The media organizations I’ve worked for include Associated Press, Sky Sports, ESPN, WPLJ radio, Sydney Morning Herald, Sydney Daily Telegraph, The Sun, Sky Movie Channel, Q104FM, Loaded magazine, Woman’s Day, The Courier-Mail and much more. I did all of that WITHOUT a journalism degree. And I don’t want you to make the same mistake that thousands of others are making, investing in a degree that isn’t worth the paper it’s printed on.
I now teach journalism graduates and wannabes how to get jobs in journalism and create an awesome career.
People would think you’re crazy if you bet $100,000 on black or red at a casino roulette table, right? Well, at least with that, you have an almost 50 % chance of
success! That’s twice as better odds than getting a journalism job!. When you realize most of your professors have never worked in the media industry you’re graduating into, it gets pretty scary. So you see, wherever you are in the world right now, the traditional way of trying to get a journalism job is flawed. Pretty much useless.
"I graduated in December with a Bachelors in Print Journalism and I have been applying to jobs since but have not heard anything back." Heather, quoted in LinkedIn for Journalists group, April, 2012.
"I graduated with a degree in journalism and one in international relations in February and, despite the 30+ resumes I’ve sent around, I still haven’t found anything." Julian, quoted in LinkedIn for Journalists group, April 2012
"I am about to be a recent grad participating in the great after graduation college search. I’ve been sending out my resume and what not. So far I’ve gotten two replies." Nicole, quoted in LinkedIn for Journalists group, April 2012
What does that mean? Well, before you approach a media organization looking for a job, know a particular subject inside and out. Journalists generally report about a particular area, whether that’s sport, politics, science, health, the environment, celebrities, entertainment, education, communities, motoring, finance, religion, technology. Whatever.
For example, if you’re passionate about fashion, read Vogue and Cosmopolitan magazines and Fashion Weekly and illustrate to a prospective employer how much you know about fashion. If you are a sports nut and want a job in sports, impress them with your in-depth knowledge of sports. Or entertainment. Or politics. Or business and finance.
Whatever your interest, develop an in-depth knowledge and understanding of that field. Employers will more often than not hire the candidate with an in-depth knowledge of a particular area over someone who simply has a journalism degree.
What does that mean? Well, before you approach a media organization looking for a job, know a particular subject inside and out. Journalists generally report about a particular area, whether that’s sport, politics, science, health, the environment, celebrities, entertainment, education, communities, motoring, finance, religion, technology. Whatever.
For example, if you’re passionate about fashion, read Vogue and Cosmopolitan magazines and Fashion Weekly and illustrate to a prospective employer how much you know about fashion.
If you are a sports nut and want a job in sports, impress them with your in-depth knowledge of sports. Or entertainment. Or politics. Or business and finance. Whatever your interest, develop an in-depth knowledge and understanding of that field. Employers will more often than not hire the candidate with an in-depth knowledge of a particular area over someone who simply has a journalism degree.
Produce your own news. Then submit your work to a local newspaper, TV channel or community radio station. Work for free. Get an internship. Get out there and start acting like a journalist, creating content and honing your skills.
Have a body of work to show a prospective hirer. But don’t just sit in a journalism class, taking notes and learning how to craft a story. Get out there and write a story. Do it yourself. Employers want to see action!
I’ve been in this business 20 years now and I have NEVER got a job from sending in a resume. I mean, never. And I’ve got jobs at publications and TV stations all over the world including Associated Press, ESPN, Sky Sports, the Sydney Daily Telegraph, just to name a few.
Don’t waste your time spending hours on your computer producing a perfectly crafted resume with a pretty little layout. Most editors or producers at media organizations will not even ask to see a resume.
interviewing interesting people, producing fascinating content, living the life you’ve always dreamed. I have written a simple, easy to understand book called Insider Journalism Secrets that will show you how to catapult yourself into a journalism career mixing with some of the world’s most celebrated, interesting, successful and amazing people. It includes interviews with some of the world’s most famous, experienced and well- respected journalists who share their secrets of success with you. When you read this book, you are going to instantly jumpstart the quality of your social and work life. You will get a front-row seat to a better life, one that your friends will lust over.
This bonus includes a series of downloadable interviews featuring SEVEN of the world’s leading journalists. I’ve interviewed them all individually with one goal in mind: To teach you how to make it in the world of journalism.I’m talking about some of the most respected, highly paid and in demand journalists on the planet.audio series. ($497 value) THE SEVEN JOURNALISTS ARE:
INTERVIEW #1 SCOTT VAN PELT, ESPN / SPORTSCENTER ANCHOR Van Pelt tells the story of how he became one of the most recognizable faces on American television WITHOUT a journalism degree. Plus how you can get your start in television!
INTERVIEW #2 MICHAEL WARE, FORMER CNN… Read more…