Experience advise

mynameissophie

I am currently in college and am wanting to go tro university next year to studying Journalism. I'm thinking about asking around small newspaper and magazine firm near me. And hopefully if i am giving a job or experience I will get a bit more income.

What do you guys think do you think that asking around... I will actually get my foot through the door? Let me know and Merry Christmas!

heretolearn_2

This is going to sound awful but what I really think is that you need to do a lot of work on your English before you will be ready to start studying journalism. Your grammar and syntax are odd. (and you want advice, not advise). Is English perhaps not your first language? Nothing wrong with that, but it needs to be perfect to write professionally.

There's no harm in asking around for some work experience. I don't think it's realistic to expect a paid role at the moment.

daveboy

If I wanted to read a newspaper or magazine written by someone who can't use English properly I would catch a flight to somewhere like Poland.

I find it quite rich that someone who cannot use the language appropriately wants to try and follow a career in a field that depends on......exactly that.

If that is what you want to do, surely, surely, your home country is where you should be looking?

Or is it just me?

dandelionclock30

I'd look towards doing something elce if I were you.One of my neighbours got a 1st in Journalism and was a really nice bright woman.She couldnt get anywhere and now works in insurance.If your struggling now with the basics then you are not going to cut a career in it. Probably asking around about literacy classes may be more helpful at this stage.

LL30

I think it's great that you've got ambitions, well done you! It would be a good idea to try and get some work experience first, I wouldn't expect payment for it at this stage. Journalism is about much more than just about writing, and remember that improving your written English is a skill that can be learned, so don't be deterred! I did a degree in Broadcast Journalism, it is very hard work and it's gritty (oh, and my English isn't always great either, I'm prone to typos and some nasty habits that I can't get out of!). I decided not to pursue the profession, but this was for personal reasons regarding the news gathering systems in the UK (amongst others).

Also, it's worth doing a lot of research into Journalism degrees - some are better than others, and have better links. My course was very hard to get onto (written tests, audition tapes, high A level grades) but had excellent contacts with the BBC and co. In fact, the majority of my year are now on TV or radio, I'm always seeing/hearing them! Granted you're not applying for Broadcast Journalism, but the same rule applies for Journalism too. Good luck

mynameissophie

Haha No sorry I am english and I got an A in my english GCSE. It was just that I was quickly typing it before I had to go out so I was rushing! Sorry about that. I have had work experience in the past at a local newspaper and had 5 articles of mine published with my byline so I am thinking that is a great reward!! Two days ago, I recieved a reply from another local newspaper who has asked me to right another article, which in opinion, I am quite proud of. Sorry about my english in my first message as I was rushing before I had to go out. Haha

cr1mson

mynameissophie wrote: »

Haha No sorry I am english and I got an A in my english GCSE. It was just that I was quickly typing it before I had to go out so I was rushing! Sorry about that. I have had work experience in the past at a local newspaper and had 5 articles of mine published with my byline so I am thinking that is a great reward!! Two days ago, I recieved a reply from another local newspaper who has asked me to right another article, which in opinion, I am quite proud of. Sorry about my english in my first message as I was rushing before I had to go out. Haha

Think you need to check your 2nd message too!

C

mynameissophie

I think you maybe forgetting that I am human and I make mistakes. And I don't think you read my first message properly as I clearly pointed out that I am only in college and hoping to go to University, so i'm not going to be perfect.
I am human after all.

cr1mson

mynameissophie wrote: »

I think you maybe forgetting that I am human and I make mistakes. And I don't think you read my first message properly as I clearly pointed out that I am only in college and hoping to go to University, so i'm not going to be perfect.
I am human after all.

With an A at GCSE in English and an aspiration to be a journalist though would have expected you to be able to know that it is write an article and not right an article!

And comments after your first post would have made me double check that my second one was perfect in both spelling and grammar!

On a more helpful note might be worth learning to type as sure that won't go amiss as a journalist. Another thing is why not start a blog?

Good Luck!

C

mynameissophie

Thank you... and yes I know the second one should have been perfect but I am at work Lol. I have started a blog but it is hard to know what to write about.. I was wondering if anyone had any ideas?
Thank you for the help though!

saintjammyswine

How about writing about trying to get into the industry?

Also, as you said about your previous work experience you may be able to get an internship or less formal work experience with local papers. Also look into smaller publications such as local newsletters, community groups etc.