I interviewed six young people today for a career-entry position as a cadet journalist. Experience was irrelevant. The applicants were school leavers, not university graduates.
The required skills were good English, an awareness of current affairs, curiosity and effective communication.
I asked each of them 11 interview questions. They all performed okay during this stage, and it gave me an idea of their personalities.
Then I gave them a spelling test of 20 words and a general knowledge quiz with 20 questions.
The results were remarkable.
I won’t divulge more for privacy reasons, but there was a real cross-section of scores and I found it a really effective exercise.
Applicants who present well are not necessarily the ones with the best general knowledge and writing skills.
I’ll let the dust settle and write a more detailed review in the future.
Hi Michael, I have just completed my final year of journalism at university and am really struggling to find any cadetships anywhere in the country. I have double majored in journalism and international relations and currently work in the industry and am dying to move up in the industry. Any tips on getting a cadetship?
Twitter: mgorey
says:
Erin, it’s really tough to break in. That’s the hardest part.
Unfortunately, a lot of people who get the chance only stay 2-3 years and then shift to PR, politics, etc because the money is better (before the downturn at least). They make it harder for others because they lack commitment.
You could try submitting some articles to your local paper. Keep them simple (eg community news/sport) and include photos.
I would probably fail the ‘general knowledge’ section. Miserably.
Twitter: mgorey
says:
Erin, did you get my email?
Sue, the questions were specifically Australian in most cases, although I asked who did Barack Obama defeat to become US president? Fewer than half got that one right.
Hi Michael,
I recently moved to Australia from NZ and have been working at a international PR agency for the last 5 weeks. After encountering possibly one of the worst cultures of workplace bullying, I have decided my time is up.
On the bright side this has turned my focus back to my first loves-writing and the media.
I only graduated (with a Communications degree) at the beginning of this year but have been working in some form of PR for the last few years.
My focus now is on getting into Journalism. Given the current economic climate (yes I know it’s a self-perpetuating media driven hysteria)and the reduced employment opportunities, how would you suggest I tackle this. I have sent my CV to a couple of media outlets however I wonder if there is some “insiders” tip to addressing these issues in an Australian environment.
Thanks
Twitter: mgorey
says:
Hi Natasha, I can’t speak for metro papers or the bigger regional dailies, but for country papers and possibly suburbans …
It’s really hard for graduates to stand out among the pack.
Submit an article to the local paper and offer it free of charge. Build up a portfolio of published work. Do some unpaid work experience. After a while they might put you on standby as a contractor or casual to do relief work and then you’ve got a foot in the door.
If you can take reasonable photos, do the same with pics.
Sorry about your PR experience. I don’t think I could ever work in an agency environment. Email me if you want to know anything specific.
Best wishes.
Hi Michael,
are there many places that openly offer cadetships on the internet ect… including television and radio broadcasting companies?
is there a particular website for journalism cadetships and job offerings?
thanks
Twitter: mgorey
says:
Damien, the mainstream employment websites carry journalism jobs at all levels: Seek, Career One, Fairfax … there aren’t a lot going at the moment though.
Newspapers wanting school leaver cadets are more likely to advertise in their print editions, rather than online, because they’re looking for local kids.
hi michael, ive just graduated from year 12 and i was planning on going to uni to do communcations but i’m not sure if that’s the plan anymore. Is there any possible way i could do a cadetship straight out of high school?
Thanks
Twitter: mgorey
says:
Lucy, contact your local papers if you haven’t already and let them know you’re interested. Don’t ring the editor, send in a letter or email and attach your Year 12 results.
Some regional and suburban papers might be more likely to employ school leaver cadets now the economy has turned for the worse.
hi michael,
I was planning on doing a postgraduate degree in journalism after finishing my B. Arts, but have recently found that it is not offered at university.
Would a degree in B. Arts majoring in Politics and Australian Studies be sufficient in order to obtain or even just apply for a cadetship? Or do cadetships only apply for those who have degrees in communications and journalism?
Thanks
Twitter: mgorey
says:
Hi Trudy, a full cadetship is for high school leavers.
A graduate cadetship is for degree applicants and a BA is fine. Some media may prefer the degree to have a journalism focus. I employed someone with a commerce degree once because I wanted a business journalist.
There are some postgraduate certificate courses around. USQ offered one online in the past, I think.
Best wishes.
Hi Michael
I have always had an interest in Journalism, although my career has steered me off in tangents and after being made redundant recently from my position, I have re-evulated and want to persue the world of Journalism.
I have noticed that there are cadetships in Journalism, generally geared towards school leavers and graduates, but having none of the above, other then life experience and a passion for writing (non of which I have sought to have published) I wonder if I would be considered for a cadetship.
I am 28 and have particular interest in column, feature articles on health, lifestyle and Travel.
What can be expected from a cadetship and is this a viable way to enter without a degree in Journalism or Communications?
Twitter: mgorey
says:
Michelle, I can only speak for myself as an editor, but I would consider someone like you if I was seeking to appoint a graduate cadet.
Life experience can be just as valuable as a degree.
If you’re looking at country or suburban papers it would be handy if you can take photos as well. There’s not much call for columnists or feature writers outside of magazines though.
Hi there,
I am a year 11 student and have just completed a week of work experience at my local paper. I also did this last year.
I have my work published weekly in a youth forum which goes into our local paper. I have great aspirations to become a journalist at a magazine one day, with hopes to one day work my way up to being the editor.
