Career advice wanted for Trainee Journalist

[Sazzle26]

Hi Everyone

I have just completed my 18 week NCTJ Fast Track Journalism Diploma at Darlington College and am waiting for my preliminary exam results.

I am now looking for my first trainee reporter position but due to family commitments I need to stay in the North-East of England, so realise I am hindering my own job search. However, I determined to prove that you can be a successful regional journalist.

I have already done two work placements, one with my local BBC Online team and one with a local weekly newspaper and am in the process of organising further work experience with a local magazine and a online news site.

I would really like to hear from other regional journalists or anyone else who can offer me any advice about how to secure my first trainee position, as well as becoming a successful regional reporter.

Thanks

Sarah

[lee_stevens]

Hi Sarah

In my opinion, you've taken all of the right steps so far. Qualifications are key to your success & experience is critical & the more you can get, the better. The BBC do offer a Trainee Scheme, which is a good way to get your foot in the door. Some journalists have built their careers through completing one of these but it does cost, and as with any aspect of journalism, competition is fierce.

Have you started a blog? If not, I advise you to do so, on any topic that interests you. Regional news stories for example, would be perfect in your case. Exploit every opportunity to get your name out there. You're a beginner & need to make your name known to people. It's another thing you can refer editors to when you make contact. Providing evidence of your abilities is exactly what editors who you're unknown to want. If you report on stories in the media, be sure that they're factual but written in your own words. Even better if you can come up with stories of your own.

Build up a list of as many contacts as possible. Phone media companies to inquire about any forthcoming job vacancies or work experience opportunities. Ideally, you need to make direct contact with the editor. Even if s/he says no to your request, do ask if you can keep their details for future reference. You can always try again when a few months have passed. 'Writers' & Artists' Yearbook 2012 is a good book for suitable contact addresses.

Send pitches to editors. Starting as a freelance journalist is another way of getting in, as to the best of my knowledge trainee reporter posts are few and far between. The 1 disadvantage working as a freelance, is that you're not guaranteed a regular income to begin with, but once you've established a good name for yourself, freelance journalism can be just as financially rewarding as if you were working for a company.

A good local knowledge of the area you wish to cover will be essential, and being an expert in a specific subject will also work to your advantage but as a regional reporter, isn't so important.

I hope I've been of some help to you & good luck.

[Sazzle26]

Hi Lee

Thanks for your advice, it's great and I really appreciate it.

I've already bought the Writers and Artists Year Book and was planning on sending out speculative letters to all the local editors. Also, in the process of updating my contacts book.

No, I haven't started a blog yet but it's at the top of my to do list. Do you have one? If so, please could you send me the link as it would be great to have a look at one that is already up and running.

I've already tried pitching story ideas and am waiting for a reply!!

Thanks again.

Sarah

[lee_stevens]

Hi Sarah

I'm glad that my advice has helped. At the risk of making myself sound a total hypocrite, I don't have a blog. This is because I was one of the very fortunate few who got the break I needed first time, & have had a steady flow of work. That said, work has slackened for me recently, and I'm seriously considering heeding my own advice as well.

I must stress though that my suggestion that you start a blog, is generally the advice most journalists give to beginners these days. With so much technology available, your work can be on display to the world in minutes. There's never a bad time to start a blog, but they do die if they're not regularly updated with new information on whatever topic you choose.

To read blogs online, just google something like; "blogs on (whatever topic you choose.) I dare say hundreds will come up. When writing your own blog, to stand more chance of getting regular views, I advise you to use WordPress. The SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) is far greater than that of the more commonly known Blogger site. WordPress is also free to use.

There's absolutely nothing wrong with writing speculative letters, but I suggest you call the company direct and ask to speak to the editor. That way you'll get a direct answer & wont waste time writing letters that may get misplaced or just end up in a bin without being read. Editors are busy people, and rarely have time to sit & read letters that they haven't even asked for. Do make sure that any letters you do send, are addressed to a person & not "Dear Sir/Mdm". This is a big no,no in journalism, as it looks sloppy & unprofessional.

If you haven't heard anything regarding the pitches you've sent within 2 weeks, follow it up with a phone call.

[Sazzle26]

Hi Lee

Thanks for the advice again. Sorry for the delay in replying but I ended up having a last minute job interview last week, and actually got one of the posts.

Unfortunately, it's not a trainee reporter role but it's an exciting opportunity to work on a pilot project with one of the largest media organisations in my area. It's also a six month temporary contract, which fingers crossed may lead to something else. I'm also going to get loads of multimedia experience.

Thanks for suggesting Wordpress for my blog, I have already looked at it but just need to sort out a web host now, so I can get up and running.

I saw on another post that you're trying to get some broadcast journalism experience, hope that works out for you as it sounds like you've been lucky with your print journalism career.

Sarah