Finding a job in journalism and publishing

There are many different areas within journalism and publishing to work across a variety of roles. From journalism across multiple platforms, to both in front of, and behind the camera, broadcast work and writing and publishing, this is a broad subject area. This means it is worth giving some time to thinking where you particularly wish to specialise within when thinking about experience and jobs you wish to target.

Employers who recruit in these areas

• The main national broadcasters including the BBC, Sky, ITV and Channel 4 are leading employers within all areas of journalism
• Leading graduate employers within publishing include Bloomsbury Publishing, Penguin Random House and Pan Macmillan
• The majority of national newspapers including The Guardian, The Financial Times and The Daily Mail run graduate schemes
• Local newspapers and radio stations are many people's way into the sector and offer a wide variety of positions.
• It is important to remember that many people who work within journalism and publishing will be freelance

Finding a job

We recommend starting your search using our online jobs board, MyCareer. You can also find general online job boards and advice through our Graduate Jobs page. 

Sector Specific Job Boards

Start your own business

Freelancing is extremely common in this sector, check out the following resources below for more information:

• Student StartUp Team – The University's support network for current students and graduates who wish to work self-employed offering advice and guidance, office space and networking opportunities 
• PeoplePerHour – The UK's largest freelance community offering work, advice and networking
• Freelance Writing – Provides advice, tutorials, examples and work for freelance writers

Specialist agencies

Jobs within this field are usually advertised directly and almost never through a recruitment agency but it is possible to work for press agencies, either on a permanent contract or on a freelance basis.

• Press Association – based in London, the Press Association is the national news agency for the UK and Ireland and offers work, training and experience across all multimedia platforms.
• Reuters – The world's leading international news agency with offices in London.
• NAPA – The National Association of Press Agencies has a members directory of organisations all over the country.

Speculative applications

Speculative applications involve sending a CV and cover letter to an employer to ask if they have any vacancies, even if the company is not currently advertising for a role. They're a great way to access "hidden jobs" that go unadvertised.

Submitting a speculative application shows your interest in a specific company and your willingness to go above and beyond to develop your skills and understanding of the industry. 

Learn how to send a speculative application

Useful social media feeds

Social media is a key instrument within journalism and publishing and should be utilised as much as possible. This should apply to both maintaining a strong presence yourself (particularly if you plan to work as a freelancer) and through following key titles and publications within the field.

Keep up-to-date with the industry

It's good to keep up-to-date on sector developments and track any vacancies coming up. Below are some great resources to help you research opportunities available. The knowledge gained through your research may help you to target your applications and will help when preparing for interviews.

Journalism

• Press Gazette – National and regional journalist and communication jobs.
• Hiive – This professional networking site for creative people provides information on job opportunities, company profiles, funding information and advertising space for freelancers.
• National Union of Journalists – The NUJ represents a broad range of media professionals and includes a section on careers advice.
• HoldtheFrontPage – UK regional journalism news and jobs
• journalism.co.uk – industry news, careers advice, courses and jobs

Publishing

• The Society of Young Publishers – The SYP has news, job vacancies and careers advice (some content can only be accessed by members).
• The Bookseller – Provides the latest news and analysis for the book industry and includes a database of publishing jobs available in the UK.
• PPA Careers – The Periodicals Publishers Association includes a jobs board and careers resources including MagScene, a careers guide to working in magazine publishing.
• Publishing Talk – Online learning community for publishers, authors, agents and others wanting to learn about social media marketing, digital publishing, self-publishing and developments in the industry.
• Publishing Perspectives – Online magazine of international book publishing news and opinion.