Careers Resources:

Jobs, Gigs, Internships, Competitions & Grants

In Focus | MA Visual Journalism & Storytelling | The University of Bolton, Grater Manchester

Contents

  • Intro: Intro & tips for proactive strategies for your job search.
  • Jobs: Explore job boards and freelance opportunities.
  • Internships & Work Experience: Discover internships, apprenticeships, and other ways to build your skills.
  • Awards, Competitions, & Funding: Apply for awards, competitions, and grants to boost your resume and network.
  • Networking & Events: Find mentors, attend events, and build your network within the industry.
  • Considering a Media Career?: Some tips to get your foot in the door.
  • Additional & External Resources: Access additional resources to support your career journey.

Take it one step at a time! This resource is extensive, so explore it at your own pace. Focus on the sections most relevant to you and come back as needed.

This resource is under development. We'll be adding and refining content over the next month or two, and then aim to keep it up-to-date. If you have suggestions or notice anything missing, please let us know!

Intro

This resource is dedicated to helping you to land your first experience or job in journalism and media!

We know breaking in to the industry can be tough, especially outside of major cities. We primarily focus on resources tailored for entry-level positions. In addition check our monthly newsletter which features a dedicated section for current career opportunities and aims to highlight opportunities in and around Greater Manchester.

Journalism is competitive, be prepared to hustle ! Dedication, strong applications, and patience are essential as you navigate this field. But don't get discouraged! Your visual storytelling skills are valuable across many sectors, from journalism, filmmaking and communications to marketing and PR. This guide offers strategies to help you break in, but remember: patience, proactivity, and perseverance are key!

Start Small: It's highly unlikely your first job will be at a major national outlet or your perfect role, but almost every opportunity can teach you something valuable. Whether it's honing your reporting skills at a local newspaper, managing social media for a small nonprofit, or contributing to a community blog, these experiences build your portfolio, expand your network, and pave the way to bigger opportunities. There's also a pretty exciting movement of quality local media in the North - so far there's less emphasis on visuals in local news - but these organisations may be open.

Get Your Foot in the Door: Proactive Strategies:

  • Stay on Top of Job Boards: Regularly monitor relevant job boards - applications often have short windows. Familiarise yourself with our lists below and bookmark the most relevant to come back to weekly.
  • Showcase Your Work: Create a digital portfolio to showcase your best pieces (3-5) with an About Me and contact page.
  • Always Be Ready: Keep your portfolio, CV, published work links, and LinkedIn profile up-to-date.
  • Build Your Online Brand: Employers will search your profile online. If your social media isn't professional, consider making it private or creating separate profiles for work. Give things a boost by looking like someone who's passionate by sharing work and relevant posts.
  • Build Your Network: Reach out to anyone you know in the industry. Use LinkedIn, alumni groups, or join relevant communities and attend industry events to network and seek mentors for guidance.
  • Build Your Experience: Volunteer or contribute to student publications, non-profit media or publications. Or create content for non-profit organisations. We don't advise working for free for for-profit or larger non-profit organisations or dedicating huge amounts of time - but the reality is that experience matters and a little pro-bono work for the right place can be a good thing.
  • Make speculative applications!: Our biggest advice is probably be to leverage your student or fresh grad status and make speculative applications! See our Considering a Media Career? section on this page for tips.

Essential Resources:

  • Journo Resources: This amazing site provides information on UK journalism and media graduate schemes, awards, freelance rates, and salary data. We've included some links from them throughout the page, but you should familiarise yourself directly too.
  • Internships & Entry-Level Media Jobs: Our curated list of resources is provided on this page to help you find the perfect opportunity.
  • Company Websites: Many media organisations list jobs on their own websites. Check these regularly, especially if you have a dream employer.

