A new platform is giving you all the spicy tips and tricks you need for progressing in the media industry
Who
are So You Want To Be A Journalist?
If you’re looking to get into journalism or want some tips on progressing in the media industry, So You Want To Be A Journalist is for you. Created by Chandni Sembhi after working in journalism and social media for a few years, this space is all about giving real talk advice on job hunting, applications, interview prep, skills building, and more. Let’s hand over to Chandni to hear about starting the platform, the best tip for working in journalism, and how the media industry should change for the better.
Why
did Chandni start So You Want To Be A Journalist?
Chandni: “I started So You Want To Be A Journalist just because I feel like there aren't tonnes of resources for people wanting to get into the industry. Especially with journalism and media careers being so varied, it can be hard knowing where to start. I'd helped a few journalism graduates with job applications over summer and thought it would be easier for them if I compiled all the tips in one place. I was in their shoes two years ago, so I feel like I know what they're going through and how hard it can be getting a start in the industry! If I can make their job hunting and start to the industry just a little bit easier, it'll be worth it!”
“I started So You Want To Be A Journalist just because I feel like there aren't tonnes of resources for people wanting to get into the industry.”
What
is the best tip Chandni’s had about working in journalism?
Chandni: “I think the best tip I've had is to be persistent. Whether that's in applications, pitching, or scouting for sources! I feel like I applied for every single journalism job going in 2018, and only heard back from maybe 10. Then one day in August, I was offered an interview and the only direction was up from there! Even with contacting people for pitches or quotes, their inboxes are most likely flooded, so there's no harm in following up, or giving them a call. Until you actually hear a 'no' from someone, there's always the possibility they've just missed you!”
How
can the media industry change for the better in the future?
Chandni: “My biggest hope is that the industry gets more diverse. I've been the only non-white person on a few teams, and although I honestly only have positive experiences in offices I've worked in, it would just be nice to be part of more diverse teams. Aside from my personal interest, I think for organisations to produce content and report accurately, diversity is hugely important.
I remember seeing a clip on BBC Three's Twitter of Man Like Mobeen, where a Punjabi line was subtitled completely incorrectly – something that could have been avoided with a Punjabi speaking person on the team. There have been times when straight people have written on LGBTQIA+ issues, cis people writing on transgender issues, white people writing on race issues, and the list goes on. I fail to understand why it couldn't be LGBTQIA+, transgender, and non-white people writing on those issues, since we're the ones who have lived those experiences?”
“My biggest hope is that the industry gets more diverse… for organisations to produce content and report accurately, diversity is hugely important.”
Where
can you find out more about So You Want To Be A Journalist?
Follow So You Want To Be A Journalist on Instagram for all the latest tips and tricks you need for progressing in journalism and the media industry.
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