Whether you fancy seeing yourself on the evening news or not, there are many different roles that a BJTC accredited journalism course can prepare you for.
These days every journalist will need online and digital production skills, so that they can work across all platforms – from the more traditional areas of television, radio and print, where audio and video production skills are highly valued, to the ever more challenging world of online. Even if you work for a traditional newspaper, broadcast and online skills are becoming essential.
Successful graduates could find themselves writing and reading news bulletins, reporting from the field, producing current affairs and magazine programmes, podcasting, working in research, entertainment, history, writing, explaining, interviewing and presenting – or they could be developing exciting new websites and online media enterprises.
What skills do you need?
Most employers want to see graduates with initiative and commitment and the professional skills to effectively gather information and tell a story, whatever the medium.
There’s no single simple template for today’s journalist, but these are examples of the sort of skills required:
- A confident communicator – whether reporting, interviewing, or writing
- Assured command of written and spoken English
- Inquisitiveness – a nose for news – knowing instinctively what makes a good story and where to find it.
- Good interpersonal communication skills
- Easy ability to strike up conversations – and a good listener
- Extensive general knowledge
- Up to date technical skills, particularly in digital production
- Ability to meet deadlines and work to a precise brief
- Ability to develop contacts and keep reliable records
- Resourcefulness, tenacity, patience and understanding
- Honesty, truthfulness, attention to detail and accuracy
Do you think you have what it takes? Have a look at all the BJTC accredited courses around the country, and see if any of these might offer you the future you are looking for.
