Are you a recent graduate looking to get into the world of journalism? Although the outlook for graduate journalism jobs has been rather bleak over recent years, there is still hope on the horizon for recent graduates of the subject.
In this blog, we’ll look at some different ways to help get your journalism career off the ground. We’ll also share valuable tips on how you can make yourself more employable in the current climate and the types of jobs available. Of course, we’ll also tell you where you can find graduate journalism jobs so you can get started right away!
Journalism: Getting Your Foot In the Door
For graduates of any field, competition is at an all-time high. This is especially the case for journalism graduates as recent figures show that, outside London, job postings are few and far between. And with a recent drop in editorial recruitment from the UK’s biggest media recruiters, competition among budding journalists is fierce.
That being said, there are still jobs available in this creative industry. Unsurprisingly, London is home to the lion’s share of recruiters so relocation may be necessary. Although this may make the job-finding process more complex, there are ways to kickstart your journalism career and set yourself up for success.
Internships
Internships offer graduates a way to gain industry experience with an employer in their chosen sector. You’ll be able to develop valuable skills that will support your recent degree.
Unfortunately, not all internships are paid so you’ll need to discuss this with the specific employer beforehand. That said, recent studies showed that 70% of interns were offered a permanent or long-term contract of employment after their programme ended.
Many interns are also offered a chance to continue working with the employer as part of a graduate scheme.
Graduate schemes
Graduate schemes are structured training programmes designed for recent graduates to gain industry-specific skills and experience. They are paid positions and usually last between between 6 and 24 months. Offering rotational placements, mentorship, and professional development opportunities, graduate schemes are excellent pathways to a career in journalism.
Some of the UK’s largest employers, including the Financial Times, the BBC, and ITV all offer graduate schemes for enthusiastic graduates looking to become the next generation of top journalists.
For expert advice, check out our dedicated page on How to apply for graduate schemes 👉
Boosting your Employability
As we’ve mentioned, competition for journalism jobs is fierce. As such, you’ll need to be at the top of your game to land an internship or a graduate scheme, let alone a graduate journalism job.
That’s why we’ve put together a list of ways to make yourself a more attractive candidate for potential employers, setting you apart from the crowd.
Sharpen your skills
In today’s media landscape, you need to be a jack of all trades to succeed so take the time to hone your skills in video editing, audio recording, and social media content creation.
With data storytelling on the rise, invest your time wisely by completing online courses in basic data analysis.
Build your portfolio
Employers are looking for candidates who’ll go above and beyond. So your portfolio should go beyond what you’ve done during university and branch out to blogs, writing for local publications, or other freelance work you’ve completed.
Make sure the content of your portfolio is diverse and caters to a wider audience. This proves that you can reflect different voices and perspectives in your approach to journalism.
Networking
When things are as competitive as they are, sometimes a single contact can be all it takes to get an interview. That’s why networking is so essential at this stage of your career journey.
Engage with content on social media platforms like LinkedIn and X so the journalists and publications you admire begin to recognise your name. Attend industry events and conferences to meet people face-to-face and follow up with them afterwards. The aim is to build strong relationships that can help you find a job in journalism.
Top Graduate Journalism Jobs
Now, let’s take a look at some of the top graduate journalism jobs available. While some positions may require experience, there are still plenty of fantastic opportunities across the different mediums of journalism.
Traditional Media
- Newspaper Reporter: Research, write, and report news stories for print or online publications.
- Magazine Journalist: Craft in-depth features or investigative pieces for specific audience interests.
- Broadcast Journalist: Report and present news stories for TV or radio stations.
Digital Journalism
- Content Producer: Create engaging content (articles, videos, social media posts) for websites and online platforms.
- Social Media Journalist: Manage a publication’s social media presence, curate content, and engage with audiences.
- SEO Journalist: Write articles optimised for search engines to drive website traffic.
Other
Beyond newsrooms and websites, your journalism is also valuable in different areas, including:
- Public Relations Officer: Craft and spread press releases, and manage a company or person’s public image.
- Communications Specialist: Develop communication strategies and create content for businesses and corporations.
- Content Marketing Specialist: Create content (blogs, articles, social media posts) to promote a brand or product.
How to Find Graduate Journalism Jobs
Now that you have all the information you need, it’s time to set your sights on the position you want and go for it! Remember to do your research and follow the tips outlined in this blog to give yourself the best chance of success. You’ve got this!
Here at Developing a Student, we aim to connect budding journalists with prospective employers. It’s as easy as searching on our graduate journalist jobs board where we regularly post the latest opportunities in your area.
Check out our Graduate Support Hub for more tips and advice on finding your dream job, including information on careers fairs, work experience, and much more.
Have a question? Feel free to contact our team. And finally, don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter below for all the latest news and graduate journalism opportunities from Developing a Student.
