Journalism Skills and Work-Based Learning

This paper explores how higher education providers can support journalism students to secure work placements in the media sphere. It considers the increasing importance of preparing graduates for work, not only in journalism but also in related fields like marketing and PR, Social Media Management and Copywriting. The research provides an insight, from a student perspective, into what skills they found most helpful in securing placements, during the experiential learning and subsequently in seeking paid work. The research also assesses methods of alerting students to work opportunities. The survey was distributed to years 2 and 3 students and a sample of graduates at the University of Worcester. It concludes that the multi-skilled approach to journalism teaching is seen to be effective at securing placements and ultimately work by the students. One to-one support from tutors in seeking work is valued highly while the use of social media is increasing. Students make recommendations as to how staff can further assist them in their careers.