How to break into journalism

Always wanted to become a journalist but never knew how to get into the media? This is the right place to start.

Some of the UK’s top journalists have run seminars and workshops at the YJA. Here they share some top tips on how to break into the competitive media industry.

Rob Kirk, editorial development manager, Sky News

What are your top tips for aspiring journalists?

Build that CV. It’s never too early to start your journalistic work, so look for any opportunities in print, broadcasting or online.
Follow the news. Know what’s going on and be bright and sharp. Have a view – and know how to present it – but also be prepared to listen.
Learn how to spell. Enjoy the English language – and respect it.

What’s your story?

I could have been a historian. But one day, whilst learning about Ashanti funeral rites in the nineteenth century, I realised that journalism might be more fun. I was right.

Hannah Fernando, director of news, Heat magazine

What are your top tips for aspiring journalists?

Always be enthusiastic, no matter how thankless the task at hand.
Be proactive - have ideas and don’t be afraid to say them out loud.
Never lose sight of your ambition.
Prove to your (potential) employer that there is no one else for the job.

What’s your story?

I did a huge amount of work experience across all media platforms, including radio, television and print, which undoubtedly helped me in the long run. My first ‘proper’ job was for the News of the World, where I spent three years. Noted as one of the hardest places to work, it’s fair to say I was taught the ropes in a sink or swim fashion there. I then moved to Heat magazine as news editor and was later promoted to director of news. In this role, I oversee not just the magazine but also the website and Heat radio. I also do a fair amount of TV work, including with GMTV, This Morning, The Alan Titchmarsh Show and Sky News, as well as various radio shows each week. I still have ambition and drive and am determined to succeed to the best of my potential.

Dean Piper, celebrity columnist, Sunday Mirror

What are your top tips for aspiring journalists?

Be prepared to think journalism day and night - 24 hours a day. Today, thanks to the internet, you have an opportunity to report wherever you are, whenever you like and you should take advantage of this. So why not start your own blog?
Send story ideas out to people and be prepared to get into the newsroom and start making excellent cups of tea. That’s what I did!
Your local paper is a good place to start. It could be a hard slog, but stick at it - the benefits and rewards are there if you put the work in.
Accept that being a journalist is a lifestyle; you have to be prepared for this. It’s a very rewarding industry.

What’s your story?

I was always interested in the glitz and glamour of the showbiz world and managed to get into the Daily Mirror to do work experience after flogging various showbiz scoops from my local area over the years. I started out at the Sutton Guardian, a local rag, but impressed the guys at the Mirror so much that I was offered a job on the team as a secret ‘3AM’ boy. From there I went over to People magazine as a showbiz reporter. I then spent two years as celebrity editor at Loaded, followed by four years as celebrity editor at Closer magazine. Currently, I’m doing a showbiz column for the Sunday Mirror. It’s tiring, but it’s literally the best job in the world.