Graduate trainee schemes: fast-track into journalism
We are entering “graduate scheme season” for most students in their final years at university. Here, JON VALE takes a look at some of the avenues that future sports journalists might find useful
National Newspapers
- The Telegraph Editorial Graduate Scheme
The first of the big nationals to open up their graduate training for this year, they are looking for candidates with “a keen interest in journalism, a high degree of literacy throughout their education and a passion for having some of their work published within a market-leading multimedia company”. Interestingly, journalism qualifications aren’t a necessity. Applications close on November 26. Apply here.
- The Guardian Editorial Internship
One of the most sought-after internships in the profession, last year The Guardian was looking for people who were “web-savvy” and had “a good range of work experience on local, specialist or student media”. This paid 12-month internship usually opens for applications in November.
- The Times Graduate Trainee Scheme
The Times take on two trainees every year, with the lucky pair starting in the September after graduation. Given the volume of applications though, the chance of success is unlikely; the job invariably receives more than 300 applications. Again, no formal journalism training is required, with a greater emphasis placed on work experience and cuttings. Recruitment starts in December.
- Daily Mail Trainee Scheme
The mid-market giant offers a year-long “finishing school” for prospective journalists with either practical journalism training or previous newspaper experience. The scheme usually opens for applications in January.
- The Sun Trainee Scheme
After a five-year absence, The Sun relaunched its graduate programme during the last academic year and was subsequently inundated with more than 700 requests for only four jobs. Applications for 2012’s intake are expected to open in January.
Agencies
- Press Association Sport Editorial Traineeship
The only graduate training programme aimed specifically at sports journalism.
This two-year traineeship is primarily based at the Press Association’s operation centre in Howden, East Yorkshire, with students receiving academic study alongside practical experience on many of the company’s operational sports desks. With applications for the scheme welcomed all-year round, you can find out more about the traineeship here.
- Reuters Journalism Trainee Programme
This prestigious programme is one of the most coveted around, offering the chance for worldwide travel and first-class training for any applicant. While there is a focus on financial journalism, opportunities are available to steer your career towards the Reuters’ sports desk. Applications close on December 31, and you can apply here.
Broadcasters
- BBC Journalism Trainee Scheme
This particular programme actually encourages applications from those without any formal journalism training, with successful applicants then being rotated round various departments of the BBC for the year-long duration of the scheme.
However, this year’s graduates will have to wait until September 2012 to apply.
- ITV News Traineeship
Similar to the BBC, the ITV traineeship looks to encourage applicants from all kinds of backgrounds rather than those with specific journalism training. However, also like the BBC, their schedule is out of sync for the graduates of summer 2012, who will have to wait until August 2012 before applying.
SJA WORKING LUNCH: Baroness Grey-Thompson on the 2012 London Paralympics. Thu Nov 17: click here for booking details
- Who will you vote for as Britain’s Sportsman, Sportswoman and Team of the Year? See Ian Cole’s overview of the leading candidates by clicking here.
- Follow news of the SJA British Sports Award on Twitter with the hashtag #SJA2011
- SJA members can cast their votes by clicking here.
- The awards will be presented at our gala annual lunch in London on December 7. Don’t miss out on being there – click here for a ticket booking form, with SJA members entitled to buy two tickets at half the usual price.
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