and audience of publication. This shows initiative and an eagerness to get into the newsroom.
Be flexible with dates and times.
Being able to take on any job at any time shows determination – what editors are always looking for!
You might not find your perfect journalism work experience straight away – but keep persevering and it will be worth it, as there is no better way to learn how to be a journalist than trying it first hand!
Sign up for our free journalism workshops and open days for sixth form and gap year students here.
Sign up for our free events for university students, graduates and career changers here.
Featured image courtesy of Rowan University Publications via Flickr