New NCTJ careers guide published to inspire journalists of the future

A new edition of the NCTJ’s careers guide has been published, and aims to encourage people from a range of backgrounds to consider a career in journalism.

The handy booklet, which is sponsored by the Financial Times, are being sent to all secondary schools, colleges and job centres across the UK.

Abbie Scott, deputy managing editor of the Financial Times, said: “At a time when one story has continued to dominate the news (and our lives) it is important not to lose sight of the facts, and to focus on serving our readers and the communities they belong to.

“In order to do this, newsrooms require journalists from a range of backgrounds and experiences to enable them to produce stories that connect with our audience. This is not only true of news, foreign affairs and politics, but also art, sport and entertainment.

“The Financial Times and the National Council for the Training of Journalists want students from all backgrounds regardless of ethnicity, religion and sexuality to receive gold-standard journalism training and feel welcome in our newsrooms.”

The guide has also been supported by advertising from the following organisations: BBC, Bournemouth University, Darlington College, Leeds Trinity University, The School of Journalism from News Associates, University of Central Lancashire, University of Essex and University of Gloucestershire.

Sky Sports News presenter and St Mary’s University graduate Emma Paton is this year’s cover star, and talks about how sports journalism is more accessible to women than it has ever been.

She said: “It’s great that when I speak to students, they don’t see this is a barrier in any way. I think that’s how St Mary’s helped me – the course set me up. We had lots of women in the cohort and female journalists speaking to us.

“They have that positive culture, and cover male and women’s sport. It’s all about those first experiences.”

Features of the guide include first steps to get started in journalism, insights from alumni working in a range of roles, and advice on how to choose the right training route. It also features easy-to-navigate listings of all NCTJ-accredited courses, which are a cut above the rest.

Emma Robinson, the NCTJ’s accreditation manager, said: “Sending out this annual careers guide to schools and colleges means we can reach out to students about the exciting prospect of making that first leap into their journalism career.

“We want students to choose the right journalism course with the NCTJ to give them the cutting-edge skills and knowledge to operate in the newsroom to professional standards.

“As ever, the guide is packed with useful tips and advice from our students and alumni, who are all making waves in sports journalism, podcasting, investigative journalism and more, plus discussions about what it’s been like to start a career in the middle of a pandemic.

“The guide also gives students information about how to make a head-start in their careers right now to help make their mark from the outset.”

The guide is now available to read online here.

If you would like to request free print copies, please contact Sarah Kenny, head of marketing and communications.