Mentorship scheme for aspiring journalists relaunches

Credit: robtowne0 from Pixabay

Journalism students and graduates have again the opportunity to find a mentor and gain real-world experience of working in the media.

The sixth wave of the online scheme created by Lily Canter and Emma Wilkinson of Freelancing for Journalists will see budding reporters paired with seasoned freelancers for a remote work experience. The students will hone their writing, researching and interviewing skills while getting feedback and widening their network of industry contacts. When working in their first, busy newsroom, many find this practical experience in short supply.

Read more: New virtual work experience scheme connects students with freelance journalists

Another advantage of the online scheme is flexibility. There is no need for travel, and you are able to negotiate working hours with your mentor. Not only do you have a year to complete your work experience but you also have the option of doing more than one.

Previous participants have been sent on a paid-for press trip to cover a music festival in Spain, written for national newspapers or have been offered positions within the companies their mentors worked with.

"At Freelancing for Journalists, we’ve also taken people on and paid them to do projects for us after their work experience has finished," says Canter.

"People have either had really good experiences and covered interesting topics, or they have been offered paid work."

If you are a journalism student or graduate and are interested in the scheme, register for the Freelancing For Journalists briefing before 15 March 2023. After paying a £10 administration fee, you will gain access to a database with over 50 experienced journalists all from different areas of journalism, and some of which work for organisations such as the BBC and Men’s Health magazine. The scheme offers some bursary places for those who might struggle with the fee.

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