Work experience
Learning on the job
By Jon Vale
One thing remains constant amidst the minefield of options available to today’s journalists-in-training: you must get work experience.
No matter how well-written your essays are, no matter how efficient you are at shorthand when taking dictation from a tape recorder, there is no substitute for sampling the pressure of a lively and bustling working newsroom.
If you do bag yourself a seat in the newsroom, or specifically on the sports desk, you’re going to be part of a fully functioning media unit, doing the thing you hope to be doing for the rest of your working life. Oh, and don’t be too disappointed if that includes making the tea or doing the photocopying. Enjoy it, and grasp the opportunity with both hands.
Don’t sulk when you’re first assignment isn’t interviewing Wayne Rooney. It won’t be. You may may have to sort archives, and you may have to research ludicrously complex articles for the benefit of the man or woman you’re shadowing.
But that’s fine. Be proactive, ask questions, and use your initiative wherever you can. And most importantly, remember who you’re working with. They are a journalist, not a babysitter. They are there to work, so don’t be surprised if they aren’t at your side for every second offering you their own personal version of Journalism 101.
If you’re good, they will notice, and they will remember. This memory could be crucial when you’re seeking that all-important first job.
All policies relating to titles were correct in April 2011, but always check directly with the publication or broadcaster for changes and updates.
National newspapers
The Independent /The Independent On Sunday
Unpaid work experience for a maximum period of two weeks at any time is offered to post-graduate journalism students who need to undertake it as part of their course. Unfortunately, they are fully booked for 2011. However, there will be an opportunity to win the chance of two weeks work experience as part of the Wyn Harness Prize for Young Journalists 2011 (see the Student Awards section for more details).
For any queries please contact Louise Dransfield – l.dransfield@independent.co.uk
The Times
The Times usually offer a week of unpaid work experience and do not pick up travel or accommodation costs. The basic requirements for work experience candidates are that the applicant is no younger than 20 or at least in their second year at university and that they have not been for a placement there before.
To apply, send a CV, a short covering letter and the weeks you’re available to Louise Dawson – workexperience@thetimes.co.uk
The Guardian/The Observer
Work-experience openings are limited. To be considered for any available placements, you must be at least 18 and show a proven commitment to a career in journalism — for example, serious involvement in student journalism, substantial work experience on local/trade media, or an impressive personal website or blog. Placements range from a few days to a maximum of two weeks.
You should send your CV, contact details and dates of availability to one of the email addresses below, as appropriate:
The Guardian (not sport): work.experience@guardian.co.uk
The Guardian (sport): penny.woods@guardian.co.uk
The Observer: obs.experience@observer.co.uk
The Mirror/Sunday Mirror
The Mirror offer year-round opportunities on their sports desk. E-mail your CV and a covering letter to hr@mgn.co.uk with ‘work experience’ in the subject line. Applicants must be 18 years of age or older.
Magazines
Rugby World
Rugby World has a very limited Work Experience Scheme but if you’d like to apply then email the editor Paul Morgan – paul_morgan@ipcmedia.com
Rugby Times
As things stand they don’t have any openings, but will likely be looking for someone to help out in August in preparation for the Rugby World Cup. To apply, email Jon Newcombe – jon.newcombe@rugbytimes.com
National Club Golfer / Lady Golfer
This Yorkshire-based magazine would happily consider placements from anyone with expert knowledge. To apply, contact Dan Murphy – dan@sportspub.co.uk
Broadcasters
BBC
The BBC has a whole section dedicated to work experience opportunities, with placements available across all areas of the BBC. To find out more, click here.
ITV
ITV offers a variety of work experience placements, but are currently full for the coming year. For further information on any more opportunities, click here.
Sky Sports News
The 24-hour sports news channel provides an ideal opportunity to break into sports journalism. However this is a very popular area with limited work experience places, and only the very best applicants will be considered.
To apply, click here.
TALKSPORT – 1089/1053am
The station is always keen to take on work experience students, but is currently full until the end of the calendar year. They recommend waiting until July and then emailing a good CV and covering letter to – kay.townsend@talksport.co.uk. This letter should outline your interest in the media/radio, any relevant experience and why you’ve chosen talkSPORT.
