higher education


Mason’s start in journalism could not have been more different from the routes he was discussing. After embarking on a career in music, Mason realised he “wasn’t going to make any money as a professional musician” and, instead, decided to use his computer skills to break into the industry. Mason taught himself to be a subeditor, becoming


Newsnight’s business editor without formal journalism qualifications after four years of freelancing and then six years at a number of Reed Business Information titles. “It was a time – as it is now with internet journalism – if


you can do it and understand the rules, you can get on,” said Mason, although he made clear that this route is now less viable because “in our modern highly commodified labour market qualifications speak”. For any prospective journalist, regardless of the course they


want to do, Mason’s advice is to “specialise if you can – be the person who knows about Croatia or science or who speaks a second language.” He also says that they should remember that a journalist’s core strength is that “they have generic skills that are applicable to specialist audiences,” so “write until it’s natural to write or make videos until it’s easy to make videos.”


When the BBC is sifting through applications for graduate trainees or unqualified apprentices, it’s that commitment to practising and honing the craft that makes the difference, according to the corporation’s journalism schemes programme manager, Julian Joyce. “Qualifications are very secondary. For trainees, I don’t


care whether someone’s done a master’s or a degree. The important thing for me is that they see themselves as a journalist. That’s exhibited in maybe them doing a lot of successful social media or them having a good blog,” Joyce says.


“ ”


Although reporters are increasingly expected to work across multiple platforms during their career, the qualifications often needed to enter the industry are still divided by medium into newspaper, magazine and broadcast journalism. Prospective newspaper


reporters normally require National Council for the Training of Journalist qualifications, while, for those who want to go into magazine writing, the


lesser known Periodical Training Council offers industry recognised qualifications. Many television and radio reporters complete a Broadcast Journalism Training Council accredited course before gaining their first journalism job. It is possible for school


leavers to go straight into the industry through traineeships and apprenticeships offered by local papers or organisations like the BBC.


They should be doing journalism in their everyday life. Now you can self-publish so there’s no excuse


“They should be doing journalism in their everyday life. When I did my NCTJ, the only way I could get published was through the local paper, because it was before the internet. But now you can self-publish so there’s no excuse.” Joyce also highlighted the growing importance of digital and social media in the hiring process, noting that many young journalists are coming into the BBC “ready made” in those areas because “they grew up with them and are using them every day”. Trinity Mirror’s regional editorial director Neil Benson said


social media skills are just as important for new recruits. In contrast to the BBC – which focuses on a data-informed social media policy – Trinity Mirror’s approach is data driven, which means that the ability to sell a story is highly regarded. “Traditional journalistic skills are still very important, and, in that respect, NCTJ accreditation is a good-quality kite mark. That said, an increasing proportion of our new talent comes to us from non-traditional sources and brings with it a different skill set. For example, some of our brightest recent recruits as sports writers have joined us from digital start-ups,” Benson said. “An ability to write bright, clean copy is a given but we view


social media skills as equally important, and would expect every new recruit to display a strong understanding. In our view, selling the story is just as important as telling it.” Selling has always been a occupation that suits people with


a thick skin and the same goes for reporting. While some of the routes into journalism may have changed, the attributes needed to succeed on any of those routes – from the best to the worst – haven’t. “The truth is all journalists are nosy and pushy,” said Maguire. “Handling rejection and setbacks is part of the process. You’ve just got to be determined.”


Different routes for different media Those with A-levels


or higher education qualifications can apply to further education colleges and private institutions to undertake accredited vocational study, which ranges from two-year diplomas to fast-track courses. Many universities now


offer journalism degrees that provide qualifications by industry recognised bodies. There are also options to take mixed subject


degrees, such as English language and journalism, although applicants should check that they will receive all the training required to qualify as a journalist. Some national


newspapers take on graduate trainees. One-year postgraduate


diplomas are another common route for gaining qualifications to enter the industry, while those wishing to combine academic and vocational


study can apply for numerous master’s degrees in journalism. However, again, care


should be taken to understand exactly what the courses offer. Anyone wishing to


become a journalist should show they are committed to reporting, through the production of their own stories, self- published or otherwise, and by undertaking a small amount of work experience.


14 | theJournalist


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