Journalism

[lil_mrs]

Hey there!

Once i've finished 6th form, i would REALLY like to be a journalist - preferably a News/Celebrity Editor. Anyone have any tips on how i can go about it?

Thanks
xxx

[january_bug]

I believe many reporters on the BBC/ITN/C4 news read English, Politics, History or PPE at Oxbridge or one of the Russell Group universities.  I would suggest that, for series and successful career opportunities, media studies may not be your best bet! 

Try and get as much work experience as possible on your local radio and TV stations.  Also read books on journalism.  Andrew Marr has written a very good book called, I belive, My Trade, that is all about political journalism. 

[january_bug]

Sorry, just reread the question... for written journalism, the same still applies - get a serious degree from a serious uni, and get as much experience as possible on your local newpaper and magazine.  You could always write to the nationals and ask for work experience.  Email Heat about gossip journalism. 

[ursula62]

As well as the excellent advice you've already been given about degree courses, you might be able to start now... ask your local paper if they are willing to take you on as a junior in the holidays. It will probably be unpaid but it will be great experience.

Does your college/6th form have a newsletter? If so, get involved. If not, start one. Otherwise, try offering your help to other organisations that may have a newsletter, e.g. neighbourhood watch, local scouts or guides, churches, schools, hospital radio etc. The more experience you can get the better.

It's volunteer stuff like this that looks great on a CV and shows you're committed to your chosen career.

[joko]

get the writers and artist yearbook. they have addresses of companies that will view unsolcited articles, or write and ask them if they will accept. mags such as bella, best, takeabreak etc could be  good start. getting something in print would be great for your cv

[becks]

Whilst I agree with some of what's been posted you hardly need a "serious" degree if you want to work in celebrity journalism. If you're serous about print do your NCTJs as they're worth more than a degree anyway, get LOADS of work experience, go to uni if you want and do either a "serious" degree or an accredited journalism one - i did mine at bournemouth and it's the only course in the country to be accredited by the PTC (Periodicals trianing council), NUJ and NCTJ (National council for the training of journalists) - it also includes doing work experience as PART of the course. Don't be put off but it is a killer industry and every year there are millions of people like you that want to get in. Decide what area you want to work on and centre your work experience around it, get as many contacts as possible - don't be shy and apply for every job going. Good luck!