How best to get into journalism?

Okay, I've discovered that I really enjoy writing. Journalism to be precise. Does anybody have any suggestions on how I might go about getting into this field? I have no formal training or experience but I really enjoy it and would feel very comfortable having a full time job in this area. I already have the job I've wanted for ages but, journalism intrigues me so much. Any suggestions guys?

Oh, once this is answered, any mod can feel free to lock. Many thanks. :p



EDIT: Ooops. Sorry, this is in the wrong place. Please move. xP

I would say take a Journalism course at university or college level, and go from there.

An English Language A-Level course covers a few aspects of the writing side of journalism, as well as exploring lots of writing methods including speach writing, story writing and advertisement writing.

What type of 'journalism' are we talking here? (Like, what would you prefer to write about? The term is just so vague)

Also, just start looking at various blogs and websites and see who's looking for help. If you get in with the right people, they'll actually show you the ropes and get some excellent on-the-job experience that no school can provide.

Thanks guys. xP

Dom: I was thinking about an English Language course. Even if only to spruce up my grammar.

Originally Posted by Captain "Samuel Adams" Cornflake

What type of 'journalism' are we talking here? (Like, what would you prefer to write about? The term is just so vague)

Also, just start looking at various blogs and websites and see who's looking for help. If you get in with the right people, they'll actually show you the ropes and get some excellent on-the-job experience that no school can provide.

Well, specifically newspaper and mag articles/interviews/columns kinda stuff. Possibly based around games and such. I've discovered a new passion since Jase hired me to write for him. xP

I'm going to contact my local tech and see what they have on offer.

*moved*

I gotcha back, Hylie.

Thanks Commee. xP

While what Captain said is truthful, you can't go wrong going to school if you think you can afford it. ZU gave me the idea of going into Journalism, so that's what I am going to school for at the moment. It even helped me gain a network of people in the business that I could use in the future. I currently intern at a local paper which I would have right now if it weren't for my journalism teacher.

I was lucky enough to have a community college in my area that offered journalism as a major and for courses. If you could be lucky enough to have one as well, it might help you out.

Funny, I thought I was the only one who had ZU spark an interest with journalism...

Originally Posted by James

While what Captain said is truthful, you can't go wrong going to school if you think you can afford it. ZU gave me the idea of going into Journalism, so that's what I am going to school for at the moment. It even helped me gain a network of people in the business that I could use in the future. I currently intern at a local paper which I would have right now if it weren't for my journalism teacher.

I was lucky enough to have a community college in my area that offered journalism as a major and for courses. If you could be lucky enough to have one as well, it might help you out.

Funny, I thought I was the only one who had ZU spark an interest with journalism...

Well, upon further checking, my local tech does have a course I could do. They offer a day release in work placement too. Problem is, it's full time and I have to work still or I wont be able to support my family. Hmm... this is looking tricky. I could start with the English language course to get a basic idea and possibly see what happens from there.

Yea, this whole staff thing has REALLY got me pumped for journalism. I don't think I can just ignore it.

Thanks James.

Another major to consider is Communications with an emphasis in Journalism and a minor in English. That way you get the grammar and writing style in addition to the public relations, advertising and journalism experience that communications offers.

Newspapers, magazines, newscasting, etc. are all under the communications umbrella, so that might be something to consider.

Originally Posted by graceofbass

Another major to consider is Communications with an emphasis in Journalism and a minor in English. That way you get the grammar and writing style in addition to the public relations, advertising and journalism experience that communications offers.

Newspapers, magazines, newscasting, etc. are all under the communications umbrella, so that might be something to consider.

Y'know, not so long back, that would have made no sense at all to me. Funny how things change when you get a foot on the ladder. ^_^

I want to get into journalism. I'm doing a philosophy degree, when I finish my Alevels. That is supposed to be highly prized in the media industry.