FFJ Guest Voices: Why you don't need a journalism degree
Caoimhe Clements talks about her path into the industry
In our Guest Voices slot, we’re on the look out for diverse and different takes, advice, tips and projects. If you have an interesting (and practical) idea there is a Google form for your pitches here.
This month’s contribution is from Caoimhe Clements, who is based in Northern Ireland and works as writer, editor, podcaster and photographer. You can follow her work on Twitter @CaoimheClements
Why you don’t need a journalism degree to be a journalist
I have attended online journalism masterclasses presented by BBC journalists who have stated time and time again that “you don’t need a journalism degree to work in the industry”. I wanted to share my experience to show that there are many different routes into this career and help others who may be wondering if doing another degree subject will hold them back.
Getting interested and gaining experience
As part of my undergraduate degree in photography, I undertook a documentary photography module. While researching this topic, I came across the concept of photojournalism and I became captivated by this way of storytelling.
I completed my first journalism piece in 2020, while still in the middle of my degree. It involved interviewing a group of 12 to 22 year-olds on their experiences living with epilepsy. I also have epilepsy and this whole idea stemmed from my personal experience. The article was later published and it was a moment of realisation that I can do this and I enjoyed being in a position where I could let someone’s voice be heard.
As a student I was also asked to write for a travel blog and when I graduated I already had two years of writing experience under my belt. I strongly believe that work experience holds more value than your degree.
You need something that sets you apart and this is where experience is important because it is a way to show how you differ from the rest of the crowd. It is important to think about what can you offer an employer that makes you stand out against other people.
Finding my niche
Journalism is an industry that encompasses lots of different forms of storytelling. I believe it is important for each individual to discover what their niche is.
Developing my own niche was rooted from what I stand for and what I believe in. I am an activist for the climate crisis and mental health. Having a conversation or reading the news and building on the things I am most interested in has helped me to come up with ideas for articles.
Launching a podcast
I created the Optimistic Waves Podcast to allow me to explore issues and subjects that are important to me. This is also an opportunity to strengthen and showcase my knowledge in those areas I want to write about through discussions with my guests.
The podcast has helped boost my:
Written work
Editing skills
Interviewing skills
Understanding of target audiences
Branding and social media
I use both Twitter and Instagram to showcase what I am working on, share my written work and post behind the scenes content.
It has also been a place for me to find valuable information on things like how to pitch and where to find work. Who you follow is important - find those helpful pages that inspire and educate.
Looking to the future
I am less than a year into my career but I am enjoying every moment of learning and pushing myself to be the best I can be at this job. I have decided to do an additional qualification and later this year will take the NCTJ to build on the skills I have already developed.
What’s coming up
There are still some slots for the next round of our Journalism Work Experience Initiative. To access the scheme you need to sign up for the induction on the 30th March (recordings are available) which then gives you 12 months of access to a database of remote work experience opportunities with experienced journalists. Bursary places are available - just email us to find out more.
Also back from celebrating its second birthday, series 7 of the FFJ podcast will be launching next month. Fancy listening to the back catalogue to get you up to speed you can find it here (or wherever you get your podcasts). Please ignore the backwards ‘2’ in the picture. We had only had cake and tea by this point so no excuses for our inability to take a photo!
Triumph of the week
ALCS payments are out and UK-based freelance journalists rejoice!
That feeling when
A PR comes directly to you with a topic you are interested in and you get a piece commissioned from it…
We love to hear your feedback on everything we do, so feel free to drop us an email anytime at freelancingforjournalists@gmail.com
Bye for now!
