The growing number of online publications and TV channels has seen a small rise in the number of jobs – plus a push to make the industry more diverse has opened up fresh opportunities too.

1

Experts estimate there are 110,000 working journalists in the UK and around 6,000 vacancies arise each year.

With average pay at £38,000, salaries are higher than the national standard and it can be a dynamic career which allows you to follow your passions.

So, if you want to write your own story, here’s how to begin a journalism career.

Do you have the right qualities?

Being a journalist isn’t easy.

You’ll need to have a nose for a story, confident in talking to people and able to get on with anyone at any level.

Writing and presenting skills are essential, alongside extreme attention to detail, time management and the unflappable ability to work under pressure.

Many news journalists work anti-social shifts including public holidays, overnight and weekends – but if you love hard work and the excitement of breaking a new story, then it could be a dream career.

Decide which type of journalism you want to go into: 

Most people think of journalist as  newspaper columnists or TV news presenters – but there are many more routes you can take.

Types of journalism include Print news, Print Magazines, radio and TV, Online and Social media. The lines are blurring between each genre and you can move between but it will define your training and the publications so can apply to.

Upfront or ‘behind the scenes’:

As well as star columnists, celebrity magazine editors and TV news presenters, there are a huge army of ‘production’ journalists which make each publication, TV or radio show happen.

These ‘backroom’ roles include TV and radio production staff, online page builders and print ‘sub editors’ to check and refine copy. 

Decide which you’d be most comfortable with as they use many of the same skills, but the production teams tend to have a more technical role.

How do I get into journalism?

The most common route is to take a degree or a conversion course after your degree.

Check out cardiff.ac.uk/journalism-media-and-culture and city.ac.uk/about/schools/communication-creativity/journalism for degree courses and https://newsassociates.co.uk/ for conversion courses.

Apprenticeships are making a huge comeback and provide ‘earn as you learn’ training. Search for apprenticeships at journoresources.org.uk/journalism-apprenticeships-uk-list/.

READ all about it! Here are the best new jobs in journalism this week, from Sun Jobs

Assistant Producer, News UK, London

TALK your way into a job with Piers Morgan at Talk TV!

The Job: Talk TV is hiring a talented Assistant Producer in London.

What You’ll Do: You’ll be an integral part of the editorial team, involved in daily news and discussion, responsible for generating original ideas and bringing in exclusive content.

You’ll Need: A strong understanding and passion for current affairs and an eye for a great news story.

Knowledge of editing and newsroom software – particularly iNews – would be a distinct advantage, and the ability to remain calm under the pressure of daily deadlines is essential.

Apply Now: Apply for this position, or see other opportunities at News UK.

Production Journalist, ITV Jobs, Jersey

ENJOY the Island Life with this top-notch production job.

The Job: ITV is looking for an experienced Production Journalist to join the broadcast and digital news team at ITV News Channel TV in Jersey.

What You’ll Do: You’ll work on television and digital news production, taking the lead in planning stories, producing bulletins, and helping to set the news agenda.

You’ll Need: You will be a self-motivated journalist with outstanding written and verbal communication skills, excellent editorial judgement and strong social media acumen.

Strong knowledge of media law and a good knowledge of the Channel Islands are essential.  

Apply Now: See further details now, or more jobs at ITV Jobs.

Weekend Journalism Coordinator (Saturday), BBC, Coventry

RISE and lets your skills shine in this super breakfast show role.

The Job: BBC CWR is looking for a Journalism Coordinator to be part of the team delivering the Saturday Breakfast show.

What You’ll Do: You will support the development of the programme, aid in preparation for the live show, assist with live output in the studios and help prepare and share digital content on BBC CWR’s social media channels.

You’ll Need: A good understanding of the basic language of broadcast media, along with a bank of strong story ideas and an ability to assess the relative merits of a variety of stories.

You will demonstrate ability and aptitude in the use of operation, broadcast and computer-based technology.

Apply Now: Get all the requirements here, along with other opportunities at the BBC.

Discover thousands of open vacancies for jobs all across the UK now on The Sun Job Board