The journalism industry is one that is in a state of flux. For those who aspire to enter it, several questions are faced. What route should I take? Should I study journalism at uni or should I just focus on gaining experience? How will this route help me enter the industry?
It is a debate that continues to be ongoing, but one many think that is worthwhile. As the question is debated, Kettle reached out to several people to see what they thought on the subject.
Reached through email, Sian Elvin, a final year student in English Literature at the University of Warwick and Deputy Editor of their student paper, The Boar, says while it is necessary to have experience and some knowledge, a degree is not necessarily required.
“Experience is most important of course but you still need shorthand and a knowledge of media law (so you don’t get sued!),” Elvin said. “You don’t need a degree in journalism necessarily but some kind of qualification to teach you essential skills is necessary.”
Elvin added though that degrees in journalism, whether pursued at the undergraduate or postgraduate route, are still relevant, and that academia can help you learn to write well.
An ongoing debate
On Twitter, Jessica Mal said she has a degree in media and journalism, but struggled to find experience in the industry.
@alexvlf @KettleMag I’ve got a degree in media and journalism & I’m struggling to get a job due to lack of experience!
— Jessica (@JessicaMalBlog) November 13, 2014
@alexvlf @KettleMag at uni it was due to lack of time and I didn’t really think about experience until my final year, I was just focused
— Jessica (@JessicaMalBlog) November 13, 2014
@alexvlf @KettleMag on getting my degree done. Post uni it’s due to lack of funds and lack of opportunities near myself! I am looking at
— Jessica (@JessicaMalBlog) November 13, 2014
@alexvlf @KettleMag doing some more journalism based courses as I feel I missed a lot out doing a joint degree!
— Jessica (@JessicaMalBlog) November 13, 2014
@alexvlf @KettleMag potentially, I’ve seen courses at journalist works in Brighton & the journalism centre in London as well
— Jessica (@JessicaMalBlog) November 13, 2014
Nadene Chandler, a first year journalism student at the University of Sheffield, said the degree was crucial.
@alexvlf @KettleMag I’m only in my first year, but it was the best decision i’ve made as the background is so helpful as well as experience
— nadene (@nadenemeatsix) November 13, 2014
Kettle writer Reece Cowlishaw, who is currently studying a Journalism MA at the University of Lincoln, says both are important.
@KettleMag @alexvlf a solid mix of both. The degree has been great, solid foundations. Manning the #journo battle stations, also needed!
— Reece Cowlishaw (@ReeceCowlishaw) November 13, 2014
Journalists currently working in the industry, including Jane Prendergrast of BBC Local Radio and Jess Bell of the Suffolk Free Press newspaper, added that both were essential. Emily Bull of KLFM in West Norfolk and Star Radio in Cambridge said both had their benefits.
@alexvlf @KettleMag Both! Degree or post-grad almost essential. Work experience enhances CV and can single you out. Shows determination too.
— Jane Prendergast (@janeypr) November 13, 2014
@alexvlf @KettleMag Both. Degree essential for law/shorthand/writing skills but has to b NCTJ. Experience also vital. Get it whilst studying
— Jess Bell (@SFPJessbell) November 13, 2014
@alexvlf @KettleMag Degree helps you grow as a person, and gives solid foundation. However, you need to practice the practical to get good
— Emily Bull (@Emily_News) November 13, 2014
However, Tom Baty of the University of Central Lancashire said experience was more important, a sentiment agreed with by Lauren Rice.
@alexvlf @KettleMag The degree wasn’t important. It was how much time and effort uou put into it outside of your uni hours that counted.
— Tom Baty (@boremelater) November 13, 2014
@alexvlf @KettleMag If you work hard blogging &d pretty much anything then the experience was built alongside the degree. Sure!
— Tom Baty (@boremelater) November 13, 2014
@alexvlf @KettleMag I’ve learnt more doing magazine work placements/internships than in my degree course so far, experience is valued more
— Lauren Nicole Rice (@LaurenRice___x) November 13, 2014
Yet, Kenny Farquharson, Deputy Editor of the Scotsman and Scotland on Sunday, says there is no rule when it comes to whether a journalism degree or experience can trump one another.
@alexvlf There’s no rule, and no good editor will make a judgement on that basis. Personal qualities much more important, especially /
— Kenny Farquharson (@KennyFarq) November 13, 2014
@alexvlf / maturity, social skills, emotional intelligence, confidence, clarity of thought, directness, determination. /
— Kenny Farquharson (@KennyFarq) November 13, 2014
@alexvlf / Writing and reporting skills can be learned, but these personal qualities cannot.
— Kenny Farquharson (@KennyFarq) November 13, 2014
This is a debate that is likely going to continue so long as there is interest in journalism and as the industry changes, and for the moment, it is a debate certainly worth having.
What do you think? Is a degree in journalism more important than experience? Or vice versa? Or both? Have your say in the comments section below.
