Magazine Journalist

What is the work like?

Magazine journalists write news articles and features for publications ranging from 'glossy' consumer magazines through to specialist trade journals.

As a magazine journalist, your work would vary depending on the type of magazine, but would normally include:

• attending meetings to plan the content of the magazine
• suggesting ideas for articles that will be of interest to the magazine’s readers
• interviewing and researching to collect material for articles
• writing articles in the magazine’s house style
• keeping up to date with developments and trends in the subject area of the magazine.

Many magazines have related websites, so you might also produce versions of your articles for the web.

You would usually have specialist knowledge in the subject area covered by your publication. Types of magazine include:

• consumer magazines – aimed at the general public
• specialist consumer magazines – aimed at people with interests in a particular subject, such as travel, arts and crafts or cars
• professional magazines – for those working in a particular career such as human resources, or management
• business magazines and trade journals
• in-house company magazines.

As a freelance journalist, you could write for both magazines and newspapers.

What qualifications and experience will employers look for?

There are no set qualifications for becoming a magazine journalist, although most people applying for this role have a degree.

A common starting point is to work as an editorial assistant for a magazine publishing house. This route allows you to develop your skills and make contacts in the industry, which is important as many journalist vacancies are not advertised.

You could complete a journalism qualification or degree before looking for work. Although this is not essential, it would give you the opportunity to learn about the magazine industry and to develop the skills you will need as a journalist. Qualifications which are recognised by the industry are accredited by:

• Periodicals Training Council, which is the training section of the Periodical Publishing Association (PPA)
• National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ).

Visit the PPA and NCTJ websites for details.

The NCTJ also runs distance learning courses, including Writing for the Periodical Press, which gives a basic understanding of the magazine industry.

Whether or not you have journalism qualifications, you will have to be proactive and persistent to get started in magazine journalism. The key to getting into the industry is to gain practical experience. You could contact magazines directly to see if they will consider you for unpaid work experience.

Other ways to get experience and build up a file of examples of your published work include:

• contacting editors with ideas for articles relevant to their magazine
• writing reviews of films, plays or products
• volunteering to work on newsletters run by not-for-profit organisations. 

Visit the PPA website for advice on finding work experience and applying for jobs.

Competition for jobs is strong, especially on the better-known magazines. It may be easier to get started on a specialist, trade or business publication, especially if you have knowledge of the area it covers. The more specialist the magazine, the more likely you are to need appropriate knowledge or experience.

What further training and development can I do?

As a new magazine journalist, you would develop your skills on the job. Big publishing houses often have structured on-the-job training schemes, but this is less likely in smaller organisations.

The PPA and NCTJ run a variety of short courses which would help you to develop your skills and knowledge.

As a member of the PPA, you can take the PPA Professional Certificate in Journalism, which you can do as a new or recent recruit. The qualification covers both printed and online publications.

As journalists are increasingly expected to write for online as well as printed publications, you may find it useful to do training in technical skills such as HTML, and web design packages such as Dreamweaver. You can do short and part-time courses in these subjects through colleges and private training providers.

Where can I go for more information?

Focus Point
21 Caledonian Road
London
N1 9GB

Tel: 08080 300 900 (England and Northern Ireland)
Tel: 0808 100 8094 (Scotland)
Tel: 08000 121 815 (Wales)

Queens House
28 Kingsway
London
WC2B 6JR
Tel: 020 7404 4166

The New Granary
Station Road
Saffron Walden
Essex
CB11 3PL
Tel: 01799 544014

If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning adviser, call 0800 100 900 or use our online enquiry form

Alternatively, you can visit our website at: www.direct.gov.uk/careersadvice

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