Publishing
The UK publishing industry is the second largest in Europe. There are a number of publishing fields to work in, from directories to newspapers and magazines. Competition is intense, but if you have the passion and determination to succeed, a career in publishing can prove very lucrative. Publishing also opens doors to work freelance or from home.
Journalism
Journalism frequently tops the list of what job graduates would most like. As you can therefore imagine, it’s a highly competitive industry, and salary is one of the lowest, with many graduates doing freelance work their first few years.
Work experience is really the best way to advance up the career ladder, so the more you can do whilst at university, the better. On your holidays, see if you can get work on your local paper. Networking is another way of helping you get into journalism, so make as many contacts as you can.
Don’t just look for written work either. Expand your horizons and look at getting involved in television or radio. The Internet is abundant with opportunities for journalists, so see if you can gain work – whether it is reviewing nightclubs or books!
What are employers looking for?
Journalists need to be increasingly multi-skilled, so skills like speaking another language or being a good photographer all help you stand out from your competitors. Being computer-literate also helps as journalism shifts ever more online. Flawless spelling and grammar skills are essential,
Is this the right career for you?
You will need a creative mind, an eye for detail and motivation to succeed in this highly competitive industry. Internships and work experience can be a great aid to secure yourself a career in this sector.
Salary:
Estimated graduate starting salary: £12,000 - £18,000
Typical salary after training: £23,000 - £35,000
Career Prospects
Journalism & Publishing usually have a relatively young workforce as well, so graduates are a popular choice.
Key articles for publishing & journalism graduates