Career Change

[NMS]

Hi all,

I'm likely to be made redundant over the next 18 months or so, possibly as early as this autumn.

The upside to this is my redundancy package will be enough to allow me to drop out of the rat race for a while and retrain in a new area.

As I've had regrets about not pursuing journalism earlier (I'm now mid thirties) I wondered if anyone could give me some good tips on how to go about this?

I'm will probably be living in the Manchester area when I take my redundancy and have noticed News Associates run NCTJ courses there.

Would this be the best option for me?

Many thanks in advance for any answers, advice or further info you can offer.

[lee_stevens]

It depends on what kind of journalism you want to go into. For print, the most highly regarded qualification is the NCTJ. For broadcasting, I suggest you take the BCTJ. This course will focus more on that sector. If you don't want to take these courses, starting as a freelance & submitting pitches to editors is another option. That said, getting commissions can be just as tough as getting a job to begin with. The only plus is that you don't need formal qualifications.

Experience within either industry is crucial & if truth be told, will probably count for more than qualifications, as it shows that you have knowledge of what's involved, & you have experience working in the industry. Start by calling the offices of whatever industry you want to work in, & inquire about any forthcoming job vacancies or work experience opportunities. Apply for any that are suitable.

Start to build up a list of contacts asap. As a beginner, I suggest you buy a copy of the "Writers' & Artists Yearbook 2012". It's a book full of suitable contacts & advice.

[myworldmyblog]

Also look into starting your own blog and use something like wordpress or blogger to get you started then get some experience whether it be for your local paper then apply.

[Sazzle26]

Hi NMS

I was in your situation last summer as I was made redundant from the FE sector and decided to take a big risk and embark on a new career.

I had always wanted to be a journalist but never pursued it (a long story), however earlier last year I was incredibly lucky to be selected as one of eleven trainees on the BBC Step Up Scheme at BBC Newcastle. This was a ten week course, which gave us an insight into the world of broadcast journalism. I was one of three radio trainees and learnt how to write for radio, how to interview contributors, how to record vox pops and how to produce radio packages. The experience was invaluable but I decided I wanted to work in print / online journalism.

So I applied to do the NCTJ Fast Track Journalism diploma at Darlington College, which I started last September and finished two weeks ago. I absolutely loved it and don't regret changing career at all, even though I know my salary is going  to be a lot lower I would rather be doing a job I love than one I hate for more money. If that makes sense.

My advice would be to do a NCTJ course if you can afford it, as I have learnt so much and there is no way I could have taught myself shorthand! My course was only 18 weeks long but it was the most intensive thing I have ever done. It totally took over my life, but thankfully I have a very understanding husband who was there encouraging me when things got tough.

I also agree with the other comments, get as much experience as possible and start to make contacts now.

Good luck with whatever you decide to do.

Sarah

PS. I was in my mid-thirties too when I started the course.