Starting out

Don't expect an easy life

Training consultant David Scott warns would-be journalists to ditch the rose-tinted spectacles

If you think journalism is an easy option when it comes to choosing a career, think again! You will be disillusioned within a few days by the pay, the hours and the extra work required to get you through a series of examinations.

The job requires dedication from day one and a real commitment to see the initial two-and-a-half-year training period through to its conclusion, and even then you will have only just started.

The changes made to sixth-form life mean many more youngsters taking media studies as one of the extra subjects to be studied in addition to their three main A-levels. For a number of years now, media studies has been available at many schools as a fifth- and sixth-form subject in its own right, but before embarking on such a course, you would be wise to analyse what you are actually studying.

There are few newspaper editors around who have not had the tough task of telling students that what they have studied in the sixth form or at college after A-levels has been of little value when it comes to getting a job on a regional daily or weekly newspaper.

The conversation goes something like this:

Editor: "Tell me why you want to be a reporter and what experience you have had so far."

Student: "I write good 2,000-word essays at school and I have done a two-year media studies course."

Editor: "Tell me what you did on the course."

Student: "Well, I know the history of the press and all about Lord Rothermere and Beaverbrook and I am very good at handling a camera in a television studio. In fact, I might go into films one day."

Editor: "Good for you, but did you do any shorthand, can you type and what do you know about the laws of libel?"

Student: "Eh, What! Liable for what?"

Editor: "Libel, Contempt of Court, the Magistrates Court Act."

Student: "Sorry, don't know what you are talking about, but I am sure I can pick it up."

Editor: "What sort of writing have you done and have you ever been to a council meeting?"

Student: "Like I said, I write good essays, but councils are boring. Would I have to go there?"

For another 10 minutes, the editor is polite and attempts to point out the sort of qualifications he is looking for before he terminates the interview and advises the would-be journalist to get some real career advice about life on his local newspaper.

I make no excuses for being cynical about what has happened in recent years, but that does not mean all media courses are poor and irrelevant. There are some good ones, normally run by ex-journalists rather than academics; the trouble is, finding them.

The National Council for the Training of Journalists, based in Harlow, is always a good starting point for any student thinking of a career in journalism. Its leaflets outline what is available but, in addition, anyone contemplating following one of the routes offered should take the trouble to talk to an existing senior journalist to get some idea of what newspapers are looking for when the time comes to find a job. There is a huge difference between "playing" at the job and doing it.

Just because you can write well at school doesn't mean you will make a good journalist. Of course, good English and spelling are important, but editors look for much more than academic qualifications. They are on the lookout for youngsters with character and personality who get on well with people and are not afraid to ask questions, sometimes awkward ones.

If you like to have a hectic social life every night, plenty of money in your pocket and loads of time off at weekends, the job is not for you either. While your friends are in the pub, at the football or enjoying a romantic evening, you might well be at Puddletown Parish Council, listening to a debate on allotments until 10.30pm. You might just get the last pint! On some papers you can expect at least two evening jobs and weekend duty as well.

A career in journalism is an excellent one, but many people who come into it wearing rose-tinted spectacles drop out within a few months. There are several options open to you once you have that initial two-and-a-half years' training under your belt, but don't expect an easy life.

For more information on David Scott's journalism training company, ring him on 01803-293021, or visit: www.davidscotttraining.com.