Tuesday, March 06, 2007

Student Placements

A good article on holdthefrontpage today about student journalists getting work experience placements.

If you want to work in newspapers, online journalism or magazines, your fortnight of work experience can be either rewarding, a waste of everyone’s time – or help you crystallise what you really want to do next.

Tips for getting those sort after placements include:


  1. But read the newspaper before you even apply - and demonstrate what you know about it when you get the chance.
  2. Applying in writing is best, but first telephone the newspaper and ask for the name and job title of the person who deals with work experience applications so you can send your letter to them personally
  3. Send a letter of application, a CV and any cuttings. If you've never had anything published enclose other examples of writing, or pictures, which show your ability.
  4. If you can't find anything suitable, write something specially… a review of a film, book, TV programme or concert. You could try writing a comment piece about a subject which has been running in that newspaper. It’s the effort that counts and you have to show you’re interested and not just a time-waster.

And finally remember

remember you haven't a divine right to be offered work experience. If they do offer you a place THEY are doing YOU a favour

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