Journalism career confusion!!

[DayOne]

Hi, I posted this in a journalism forum but thought I would post it here too in case anyone here knows about journalism and can offer advice.

I recently graduated with an engineering degree and am now looking to go into Journalism, I have gained a work experience placement on a magazine for 4 days a week and also have an offer to study for a Journalism MA.

However I have some problems/concerns:

- My course is not accredited by either the National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ) or the equivalent accrediting body for magazines. It also seems quite theoretical (e.g., they don't teach shorthand). I'm not sure how much this will matter to a future employer, maybe my work experience which is practical will compensate?

- My course fees are £3500 but my work experience is unpaid so I don't have much time to do paid work in order to pay my fees. I've looked into a career development loan which seems to be my only option as all bursaries seem to depend upon the course being accredited.

- I looked into doing a distance learning course provided by the NCTJ as it is much cheaper and accredited. However the "Foundation course in news reporting" requires newspaper experience, meaning my magazine experience is unsuitable. Whilst the magazine course they offer is just a certificate not a proper qualification.

I'm just a bit confused about where to go from here. Basically I have agreed to do 4 days a week unpaid work experience, I have a part time job at the moment which I may be able to continue but obviously doing a maximum of the 3 remaining days in the week, which I doubt will be enough to cover my fees. I have an offer to do the Journalism MA but could back out or differ to next year in order to save over three thousand pounds, but then what do I do? Just do the work experience, or some other qualification?

I'm confused! Please help if you can offer any advice at all.

Thanks.

[Zukin]

Hi DayOne,

If you got an engineering degree, journalism will probably be super easy for you!

I just wanted to add that and wish you luck!

If you don't find any other journalists from the UK here, you might want to contact people associated with this organization. They can probably answer your questions:

National Union of Journalists