4 Opportunities You Should Apply For If You Want A Job In Journalism

If you have been considering a career in journalism, you don’t need me to tell you how competitive it is. It’s especially difficult to find a job in journalism without an NCTJ qualification to your name. To make matters worse, courses are expensive. 

Thankfully, there are plenty of  ways of achieving your dream career, without needing the extra money.

We have compiled  all of the schemes you should apply for if you want a job in journalism.  Additionally, you don’t need spare cash lying around to be able to apply for them.

Google News Lab Fellowship

The Google News Lab Fellowship is most suitable for those who are interested in both journalism and technology.

What’s great about this scheme is you can choose for yourself which news organisation you would most like to work with.  Simply choose a news organisation you would like to work for and apply through The Google News Lab Fellowship.If you are successful, your chosen news organisation will offer you an eight week placement during the summer. As well as this invaluable experience, selected fellows will also receive funding to help cover expenses.

Deadline: 15th March 2018

BBC Journalism Trainee Scheme.

The BBC Journalism Trainee Scheme focuses on talent, potential and determination, rather than academic qualifications, making it perfect for those who can’t afford a course.

You will need some experience of journalism, such as being a blogger, having articles published by a newspaper, or have created social media content. Not only will you get paid during the 11 month scheme, but receive first-rate training on the job and a mentor to support you. You will also leave with an NCTJ qualification and an opportunity to apply for jobs within the BBC.

Do bare in mind though, that you are expected to be willing to move. With placements available in London, Cardiff, Belfast and Edinburgh, it may not be possible for you to stay close to home.

Deadline: 4th April 2018

Scott Trust Bursaries – The Guardian

If you’re facing financial difficulties in pursuing a career in journalism, then the Scott Trust Bursaries could be what you’re looking for. Every year, the Guardian offer a number of bursaries to assist aspiring journalists in gaining a career in media.

Deadline: 15th April 2018

The Anthony Howard Award for Young Journalists.

For those eager to get into political journalism, this competition is the right one for you. Not only will the winner receive £25,000, they’ll also have the opportunity to write for The Times, The Observer, and the New Statesman.

To be in with your chance of winning, you need to submit a proposal or a 5,000-word piece on an aspect of British politics and government. Proposals must show flair and imagination.

Deadline: 27th April 2018

So what are you waiting for? Stop worrying about not being able to pay for a course and start applying for these fantastic opportunities. You never know, you could be well on your way to becoming a journalist before the end of the year. Good luck!

Inspiring Interns is a recruitment agency specialising in all the internships and graduate jobs London has to offer. Rosie Fitzgerald is a freelance journalist, who studied English Literature and Creative Writing at UEA and has previously been published by The Tab,  Babe and The Guardian.