Comments on: Cadet journalist job interviews

By: Jade

Jade — Tue, 10 May 2011 01:57:59 +0000

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.

By: Nane

Nane — Sun, 12 Dec 2010 05:35:07 +0000

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.

By: Andrew

Andrew — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 13:30:39 +0000

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?

By: Doug

Doug — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 10:42:27 +0000

Also how would i study to gain a journalism job in a specific area i.e politics.

Thank you

By: Doug

Doug — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 10:39:05 +0000

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

By: Michael

Michael — Sun, 13 Jun 2010 22:41:31 +0000

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.

By: Josh

Josh — Sun, 13 Jun 2010 12:59:58 +0000

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

By: Michael

Michael — Sat, 05 Jun 2010 05:55:25 +0000

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.

By: Dominique

Dominique — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 12:29:25 +0000

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

By: Michael

Michael — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 06:32:21 +0000

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.