Magazine journalist : Entry requirements

Although not strictly necessary, most new magazine journalists have a degree. However, entry without a degree or HND is possible, as experience and determination count for a lot in the industry.

Many universities offer undergraduate journalism or media degrees, while there are also postgraduate qualifications (Masters and certificates/diplomas). Many of these courses are accredited by the National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ) . It is also possible to take NCTJ courses and qualifications at colleges and via distance learning. While these qualifications are not essential, they will give you a good grounding in writing, interviewing and media law.

Many magazine journalists will have started out at local newspapers and have a solid background in news writing. On the other hand, some journalists move straight into specialist writing depending on their degree, e.g. engineering, science or computing.

Pre-entry experience, either paid or unpaid, is absolutely essential. It will give you first-hand knowledge of the industry and demonstrate to employers your ability to thrive in a pressured environment.

Candidates will need to show evidence of the following:

• excellent writing skills;
• a proactive approach to investigating and good research skills;
• determination and persistence;
• strong interpersonal skills;
• a demonstrable interest in the subject of the magazine;
• IT skills and familiarity with commonly used software, such as HTML, Photoshop, Java, QuarkXPress and InDesign.

Get involved in student newspapers, magazines, radio stations, internal television circuits or even start your own blog, which can help towards developing your writing style and interviewing techniques. Very few structured work experience or training schemes exist. Contact magazines directly, showing an enthuiasm for their subject matter, and ask if they have a scheme or if they can offer you some work experience.

If you are undertaking a journalism qualification, become a member of the National Union of Journalists (NUJ)  as a student member. Look for other journalistic organisations that have membership for students as this will provide great networking opportunities and perhaps even a tip-off about possible job vacancies.

Entry into journalism is very competitive, with many people applying for every vacancy. The industry is growing, but the number of training vacancies is not increasing proportionately. This is because much of the growth is in small publishers and they do not run training schemes. Entry into popular consumer magazines is particularly competitive, but openings with specialist technical and scientific journals, or trade and business magazines, may be easier to find.

Many opportunities are not advertised at all and speculative applications are a common way of securing a job. Where there is no central recruiting point, you should apply directly to the editor of the magazine or journal.

Freelancers and speculative job hunters rely on directories such as the Writers' and Artists' Yearbook  or Media UK  to find editors' details. Try to build up your own personalised list of contacts by using sites such as LinkedIn .

If you are considering freelancing, make sure you target the right magazines for your article. Telephone editors with an idea for an article relevant to their publication and be on the look-out for events or stories with a local interest. You may be able to persuade your local newspaper to publish your work. Even reviewing products, theatre or films can add to your portfolio. For sound advice, or to advertise your services online, see Journalism.co.uk .

In an attempt to offset the scarcity of black and Asian journalists, the NUJ has set up the George Viner Memorial Fund  to help those who want to take industry-recognised pre-entry courses, but lack the money to do so.

The Journalism Diversity Fund  has been established by the industry to support the training of journalists from ethnically and socially diverse backgrounds. It is aimed at people without the financial means to attend NCTJ training courses. Applicants need to demonstrate a genuine commitment to journalism and the potential to be successful.

For more information, see work experience and internships and search courses and research.