I am confused as to go to university or complete a cadetship. I have asked around to practically everyone I know, I have spoken to those who have done a similar course at university in which I wish to do and they state that they wish they had of done a cadetship, as those who did are much further ahead in the industry then they are. However, a journalist at my local paper told me that a university degree is more respected and cadetships are very hard to come by.
I was just wondering what your personal opinion was.
Thanks,
Darcee
Twitter: mgorey
says:
Take a cadetship if you can get one Darcee. University degrees are respected, but you can always study part time externally if you want to. I started a degree and switched to a cadetship when it was offered.
Hi Michael.
Would you have a copy of the interview questions, and general knowledge questions you asked, just for an idea of what to expect.
Thanks, Damien.
Hi Michael,
I am too young for work, currently. However, I was wondering if you would know the youngest possible age to be able to become a journalist/Cadet. I am not a journalist as you can see, but I have chosen this as my future profession. If it is not too much trouble I would also like to be informed of any information I may need to know, to begin this career.
Kindest Regards,
Maddy.
Twitter: mgorey
says:
Hi Maddy, you will need to finish Year 12 and get high marks in English.
Hi Michael,
Thank-you for the information. That was very helpful. Luckily, english is my forte so hopefully that won’t be a problem. Thanks again.
Kind regards,
Maddy.
Hi Michael,
I’m a year 11 student and I’ve always had a desire to work in TV journalism.
However, I’ve had some doubts as I know it’s a hard industry to break into, it can be a lot about who you know and the pay isnt that great at the lower positions.
What’s your opinion about TV journalism? and do you think it’s really hard to be successful in this industry?
Thanks, Kayla
hi michael,
i am currently completing a bachelor of economics and majoring in human resources, and was thinking of doing a post grad course in journalism. i was wondering if its easy to get a cadetship in the field of economic journalism,while im completing my degree and how i would go about doing this.
thanks
shoma
Twitter: mgorey
says:
Hi Shoma, it’s possible to specialise in finance journalism with an economics degree. I employed an economics graduate at the Kalgoorlie Miner from that background.
Each paper might have a different attitude though, so you’ll need to contact them individually and ask their intake requirements.
Hi, Michael
I am in my first year of a BA majoring in writing and media studies. Is this on the right path to gaining a journalism career. I am mainly interested in a position with a regional newspaper. I have quite a distaste for big cities and was wondering how easy it is to get into the industry in regional areas of Australia.
Regards
Dominique
Twitter: mgorey
says:
A journalism major would be best Dominique, but media studies may get you an interview. If you’re prepared to go to outback areas there are reasonable opportunities in regional Australia. Some experience is always preferred though, so I suggest to people that they build up a portfolio of published work.
Hi Michael,
I have been at university for 2 years now jumping from degree to degree, mainly majoring in science subjects and haven’t found a study area which I found enjoyable and stimulating. I have always enjoyed english and have developed a passion for the written word and an interest in current affairs, which led me to consider making the transition to study journalism. Just the other day I saw an advertisement to undertake a journalism cadetship at a rural newspaper and was wondering what would be some good tips for applying? I was considering writing a few mock articles to include in my application, is this a good idea? Also would the employer be more inclined to offer journalism graduates the position over somebody with no journalistic background?
Thank you
Twitter: mgorey
says:
Most employers would prefer someone who has a journalism degree. It could be an advantage if you have family connections to the area you’re applying for. A portfolio of published work and a background in sports or photography might also help.
hey michael.
I am currently 21 years of age and looking into some sort of career. I have always been interesting in writing for a newspaper. I currently hold a diploma of business management and scored solid marks in year 12 english.
i was wondering which would be a right course of action for me, at this stage i am not sure if journalism is for me, could you please outline some of the objectives that i would have to meet in order to gain a foot in the door with a newspaper.
Is there job security in journalism?
Will i be able to work for myself at some stage?
Where does the salary range from?
I realise these may be very broad questions but i am not sure if journalism is for me yet. Any helpful answers you could provide would be much appreciated.
Thanks for your time
Also how would i study to gain a journalism job in a specific area i.e politics.
Thank you
Hi Michael,
I am a year 11 student, and am quite interested in pursing a career in journalism. Currently I am doing some work for my local newspaper which reports about 10 or so different towns. I am known as a correspondent for my town.
I recently started getting paid for my effort, but am finding it hard to find some really good stories- at times opportunity does knock and am hit with a gold rush of great stories, however that gold does run out.
How can I find myself some stories?
Hi Michael,
I am 35 and an experienced german journalist, who just moved to Perth. In Germany I have mainly been working in print for local and regional newspapers as a reporter, court and police reporter and agencies such as the dpa (deutsche presse agentur translates German press Agency). I have done some work for tv and radio stations as well (news reporter, daily features). As I really love my job there is nothing I want more than staying in the profession. I wouldn’t even mind restarting on a cadetship or on a freelance base. How would you consider my chances to stay in journalism in Australia. And do you have any suggestions for a most viable and succesful approach?
Thanks for taking your time and your advice.
Hey Michael,
I completed work experience at my local newspaper in year 10 and am going to do more work experience in the upcoming holidays. I am half way through year 12.
I am really torn between going to Macleay College which offers a one-year course to achieve a diploma in journalism instead of going to a university and doing a three-year course. I really don’t know if an employer would accept only one year studying, however the course appears to offer everything that the uni course would do in the three years.
After reading the previous comments I am now considering a cadetship. What is your opinion on what I should do? Thankyou very much.