Broadcast journalism
A broadcast journalism degree can provide many different career opportunities. Due to the extensive transferable skills you would have learnt throughout your degree including writing, reporting, editing, producing, creative thinking, research, etc – the career possibilities are endless.
Journalists are at the forefront of information sharing. Our society relies on them to gather the news of the UK and the world to stay informed. As media companies grow and the need for news from developing countries becomes more important, the demand for journalists increases. As a broadcast journalist, you will be exposed to a range of different industries. It’s important that you are flexible as it’s likely you’ll be requested to write on a variety of different topics. In order to stand out, you will need to develop your own style using your creative skills and imagination.
Career opportunities
There are many natural career paths that follow studying for a broadcast journalism degree. 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
Alternative career opportunities where your skills will be transferable include:
- Advertising copywriter
- Digital Copywriter
- Market researcher
- Multimedia Specialist
- Public relations officer
- Science writer
- Translator
Work experience
Media can be a competitive industry, so to make sure your application stands out you should build a portfolio of your previous work and relevant work experience which showcases your capabilities. There will be opportunities to build your skill-set and experience while you are studying. Most universities will have a student paper you may want to consider writing for or a student radio you can help produce. Following different journalists and learning about different styles of writing will help you to adapt when you start to produce your own work.
It’s also a good idea to contact TV production studios, radio outlets, magazines and newspapers directly as they may have internship or volunteer opportunities where you can shadow someone with experience. This will also help you develop your list of industry contacts who may become useful once you graduate.
Typical employers
If you are wanting to explore journalism opportunities, typical employers include:
- National, regional and local newspapers (print and online)
- Radio and television stations
- Magazines
- Media and broadcast companies
- Creative digital media companies.
Alternative employment opportunities where your skills will be transferable include:
- PR consultancies
- Corporate communications agencies
- Advertising and marketing companies
- Charities
How to enhance your CV
Throughout your degree, you will learn the core skills needed to succeed in a career in journalism. These include:
- Researching
- Investigating
- Interviewing
- Reporting
- Writing
You will also have learnt skills based on journalism including:
- Video
- Editing
- Shorthand
- Audio
- Content management
- Web design
While these are expert skills, you will also have built skills that employers value and look for in potential candidates. Make sure the following are also highlighted on your CV:
- Critical analysis
- Resourcefulness
- Autonomy
- Leadership skills
- A flexible, creative and independent approach to tasks
- Ability to meet tight deadlines
- Communication skills
- Teamwork
Further study
You may opt to continue your studies and do a master’s degree however, most graduates who are serious about a career in journalism will undertake a training course accredited by the National Council for the Training of journalists. This is an important training course that will enhance your CV.
However, if you decide that journalism is not the route you want to take, you may want to consider doing an additional degree in a related field such as PR, marketing, teaching or law.
Journalism graduates
A high percentage of journalism graduates go into a related field, for example, 15% are working as PR professionals – either in-house or agency side. They are also entering more traditional journalistic roles such as writing for a newspaper as a journalist or reporter (13%). Other popular career choices include marketing, arts officer, producer and director, author, writer and translator.
Related Courses
Undergraduate
BA (Hons) Business and Marketing
The BA Business & Marketing programme will provide you with the specialist skills and knowledge to excel as a marketing professional, giving you a competitive edge in the graduate employment market. UWS’s links with local and national organisations ensure that the teaching and assessment provided in this programme focuses on the marketing issues that impact businesses today. This will equip you with hands-on experience in applying critical thinking to solve challenges in the workplace.
Other related courses include:
- BA (Hons) Marketing Management
- BA (Hons) Marketing with Advertising and Public Relations
- BA (Hons) Communications and Public Relations
Postgraduate-related courses:
The MBA component of the course takes a broad look at business practice and functions such as accounts, finance, and HR – and how they are all interlinked. This allows students to grasp the importance of strategy and communication within a managerial role.
Alongside a broad business view, this course allows students to specialise in digital marketing in a more focused way. The marketing aspect of the programme is intended to allow professionals with substantial digital marketing experience to hone their skills to enhance their career prospects. Areas of study include digital marketing strategy, management, social media marketing, search engine optimisation, pay-per-click, email and influencer marketing.