Launch Your Career: Jobs

Find Entry-Level & General Media Jobs:

  • Journo Resources Jobs Board: Only lists jobs with transparent salaries. Subscribe to their weekly newsletter for a roundup of opportunities, freelance gigs, awards, funding sources, and industry insights.
  • Journalism.co.uk Jobs Board: Discover the latest editorial and media openings on this excellent board. The site is a great resource in its own right. We love the podcast!
  • Sam’s Social Media Club: Your daily dose of social media jobs, including journalism, content creation, and visual storytelling opportunities. Follow them on Insta for ease!
  • Media Beans: Comprehensive job board curating journalism and media positions daily. Follow them on Instagram and/or sign up for their weekly email.
  • Cision Jobs: Sections for journalism, media and PR jobs. All internships listed pay at least the National Minimum Wage.
  • The Dots: Good for videography, video editing, and photography jobs, also includes some journalism jobs. They also offer portfolio hosting and networking opportunities.
  • Charity Job: Explore opportunities for visual journalists and storytellers within the charity sector.
  • IJNnet: The International Journalist’s Network is best for grants and funding but occasionally posts jobs too.
  • Press Gazette: Has a job board. It’s also worth visiting for industry news.
  • Write At Home: Newsletter with a comprehensive list of journalist and writer jobs including Freelance journalist calls-for-pitches; Permanent(ish) / ongoing journalist jobs and Content writer / copywriter / blogger opportunities. All are home-based or have a remote working option.
  • Hold the Front Page Jobs Board: Good for those interested in the UK regional press. Provides journalism and PR jobs across the UK.
  • NCTJ Jobs Board: Opportunities including jobs, internships and apprenticeships with journalism employers across the UK.
  • Jobs4Journalists: online jobs board with news articles and industry insights.
  • Broadcast Jobs: Job site with jobs primarily in the UK and USA.
  • Reach jobs: Jobs board for regional and national news brands.
  • Mediarch: Online jobs board for Media jobs and paid internships.
  • If You Could Jobs: Online jobs board for the creative industries.
  • Campaign Jobs: Jobs board for advertising, marketing, creative and media jobs.

Company Websites:

Bonus Tip: For an even more extensive list of job boards, check out Journo Resources: Literally Just A List Of All The Job Sites For Journalism Jobs And Internships

Additional Resources:

Search general jobs sites too!

  • Target Jobs UK: Search for media within graduate jobs, internships, and training opportunities across various fields. Also offers career advice articles and resources.
  • RateMyPlacement.co.uk: Connects students with paid placements and internships across the UK. Student-written reviews offer an insight into company culture and work experiences. (like a TripAdvisor for placements and internships).
  • LinkedIn: The more you interact with jobs you like the more the algorithm will throw at you. Ensure your profile is up-to-date and showcase your best work with a curated portfolio. Let employers know you're open to work!
  • UK Government's Find a Job Page: Search for full-time, part-time, and occasional internship opportunities across the UK. The platform allows you to filter positions by location, industry, and desired job type.

Freelancing

Freelancing offers flexibility and can be a great way to gain valuable experience, whether as a temporary bridge or a long-term career path.

Many established journalists work freelance, some start off freelances while others go freelance once they have made contacts and have built a reputation in the industry.

You can combine freelance journalism with communications or commercial work to diversify your income. However, if your primary goal is serious journalism, be sure to thoroughly research any non-journalistic organisations you consider working with. Their values should align with your journalistic integrity.

Finding Freelance Gigs:

  • Explore our curated job boards: Many of the job boards list opportunities specifically for freelance journalists.
  • Spread the word: Let your network know you're available for freelance work.
  • Use freelance platforms: Connect with clients for jobs and other freelancers for support and advice! Consider platforms like Glimmer (previously known as Storyhunter), Ploy, and TodayAgency.co.uk. You might also try Muckrack and Contently. Try Facebook groups too.

Additional Notes:

If you are going to freelance...

  • (NUJ) Freelance Directory: For freelance work, consider registering with a professional association like the NUJ Freelance Directory.
  • Get Contract Savvy: Familiarise yourself with the basics of copyrights, contracts and negotiations to ensure fair compensation and protect your interests.
  • Portfolio Development: Build a strong online portfolio that showcases a wide range of your work, demonstrating versatility and depth in your capabilities.
  • Community: Join freelancer communities, both online and offline. These groups can be invaluable resources for support, advice, and job leads.
  • Freelance Toolkit (ScreenSkills): Handy resource covering key topics.
  • Freelancing for Journalists.com: Resources to support freelance journalists. Check out their book, and brilliant the podcast.

