Student awards
In an industry swamped with newly-qualified journalists, adding a prestigious accolade to your CV could be that key element that lets you stand about above the crowd, writes Jon Vale.
These awards are strictly aimed at students and young people, and offer an invaluable avenue to get your foot in the door at some of the country’s biggest media outlets. And it’s always nice to win something.
Here’s a small selection of the awards on offer.
NUS Student Journalist of the Year
Anyone involved at a student publication within an NUS-affiliated student union is eligible for this outstanding award, with a cash prize and star-spangled awards dinner all awaiting the lucky winner. You can’t enter yourself though; you must be nominated by someone else, who can do so here.
Guardian Student Media Awards
Probably the best known of the all the awards on this page, their popularity makes them incredibly tough to win given the stiff competition. But with two weeks work experience at The Guardian on offer to the winner of each category, it’s well worth having a go and seeing how you get on. For further details, click here.
NCTJ Awards
This nationally recognised body give out awards for students on any of their accredited courses, including a specific award for excellence in sports journalism. Given the NCTJ’s reputation in the field of journalism training, this is an award well worth winning. For more details, click here.
BBC Sport
The BBC, though its nexus of TV, radio and website channels, frequently runs competitions for aspiring journalists, including sports writers and broadcasters. Prizes range from monetary reward to season tickets at your favourite football club. For more details, check regularly here.
Wyn Harness Prize for Young Journalists
The Independent created these awards in the honour of Wyngate Harness, a former assistant editor of the paper who died aged just 47. The awards recognise well-researched and quality articles written by young people, something Wyn Harness believed passionately in. For details of how to enter, click here.
