Opinion: Why Journalism?

The last year of University often seems stressful enough without the added demands of job-hunting. When my final year began in September 2005 I wanted, along with so many other students, to work in 'The Media'. At this point I never really questioned 'why journalism?'. However I did realise that competition for jobs would be fierce and I started to look for work experience using the portfolio of cuttings I had accumulated whilst writing for the University newspaper.

The best (and least time-consuming) option seemed to be to sign up with graduate recruitment web-sites whilst sending speculative e-mails and letters of application to newspapers, magazines and employers such as the BBC.

Towards the end of my degree, the responses had begun to mount up, and my first interview for a placement was at the Guardian. The Scott Trust (owner of the Guardian Media Group PLC) offers six bursaries for aspiring journalists to study for a Postgraduate Diploma in Journalism. Predominantly aimed at students who face financial hardship in attaining the qualifications they need to pursue a career in journalism the scheme is open to graduates who are permanent residents in the UK with some basic journalism experience and evidence of writing skills. For more details visit: www.gmgplc.co.uk/bursary2006.

I also received a number of responses offering me short placements throughout the coming year. This caused me a great deal of anxiety because although I felt the experiences would be valuable, they would also effectively prevent me taking permanent paid positions.

As it was my final year, exams and coursework took precedence which meant that my career planning took a back seat. I did less for the internal university publication and completed fewer work experience applications. After graduating I became a member of the NUJ (National Union of Journalists) and began researching alternative routes into the industry. I found out about numerous courses which could enhance my chances of succeeding in Journalism, as well as other sources of funding available to those not looking to teach or research.

The NCTJ (National Council for the Training of Journalists) accredit courses too, and qualifications with this standard are recognised by all publications, nationwide. I contacted two colleges offering the same course, whose details I found on the NCTJ website. I eventually secured an interview with noSWeat Journalism and have now embarked upon their accredited course.

A little less than a month in and I feel like I am already seeing benefits; not only am I being trained to enter a profession, I am building industry contacts and gaining practical, vocational skills. The course that I have chosen allows me to undertake work experience and improve my academic and theoretical knowledge, whilst at the same time effectively circumnavigating the whole problem of academic qualifications without practical experience.

I am also building up a portfolio which I can take to future employers. The portfolio demonstrates my research skills, showcases my writing ability and develops my list of contacts.

I would recommend an NCTJ accredited course unreservedly to anyone looking to become a journalist. Seeking out your own placements is a great beginning but there is always a risk that without full training you can become stuck in a round of unpaid placements. I hope that my growing practical experience coupled with my theoretical understanding of the issues within my chosen profession will allow me to make a relatively smooth transition into a paid position.

There does still remain a little part of me that still asks, 'why journalism?', but ultimately, you're really asking either 'why did I choose journalism?' or 'why choose journalism?'.

If you're asking the former, then just change the question to 'have I really chosen journalism?'. Make sure you've explored all the available paths at your disposal, and usually through this process your conviction in your choice will show through.

If you're asking the latter, make sure you make it a choice, not just a hazy ambition. The resources are all there - use them.