Build Experience: Internships & Work Experience

Gain valuable skills and contacts through internships and other forms of work experience. While internships are a common starting point, "work experience" encompasses a broader range of opportunities to build your journalism skills and network.

Internships

  • Paid Internships: Structured programs offering hands-on experience, industry knowledge, and connections. (Minimum wage or more).
  • Unpaid Internships: We generally advise against unpaid internships due to potential exploitation. Exceptions include very short term work such as work experience, assisting days or shadowing or volunteering for a not-profit cause you believe in (e.g., charity sector).

Other Work Experience Opportunities:

  • Traineeships (Paid): Programs combining work experience with formal training towards a specific qualification.
  • Apprenticeships (Paid): Structured programs combining on-the-job learning with vocational education.
  • Placements (Paid/Unpaid): Short-term work placements designed to provide practical exposure.
  • Shadowing / Assisting (Typically Unpaid): Connect with a journalist or other media worker and observe their work for a day or few. This can provide valuable insights into the daily routine of a journalism career. Longer term more formal assisting roles should be compensated.
  • Freelance Gigs (Paid): Find freelance gigs (with fair compensation!) to build your portfolio and demonstrate your ability to deliver journalism projects independently. (Paid, unless volunteer freelance work). And of course, for many freelancing is a full-time career option.
  • Volunteering (Unpaid): Offer your skills and time to non-profit organisations, media organisations, or journalism-related nonprofits. This can be a great way to gain practical experience while contributing to a cause you care about. (Expenses should be factored in)
  • Competitions and Awards: Entering journalism competitions can hone your skills, gain recognition for your work, and potentially lead to networking opportunities. (We advise against competitions with entry fees for students)

Benefits of Work Experience:

No matter the format, good work experiences should equip you with practical skills, industry knowledge, and valuable connections. They are a fantastic way to:

  • Sharpen your existing skills: Apply your classroom learning to real-world scenarios.
  • Boost your CV: Gain valuable bylines and professional work experience that sets you apart from other applicants.
  • Prepare for the working world: Build confidence and professional networks.
  • Land a graduate job: Impress employers and potentially secure a position after graduation.

Getting paid

Internships & Summer Jobs should typically be governed by National Minimum Wage laws.

Finding Internships / Work Experience:

  • Internwise: An internship job board platform in the UK
  • Target Jobs UK: General careers and jobs website providing graduate jobs, internships, events and training opportunities. They also have a good collection of expert careers advice articles and resources.
  • Milkround: Student and graduate career resource, with hundreds of internships, placements, graduate jobs and schemes to apply for. You can register, to receive email job alerts matched to your career preferences.
  • Journalism Graduate and Trainee Schemes: The Complete List: A comprehensive and updated list of UK media and journalism graduate schemes or traineeships.
  • Media Makers: A scheme which provides work placement opportunities.

Example graduate schemes and internships

These programmes can be an incredible foundation for a career in the industry, but competition will be high and there are other great entry-level positions with smaller organisations so prepare to diversify your job hunt.

  • BBC Trainee/Graduate Schemes: Includes the Journalism Trainee Scheme and the Extend in News – training scheme for journalists with disabilities.
  • CNN London: Offers a range of broadcast & digital internships, many are well suited for visual journalism students. These internships provide hands-on experience alongside experienced journalists and cover research, writing, video production, and data visualisation. Programs run Autumn/Winter (Sept-Feb) or Spring/Summer (Mar-Aug). Applications open in December & June.
  • Bloomberg News Internship: News internships advertised on a rolling basis.
  • The Financial Times: Offers a graduate scheme for aspiring journalists and a range of editorial internships.
  • BBC placement opportunities: Includes the Future Voices BBC World Service.

Diversity opportunities

  • Scott Trust Bursary: Bursaries to help aspiring journalists break into the media.
  • BBC Extend in News: BBC training scheme for journalists with disabilities Specialist Journalist Bursaries.
  • The Journalism Diversity Fund: Awards bursaries to people from diverse backgrounds to help cover the costs of National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ) course fees and/or living expenses. Recipients are also paired with a working journalist to mentor them throughout their studies.
  • Claire Prosser bursary: Awarded to an applicant who has indicated a preference for a career as a broadcast or digital journalist.
  • Thomas Read bursary: Awarded to an applicant who has a long-term illness, health problem or disability.

