Spotlight on:

Journalist

Alternative title

Reporter

Average salary

Starter

Experienced

Usual hours

37-42h/week

Interest in human rights and big world events? Ever thought about a career in reporting? Take some inspo from Mariam. She’s a multimedia journalist who has written for the likes of the Guardian, Middle East Eye and Hyphen.

The headlines

Alternative title

Reporter

Starter

Experienced

Working hours

Can be asked to work early mornings, evenings, nights or weekends

Usual hours

37-42h/week

Topics

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What does a journalist do?

A journalist's job is to report on significant events and stories - the challenge is unlearning your own biases when it comes to what's "significant" and giving equal space and attention to a multitude of perspectives.

What does your current role involve?

Each day is different, which is what I love about the job. When I'm out reporting, it can involve striking up conversations with complete strangers. Meanwhile, an average day in the office might include writing up an article, editing together a piece of video content, having interviews or chasing up sources, and researching/pitching ideas in the weekly editorial meetings.

What was your path to your current role?

I recently completed a Master's in Magazine Journalism at City University, but before this my journey was quite unconventional.

It involved backpacking and volunteering with different projects around the world for three years, whilst working as a travel writer/freelance copywriter.

My formal training at City definitely sharpened my skills, but it was the various experiences from previous years that I think prepared me most.

Other than the formal qualifications, what do you need for this job?

You need grit, stamina, empathy and creativity. At times, it can be a really mean industry, but I think having the courage to voice concerns if something doesn't feel right is really important.

What's the most rewarding part of your job?

Finding creative ways to tell a story, asking questions, having meaningful conversations and learning from inspiring people. I also love covering multicultural events and connecting with different diaspora groups to help share their stories, as often it's the narratives that go unheard in the mainstream that offer the most wisdom.

What's the most challenging part of your job?

Learning to accept my own helplessness. I can only report on the story; I can't necessarily change someone's circumstance. Once a story goes out, the impact isn't always tangible, so you constantly have to remind yourself of what is and isn't in your control.

What's one thing you wish you knew when starting out?

That doing the work is in itself enough. When I first started, I definitely had this unrealistic expectation that I could somehow solve the world's problems through journalism. I can certainly address and attempt to tackle some of them, but beyond that, I believe it's in God's hands.

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Journalist

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Journalist

Got any questions?Head to our Discord and join the conversation.

Follow us

Don't know what you want to do? We'll help you find a career you can care about.

Got any questions?
Head to our Discord and join the conversation.