How To Get Work Experience In Journalism

If you want a career in journalist them work experience is essential.

The industry is fiercely competitive with hundreds of people wanting work experience.

Here are some handy tips for gaining a week or two at your favourite publication.

1. Getting work experience at a place local to you is relatively easy and will probably provide you with the most worthwhile knowledge of journalism compared to the bigger places.

Find a list of all the local newspapers and magazines in your area and give them a call or email.

I did a week at the Leeds Guide magazine and was given lots to do from conducting interviews to reviewing products (and getting to keep them!) to finding people to feature.

It was really satisfying and exciting to see my name in print with the advantage of looking great on my CV.

2. Check out the Gorkana PR website as there is a great jobs section which outlines all of the latest journalism jobs.

Look at the section on internships and apply to the ones that take your fancy.

Do bear in mind that the majority are based in London and expenses aren't always covered so don't apply if you live in Scotland and have no place to stay!

3. If you're keen on getting experience at the glossy magazines then don't expect immediate replies or a week in the next month as they often book people in 7 months in advance.

There is a great jobs section which outlines all of the latest journalism jobs. Look at the section on internships and apply to the ones that take your fancy

Daisy Banham

The best advice is to apply to everywhere - write a huge list of all the publications you'd be happy to work for and find the phone number or email of the editorial assistant.

It's also worth checking out their websites as most have details of work experience and how to apply.

When you contact the magazine, email a CV (which should be tailored to your interest in journalism) and include a covering letter detailing your availability and why you're so keen to work for them.

4. It is also worth emailing websites and asking if you can write for them.

Contributing to websites such as the Student Beanzine is great experience and many other student-targeted websites welcome young writers.

Show some initiative and get your name online!

5. Finally take advantage of your University student paper as its easy experience and looks great on your CV!