Awards, Competitions, & Funding

Finding funding will vary depending on your area of expertise, whether it's photography, documentary filmmaking, or journalism. Here are some helpful jumping-off points. We also recommend exploring existing, curated lists of funding opportunities and include some of these lists here rather than duplicating all their entries.

General

Journalism (Including Student Journalism Awards)

Photo

Video / Film / Documentary

  • Advice on Funding: Good resource via the Bolton Film Festival site. Not all the funds listed are open for entry right now, but if you sign up to their newsletters, you will be notified immediately when they re-open

Networking & Events:

  • Media conferences and workshops: Look for events related to journalism, specific media sectors, or digital skills development.
  • National Union of Journalists (NUJ): Offers events, career advice, and resources for aspiring journalists
  • Student Media Associations: British Association of Student Publications (BASP)
  • Journo Resources has a great list: Journalism Masterclasses and Events
  • Manchester Photography Collective: A welcoming community for photographers of all skill levels, united by visual storytelling. They foster a supportive environment where members learn, grow, and create together.

Mentoring Schemes

Journalism Mentoring Schemes – The Complete List: What can we say, they already have a brilliant list for everything!

So You Want to Work in Media?

Embarking on a career in media can be both exciting and daunting. With so many paths to choose from, finding your footing might seem overwhelming. This guide is here to provide you with some structured steps and advice to navigate the vast world of media, tailored to those with interests in journalism, visual storytelling, or the broader communications sector.

Find Your Niche

Identifying your interests and preferred career path is crucial in the vast landscape of media. Ask yourself:

  • Area of Interest: Are you passionate about specific topics such as education, the environment, fashion, sports, or finance? Let your interests guide you to your media niche.
  • Role Preference: Media encompasses a wide range of fields — from digital to print, and television to radio. What medium(s) and roles attract you? Where do you see yourself thriving? Reporter, photographer, videographer, editor, researcher, producer, or director.
  • Career Path: Do you see yourself in a staff position or working as a freelancer?
  • Beyond Journalism: Are you interested in exploring careers in communications, public relations, marketing, or social media? Exploring these fields will require you to broaden your job search and possibly enhance your skill set through additional training or internships. In today’s media landscape, skills like digital literacy and an understanding of analytics are becoming indispensable across all areas.

Build Experience

Gaining practical experience is key to entering the media industry. Here's how:

  • Get Involved on Campus: Contribute to student media to develop valuable writing, visual, and editorial experience. For Bolton Students, this might include contributing to our newsletter or producing a podcast for us? You could connect with the Photo / Media Dept - and beyond to see if any social media storytelling content is needed.
  • Seek Local Opportunities: Look for internships or work experience in local newspapers, magazines, and organisations. Scan the listings on this page for openings.
  • Do Small Gigs and Work Your Way Up: While we don't recommend working for free altogether, consider offering your skills for smaller projects to gain experience. This could involve: Photographing a friend's band's performance, Filming your Nans 80th birthday party, Taking product shots for a friend's small business. Every project is a learning opportunity that can help you build your portfolio and refine your skills. As you gain experience, you can start charging for your services, taking on projects for bigger clients like bands you admire or filming events like baby showers.
  • Network & Apply Speculatively: Broaden your job search by applying speculatively to organisations beyond advertised positions. You can try larger organisations and also target smaller publications in your niche area (food, cycling, fashion, etc.) especially local ones to gain relevant experience. Research their current projects and tailor your application to showcase how your skills can benefit them. More about this in the next section.

Craft a Strong Application

  • Portfolio & Resume: Employers are going to want to see what you can do via your portfolio and what you have already published. Showcase your skills and experience with a portfolio and resume tailored to your target area. (For example, camera operators: create a showreel. Social media content creators: highlight vertical video and graphics work). If you are serious about your applications, tweak and tailor them to each application. Get yourself some bylines if possible - aim to publish the work you make on the course. Our live projects also give you at least one byline.

Make Speculative Applications

The realm of visual storytelling offers vast opportunities, yet many of them lie beyond the scope of traditional job listings. To uncover these hidden gems, it's important to seek out opportunities through networking, internships and speculative applications.

