Newspaper or magazine journalist

As a newspaper or magazine journalist, you could:

• attend content planning meetings and develop ideas for features
•  investigate stories as they break and follow up leads
•  research stories, check facts and interview people in person, over the phone and online
•  attend press conferences, product launches and events
•  write up content for publication in print and online
•  sub-edit other journalists' articles set for publication
•  work closely with professionals like photographers and editors

• knowledge of English language
• knowledge of media production and communication
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• excellent written communication skills
• excellent verbal communication skills
• thinking and reasoning skills
• persistence and determination
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• working towards this role
• specialist courses run by professional bodies

As your career develops, you might specialise in a particular field, such as:

• sport
•  politics
•  business and finance
•  investigative journalism
•  fashion or lifestyle

With experience, you could become a chief reporter, features writer or editor at a newspaper, magazine or press agency. You could also work freelance.

You could also move into other areas, such as broadcast journalism, communications or public relations.