Week 1: Exploring career paths

What do people in the following jobs do?

1.Trainee journalist/reporter

It could be a trainee journalist/reporters job to write up stories allocated to them as well as to investigate, research, and fact-check information, uncover interesting stories, report the news, book guests, conduct interviews, write scripts, prepare press releases, and handle administrative work.

2.Senior journalist

It can be a senior journalists job to be responsible for researching and reporting, creating, as well as commissioning, content. This can include filming, recording and editing audio and video in a deadline driven environment; this could be to inform or entertain on TV, radio, online or in print

3.News editor (print/web)

It can be a news-editors job to oversee the news content. They should assign stories to reporters, liaise with the sub-editing and photography departments, and decide the priority and importance of news articles. They will also check for legal and ethical issues in a journalist's copy.

4.Sub editor

It can be a sub-editors job to check written content before it's published in newspapers, magazines and on websites.

5.News producer (broadcast)

A reporter is responsible for delivering updates and analysis on current happening with the main goal to keep public updated. They create stories and breaking news through different channels such as radio, television, online news sites, and printed newspapers and magazines.

Job adverts:

1.Social Media Journalist

-Why does this role interest you?

This role interests me as it's catered towards someone who has a keen eye for social media, which I have. It would be a simple job for me as I understand different media algorithms.

-What does the job actually entail?

This job entails making sure that 'social media content is used effectively by all of PA, deputising for the Social Media Editor when required.' As well as, 'being responsible for ensuring a regular flow of stories on PA Media’s Uplifting channel, supporting the production and curation of positive news stories.' The avert then goes on to state that, 'you will help to curate PA’s output across its social media accounts and generate ideas for new and innovative ways of telling stories via social media and sharing our news agency’s words, pictures and video.' It then also says that you may from

time to time be asked to carry out other work that is within your capability and capacity.

-What qualifications would you need to do this job?

NCTJ qualification or equivalent.

-What experience would you need? This job would require a track record of delivering imaginative content, the ability to write high quality at speed, experience in hard news writing and breaking news, a good understanding of web and social analytics, an established social media presence and, relevant knowledge in the area of digital journalism.

-What skills would you need? For this job an individual would require great written and verbal communication, a great passionate about social media, a keen interest in News, Current Affairs and Storytelling, to be self-motivated and creative, with plenty of story ideas, organised, and, able to build strong relationships with key individuals and organisations.

-What salary would you receive? (Note: you might need to do some googling here and come up with a best estimate)

For this job Glassdoor states that 'the average salary for a Social Media Editor is £32903 per year in United Kingdom.' This however depends on experience.

2.Podcast Producer

-Why does this role interest you?

I enjoy recording podcasts and the behind the scenes work too. This job would be perfect as I believe that I would enjoy it and be successful at it.

-What does the job actually entail?

This job entails a large amount of planning for the podcast such as stories, guests and features, 'You will be encouraged to bring innovative and ambitious ideas for stories, guests, features and episodes, that set this podcast apart from the crowd.' I would also be required to travel at late notice and generate additional short form or social media content. It is required to be experienced in Adobe Audition and comfortable under sharp deadlines.

-What qualifications would you need to do this job?

No qualifications are stated, just skills and experience.

-What experience would you need?

>A couple of years experience producing a daily news programming with knowledge and

an interest of UK and international news. This could be a news podcast and / or a live

radio or TV news strand.

>A track record in planning or as a guest booker.

>Experience of producing outside broadcasts / in the field.

>Experience of working with high profile talent.

>Experience of working in a breaking news environment with fast turnarounds and tight

deadlines.

-What skills would you need?

>In depth knowledge and understanding of news and current affairs, but also broader

cultural reference points.

>You will show a high level of creativity and inventiveness in audio content creation and

be proficient with audio editing software Adobe Audition.

>Sound editorial judgment and knowledge of media law.

>Outstanding organisational skills and the ability to deliver high quality output to deadline.

>You will be a great teammate.

>Experience of working in a breaking news environment with fast turnarounds and tight

deadlines.

>You have a knowledge of the current podcasting world including and industry trends.

>You will have an understanding of how to promote podcasts effectively and the ability to

build generate additional social media and short form content to help drive audience to

the podcasts.

-What salary would you receive? (Note: you might need to do some googling here and come up with a best estimate)

A salary on average for this job is £36k-£47k stated by Glassdoor

3.Journalist, Digital Text Forms

-Why does this role interest you?

This is the career I would most like to pursue. I can see myself in this job role as the job states, 'innovate and help create new ways to tell stories for a digital audience.' This is exactly what I want to do as I feel I have the right skills and ability for this role.

-What does the job actually entail?

This job entails working closely with the senior journalists to brainstorm and develop format ideas, writing articles, collate and understand audience data on how the stories perform.

-What qualifications would you need to do this job?

No qualifications are required, just skills and experience.

-What experience would you need

>Significant recent experience as a journalist, sound editorial judgement and

understanding of the BBC’s news agenda

>Proven record of writing and producing text articles for a digital audience

>Experience of working in a collaborative way with journalists, web developers and

designers

-What skills would you need?

>Ability to write creatively and in an engaging way with a style that is appropriate to

differing audiences and forms of media

>A good understanding of how to tell stories for different audiences and a good

knowledge of audience research and how to use analytics tools

>Effective planning and organising skills with the ability to concentrate on multiple areas

of work at one time and delivering to deadlines

-What salary would you receive? (Note: you might need to do some googling here and come up with a best estimate)

The salary is listed as £35k-£45k.

Next, focus in on what you don't understand about this job advert. At least some of it is bound to be confusing! What are you confused about?

I understood everything on the job adverts.