Journalism students must seek new opportunities in online marketplace, say industry experts

Prospective journalists were advised to seek opportunities in freelancing and embrace the democratisation of media led by the growth of online publishing at an industry gathering this week.

Speakers, including Terry Mansfield, former director at Hearst Corporation, Nicholas Brett, editorial director of BBC Magazines and Joseph Harker, assistant comment editor at the Guardian, reflected on the impact of the current economic downturn on the journalism job market, but insisted there were still chances for new recruits.

"There's very few jobs going, but that doesn't mean there's no opportunity," Harker said, encouraging budding journalist to opt for freelance opportunities.

The nature of the media landscape has changed 'beyond recognition' with the advent of online publishing and new technologies, Brett told delegates at the event organised by Joanna Abeyie and the Elevation Networks Trust.

"Tools that were exclusively held and kept by a certain group of professionals are now owned by all of us, we are all content makers," he said, urging students to embrace this new 'democratic market' by becoming experts at everything.

In support, Mansfield highlighted the importance of being multi-skilled and said journalism students should use their initiative to learn about areas of the media they don't understand.

Digital developments have created opportunities 'unlimited in possibility' for 'how you can navigate your career', he added.

"You have to look at the world for opportunity for yourself, not just here [in the UK]," said Mansfield.

Diversity
Commenting on the UK scene, however, Mansfield added: "The diversity of this country has created much wider opportunities for media."

The concept of a more diverse newsroom has been embraced by newspapers such as the Guardian, which offers a range of bursaries, and BBC Magazines is also 'committed to a more diverse workplace', said Brett, who is also chairman of the Periodical Training Council (PTC).

Speaker Jessica Huie, former showbiz columnist for Pride Magazine, said she could relate to certain perceptions and stereotypes faced by ethnic minority journalists and told students to 'use your obstacles as your catalyst'.

Eva Simpson, assistant editor of The London Paper, agreed: "I don't believe colour is a barrier, whatever you want to do you can do it - don't let anybody tell you otherwise."

Standing out from the crowd
Students were told to see some rejection from job applications and interviews as inevitable, but also as a learning opportunity.

They should seek feedback on failed attempts in a bid to improve their chances for the next commission or interview, the panel agreed.

"If you want a job you have to create something that's special about you," advised Mansfield. Prospective journalists should look to specialise and think of how to make their work relevant to the consumer, he added.

Joseph Harker agreed: "It's all about ideas, but the one thing about ideas is: if it stays in your head, it's useless, there is no value. You've got to get your ideas out.

"So many people have opinions, but it's that experience, that expertise that will mark you out as different (...) and could be your strength."

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