Magazine Journalist
What is the work like?
Magazine journalists write news articles and features for publications ranging from 'glossy' consumer magazines through to specialist trade journals.
As a magazine journalist your work would vary depending on the type of magazine, but would normally include:
- attending meetings to plan the content of the magazine
- suggesting ideas for articles that will be of interest to the magazine’s readers
- interviewing and researching to collect material for articles
- writing articles in the magazine’s house style
- keeping up to date with developments and trends in subject area of the magazine.
Many magazines have related websites, so you might also produce versions of your articles for the web.
You would usually have specialist knowledge in the subject area covered by your publication. Types of magazine include:
- consumer magazines – aimed at the general public
- specialist consumer magazines – aimed at people with interests in a particular subject, such as travel, arts and crafts or cars
- professional magazines – for those working in a particular career such as human resources, or management
- business magazines and trade journals
- in-house company magazines.
As a freelance journalist you could write for both magazines and newspapers.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
There are no set qualifications for becoming a magazine journalist, although most people applying for this job role have a degree.
A common starting point is to work as an editorial assistant for a magazine publishing house. This route allows you to develop your skills and make contacts in the industry, which is important as many journalist vacancies are not advertised.
You could complete a pre-entry journalism qualification or degree before looking for work. Although this is not essential, it would give you the opportunity to learn about the magazine industry and to develop the skills you will need as a journalist. Qualifications which are recognised by the industry are accredited by:
- Periodicals Training Council, which is the training section of the Periodical Publishing Association (PPA)
- National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ).
Visit the PPA and NTCJ websites for details.
The NCTJ also runs distance learning courses, including Writing for the Periodical Press, which gives a basic understanding of the magazine industry.
Whether or not you have journalism qualifications, you will have to be proactive and persistent to get started in magazine journalism, as many jobs are not advertised. The key to getting into the industry is to gain practical experience. You could contact magazines directly to see if they will consider you for unpaid work experience.
Other ways to get experience and build up a file of examples of your published work include:
- contacting editors with ideas for articles relevant to their magazine
- writing reviews of films, plays or products
- volunteering to work on newsletters run by not-for-profit organisations.
Visit the PPA website for advice on finding work experience and applying for jobs.
Competition for jobs is strong, especially on the better-known magazines. It may be easier to get started on a specialist, trade or business publication, especially if you have knowledge of the area it covers. The more specialist the magazine, the more likely you are to need appropriate knowledge or experience.
What further training and development can I do?
As a new magazine journalist you would develop your skills on the job. Big publishing houses often have structured on-the-job training schemes, but this is less likely in smaller organisations.
As a member of the Periodicals Publishing Association (PPA) you can take the PPA Professional Certificate in Journalism, which you can do as a new or recent recruit. The qualification covers both printed and online publications.
PPA and the National Council for the Training of Journalists run a variety of short courses which would help you to develop your skills and knowledge.
As journalists are increasingly expected to write for online as well as printed publications, you may find it useful to do training in technical skills such as HTML, and perhaps in web design packages such as Dreamweaver. You can do short and part-time courses in these subjects through colleges and private training providers.
Where can I go for more information?
21 Caledonian Road
London
N1 9GB
28 Kingsway
London
WC2B 6JR
Tel: 020 7404 4166
Tel: 0808 100 8094 (Scotland)
Tel: 08000 121 815 (Wales)
308-312 Gray's Inn Road
London
WC1X 8DP
Tel: 020 7278 7916
Station Road
Saffron Walden
Essex
CB11 3PL
Tel: 01799 544014
If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning adviser at learndirect Careers Advice, call 0800 100 900 or use our online enquiry form
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What salary and other benefits can I expect?
- Starting salaries can be between £18,000 and around £25,000 a year.
- With experience earnings can be up to £35,000.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
You would need to be flexible about your working hours. Although the standard day is usually 9am to 6pm, you may need to work longer, irregular hours to meet deadlines.
You may spend some of your time travelling to follow up stories. This could involve overnight stays away from home and overseas travel, depending on the type of magazine.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- excellent writing skills
- listening and questioning skills
- an enquiring mind and a lively interest in people, places and events
- research skills
- an interest in the subject of the magazine
- self confidence and the ability to put people at ease
- the ability to absorb information quickly and write it up in a style which is easy to understand
- determination and persistence
- keyboard and IT skills.
What opportunities are there?
More than 9,000 magazines are published in the UK. As well as the well-known and 'glossy' titles that are sold in all newsagents, these include magazines covering a very wide range of specialist subjects.
Other possible employers include business to business titles, in-house magazines for companies such as retailing chains, and free magazines, such as those included in customer loyalty packages.
Large magazine publishing houses are mainly based in London and the south-east, but you could find opportunities with specialist magazines all over the country.
You could work freelance, writing features for a number of magazines. With experience you may also be able to progress to an editing position, or move into another area, such as newspaper journalism, radio or TV.
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