Feb 1, 2008
What (new) skills do you look for in a journalist?
We know basic newsgathering and newswriting skills are essential, but what new skills have you begun to look for in budding journalists? Whether technical, personal, or general…
4 Comments, Comment or Ping
João Canavilhas
ICOD network final report includes some answers to your question: Digital communication: Professional skills and academic challenges
Cheers
jc
Feb 2nd, 2008
Linda
Hi Paul,
I’m in a position that has involved mentoring new journalists and the most urgent skill as far as I am concerned is that they have excellent people skills – that they can relate well to people, to win their trust so that they can tell their story. Empathy and good humour go a long, long way!
all best
Feb 5th, 2008
Craig McGill
Linda, shouldn’t they have that skill to start with? That’s basic stuff.
Feb 6th, 2008
Brendan Griffiths
I was recently in contact with a few editors about my module choices at Uni. I was concerned that if I did my dissertation in Film & Media rather than my other subject, Journalism (joint honours btw) it would reflect poorly on any application for a writers job at a magazine.
I was reassured that it would not matter, some of them and their team don’t have a background in University Journalism at all.
The point they all seemed to make was that I would need to show my knowledge and enthusiasm for the subject I would be writing about in the mag.
They would rather see enthusiasm and attention to detail. They also recommended getting as much work experience as possible, as this was a powerful thing to have on a CV.
Feb 12th, 2008
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