Remote freelance work experience
How our scheme is helping journalists get their foot in the door
In the past year more than 200 students and new journalists signed up to our scheme to pair them with more than 100 freelancers for remote work experience placements.
We launched the scheme out of necessity in the middle of the first wave of the pandemic when newsrooms had completely shut down and work experience opportunities all but disappeared.
Through our networks, we knew there were so many experienced freelance journalists willing to lend a hand and provide real on the job training and mentorship.
The unique aspect to our database, is there is a real mix of experience, specialism and location with journalists around the world having signed up. Some do a lot of online and social media, others are broadcast or produce podcasts and others print. It provides a real opportunity for candidates to find out about different types of freelance career.
Ahead of the launch of our third round of the scheme (we have limited places to make sure everyone can make the most of it), we caught up with journalism student Ellie Kemp, about her experience.
What made you sign up to the journalism work experience scheme?
I was still at university doing a Masters and I had a part-time job on the university comms team and I had done a placement at a radio station but was looking out for more placements and when I heard about the scheme I was relieved because I had been worried about it, everyone was in limbo.
Who did you do a placement with?
In January I contacted Felicity Hannah [freelance financial journalist working for BBC Radio 4 and 5 Live as well as ITN, the Times, Mirror and Independent] because I recognised her name on the list. She got back to me straightaway and we talked about my availability. Luckily I had a certain amount of time set aside for placements but what she is doing changes from week to week so we talked about what would be best. In the end I did a week with her.
What did the placement involve?
At the time she was preparing for two different radio shows - Moneybox and Wake up to money - so she talked me through how she would get ready for those editorial meetings or she might be chasing up a story. She gave me some press releases to go through and write a pitch and then I also had some ideas and she talked me through how to develop them.
What sort of hands on experience did you get?
She sent off one of my story ideas to an editor at The Sun and they sent some feedback and that was really helpful. She was very supportive and I did end up getting some freelance work which we weren’t really expecting. I’d come up with this idea about student rent because mine was due in the next week but we weren’t legally allowed back in our student accommodation. We discussed differences in how universities were responding to that and whether or not you were in private accommodation and after I pitched the idea to her she said I could come to that Thursday’s editorial meeting. In the end that couldn’t happen because another story broke. Then the next day at the debrief they let me come along and I pitched the idea to the head of the business unit and she really liked it. She took me on as a freelance to do the story. I started out putting a piece together for Wake up to money [on BBC 5 Live] and it ended up as a two-way script. After that had been broadcast, they wanted it for online as well.
That’s amazing, what did it feel like to end up with your story on the BBC?
It was definitely the right place at the right time with a bit of persistence from me. It was so surreal, I couldn’t believe it. Especially being in the middle of a pandemic to then have that kind of experience. It was a dream come true. Things don’t necessarily happen the way you expect them to. It definitely boosted my confidence and I have applied for other things since that I might not have done had I not had that byline.
Were there any other benefits to the placement?
It was really useful because they don’t teach you that much about freelancing in terms of pitching and etiquette and it was so interesting to have that insight and she is amazing at what she does, also pitching to a lot of national newspapers and she was happy to talk me through how she approached all this throughout her day. I wasn’t sure how it would work being remote but she was happy for me to email her or call with any questions.
What are you doing at the moment?
Since then, I've gone on to freelance at BBC Radio Derby as a broadcast journalist. I emailed the editor to enquire about freelance shifts and it went from there really. My freelance work at 5 Live gave me the confidence to email other editors, and the experience really backed me up too. I've been freelancing at Radio Derby since June, a couple of days a week alongside my Master's degree. I've absolutely loved it, and being able to leave my house and work in the office and studio has been great. I have a two week full-time stint at Derby in late September, once I've finished my Masters degree, so I'm excited to see where that leads. Being able to freelance alongside my degree has really helped to consolidate my learning and it's so exciting to be getting paid for my work too.
Quick note from all at FFJ to say congratulations to Felicity who has just won Broadcast Journalist of the Year 2021at the Headlinemoney Awards!!!
To sign up to the scheme you have to grab your place at the webinar in October that explains how it all works and how to make the most of it. Tickets are £10, which pays for the administration involved in the scheme. There are bursary places available for those who may need more support and these can be accessed by contacting us directly at freelancingforjournalists@gmail.com. If you’re interested, be quick, places always fill up fast.
What’s coming up
Planning for series 6 of the podcast is well under way, we have a new sponsor and episodes should be landing in a few weeks. On that topic, our next lunchtime webinar on Wednesday 29th September will be on How to launch a successful podcast. We will talk you through everything you need to know about producing, marketing and monetising your own series You can grab your ticket or find our more information by clicking on the link below.
Triumph of the week
We’ve just met an amazing group of journalists we’re mentoring for an investigative journalism project they’re working on through the European Journalism Centre. Very excited to see where that takes them.
That feeling when…
A new client asks for your rate and then agrees straightaway… Could be a good sign but also slightly worrying that you could have gone higher?
If you have any questions or suggestions post them in our Facebook Community or contact us at freelancingforjournalists@gmail.com.
Bye for now!