Speculative applications involve taking the initiative to contact organisations or in some cases individuals directly. This might mean reaching out to media organisations you're passionate about for intern or assistant roles. if you come across an advertised job that you aspire to hold in five years, inquire about current opportunities for an intern or assistant. Admire a local media outlet or journalist? Offer to shadow a reporter, providing images for their stories in exchange.

Research is key for effective speculative applications. Pinpoint organisations that align with your interests, and keep an eye on job postings. With a clear target in sight, you're set to craft a standout application.

  • Targeted Outreach: Avoid the scattergun approach with generic applications. Do your research and use your network—peers, alumni, or tutors—who may have insider connections to your preferred organisations or sectors. Research the organisation and industry to understand their current projects, and hiring trends.
  • Showcase Your Value: A strong portfolio / CV, and cover letter are essential. Craft and tailor these items to each specific organisation, highlighting skills and experiences directly relevant to their needs. Be clear and concise when stating your desired role (work experience, internship, etc.) and demonstrate flexibility in the type of opportunity you're open to.
  • Personalise Your Pitch: A genuine connection can go a long way. If possible, research the recipient of your application. Tailor your message to their role and the organisation's culture. A casual, enthusiastic tone might work well for a media startup, whereas a more formal approach may be better suited for a traditional news outlet.
  • Go the Extra Mile: Always follow up with a polite email l 1-2 weeks after submitting your application. This demonstrates your genuine interest and initiative. Media professionals' days are often packed; your initial email might go unnoticed or forgotten. A single follow-up can remind them of your keen interest, but respect their silence beyond that—as it likely signals disinterest.
  • Be prepared for rejection: The nature of speculative applications means they are very hit and miss - with many more misses than hits. While some inquiries may open doors, most wont.

Become a Well-Rounded Candidate

Standing out in today's media landscape requires a multifaceted approach. Here's how to cultivate the skills and experiences that impress editors and boost your candidacy:

Deepen Your Knowledge

  • Stay Current: Demonstrate genuine passion for journalism by regularly consuming media across your target platforms. Keep up-to-date on current affairs and industry trends specific to your desired publications or stations.
  • Targeted Research: Deep dive into the editorial approach, content focus, and values of your target organisations. Demonstrating an understanding of the organisation's mission, approach, and industry context can set you apart during applications and interviews.

Network for Success

  • Build Relationships: Attend industry events to connect with journalists and professionals. Cultivating relationships within the media can open doors to future opportunities and valuable mentorship.

Resources

Additional Resources

University Support

  • University Careers Service: UoB has dedicated career advisors to help students find work experience and job opportunities. Gain support with CV writing and more.

Social Media

  • Social Media: Follow journalism outlets and media organisations and professionals on Insta, Twitter and LinkedIn and beyond. They often announce opportunities directly.

Industry Information

Professional Organisations

  • The Broadcasting Journalism Training Council (BJTC)
  • National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ)
  • The Chartered Institute of Journalists
  • Professional Publishers Association
  • National Association of Press Agencies

    • Career Websites

    Podcasts

    Professional Development / Other

    MA Visual Journalism & Storytelling | The University of Bolton, Greater Manchester

    Contact the Editors:
    Have questions or wish to get in touch? Email us at S.Lovell@bolton.ac.uk.

    Join the Conversation:
    We invite you to share your stories, projects or ideas. Join us and contribute to our community.

    COURSE INFO

    Overview & Applications

    VIDEO INTRO

    Watch Our Video Overview

    MICROSITE

    MA Visual Journalism & Storytelling

    INSTAGRAM

    Stay Connected & Follow Us!

    Contact the Editors:
    Have questions or wish to get in touch? Email us at S.Lovell@bolton.ac.uk.

    Join the Conversation:
    We invite you to share your stories, projects or ideas. Join us and contribute to our community.

    COURSE INFO

    Overview & Applications

    VIDEO INTRO

    Watch Our Video Overview

    MICROSITE

    MA Visual Journalism & Storytelling

    INSTAGRAM

    Stay Connected & Follow Us!

    TopBuilt with Shorthand