Studying journalism opens doors to a range of careers where your creativity, writing, communication and research skills are invaluable

Job options

Jobs directly related to your degree include:

• Broadcast journalist
• Editorial assistant
• Magazine features editor
• Magazine journalist
• Newspaper journalist
• Political risk analyst
• Press sub-editor
• Publishing copy-editor/proofreader
• Web content manager
• Writer

Jobs where your degree would be useful include:

• Advertising copywriter
• Digital copywriter
• Market researcher
• Multimedia specialist
• Public relations officer
• Science writer
• Translator

Work experience

If your aim is to work directly within journalism, it's vital that you build up a portfolio of work and gain as much relevant experience as possible. Working on a student newspaper, magazine or radio station will be helpful. You could also start your own blog to develop your writing style and interview techniques.

Take advantage of any work placements on your course to gain experience and make contacts within the industry.

You could also find opportunities by contacting TV production studios, radio outlets, magazines and newspapers. Show an enthusiasm for their subject matter and ask if they have any work experience schemes. Writing voluntarily for websites, print publications or other media outlets will also add to your portfolio and display your skills.

Typical employers

If you want to work within journalism, you can find employment in a range of organisations such as:

• national, regional and local newspapers (print and online)
• radio and television stations
• magazines
• media and broadcast companies
• creative digital media companies.

Outside of journalism and media, there are plenty of options for you to use your creativity and communication skills. Typical employers can include:

• PR consultancies
• corporate communications agencies
• advertising and marketing companies
• charities.

Other common employers include the Civil Service and further and higher education institutions.

You can also find work in law, management, public administration and politics.

Skills for your CV

A journalism degree provides you with a range of core journalistic skills including researching, investigating, interviewing, reporting and writing, in addition to technical skills such as video, editing, shorthand, audio, content management and web design.

The degree also gives you more general skills that are valued by many employers. These include:

• critical analysis
• resourcefulness
• self-management
• interpersonal skills
• leadership
• a flexible, creative and independent approach to tasks
• the ability to meet deadlines
• the capacity to communicate information effectively and clearly
• the ability to listen and work productively in a team.