It’s true that breaking into journalism can be extremely competitive, but sometimes half the battle is knowing exactly where to find those gold dust entry-level opportunities.
The good news is that there is an ever-growing community of new and aspiring journalists out there – one that tends to be incredibly helpful and welcoming. Luckily for you that means that there are endless groups, websites, Twitter accounts and newsletters stuffed full of new opportunities, just waiting to be discovered.
Spotted a great freelance opportunity and thinking of giving freelancing a shot? We can give you the low-down on working as a freelance journalist here. Found the perfect role for you and need help perfecting your CV and covering letter? Make sure you check out Creative Access’ advice on standing out from the crowd when applying to creative roles.
Here’s our list of the best ways to find opportunities for aspiring journalists.
(Please note, we are not liable or responsible for content on third-party websites that we link to below, and we can’t endorse them or the views they express.)
Websites
Some of the best sites around for journalism opportunities:
Journo Resources
Looking for new journo opportunities, freelance pay rate guides and general advice? Make JournoResources one of your first stops. As a small non-profit, they are already a giant in the journo jobs world. Their mission is to diversify the media industry with free resources and transparent salary adverts.
Creative Access
Creative Access works with some of the UK’s top publications and media organisations to provide opportunities, traineeships and internships for aspiring journalists. As a social enterprise, they aim to support talented people from groups that are under-represented in terms of ethnicity, socio-economic background and disability, or facing significant barriers to employment, to not just enter the creative industries, but to thrive when they get in.
Cision Jobs
Cision Jobs has perhaps the most comprehensive list of jobs in Journalism and Public Relations out there! From paid internships, entry-level roles and next-step jobs, Cision is a one-stop shop for the latest journo openings.
Media Beans
Media Beans curates all the best new media job openings in the UK on one handy, easy-to-navigate site. Don’t forget to sign up to their brilliant newsletter while you’re at it.
Journalism.co.uk
If you’re looking for journalism opportunities from across the UK and the US, this site has an extensive list of jobs you might not find elsewhere.
Diversifying
Although not exclusively for journo opportunities, this new, purpose-led careers platform is “for people to find jobs with employers who are serious about diversity and inclusion.” We have already spotted plenty of media roles available on their jobs board.
Newsletters
Save time on trawling through sites each day and get the best journo jobs delivered straight to your inbox:
Freelance Writing Jobs
Run by writer Sian Meades-Williams, this weekly newsletter is one of the original and the best places to start for freelance writing opportunities in the UK, including many journo opps.
PressPad
PressPad is a social enterprise that is fighting to lower the financial barrier of entry into journalism. Their weekly newsletter is chock-a-block with useful resources and ‘Opportunities of the week’, perfect for any aspiring journo.
The Peak District
Based outside of London? Don’t fear. This weekly newsletter, aimed at early-career journalists, curates all of the best UK-based journo opportunities not in London in one handy newsletter.
Northern Natter
Calling all journalists in Northern England and Scotland! Get paid opportunities from your region straight to your inbox with this brand-new weekly newsletter.
Creative Access
If you’re from a background traditionally underrepresented in journalism, such as those from Black, Asian, and minority ethnic backgrounds, those with disabilities or those from low-income backgrounds, this newsletter is a must! You’ll be the first to hear about Creative Access’ Positive Action schemes with some of the UK’s top media organisations.
As mentioned above: Don’t forget to sign up to the excellent newsletters filled with new journo opps from JournoResources and Media Beans.
Slack Group
The Society of Freelance Journalists
If you don’t yet have Slack, it’s worth downloading it for this community alone. Think 1800 journalists, editors and content creators sharing opportunities and advice with each other, with entry-level opportunities aplenty.
Access Funds
Here is just a snapshot of the many funding opportunities out there. For more comprehensive lists, check out Journalists’ Charity’s list or JournoResources’ funding page.
Journalism Diversity Fund
JDF offers bursaries to people from diverse backgrounds – or anyone who feels underrepresented in the industry – who need help funding their NCTJ journalism training.
Rory Peck Trust
The Rory Peck Trust enables freelance journalists to gain the essential skills and knowledge needed to work in potentially dangerous situations by funding safety training courses.
George Viner Memorial Fund
Set up by the National Union of Journalists to address the lack of diverse representation in the industry, this fund has since helped 150 Black and minority ethnic students obtain industry training to break into journalism.
Aziz Foundation
The Aziz Foundation offers scholarships for British Muslims who wish to study a Masters degree in Journalism and are interested in improving diversity in media.
Facebook Groups
Facebook Groups are a great place to find like-minded individuals sharing new opportunities:
No.1 Freelance Media Women
As well as being a dynamic and supportive community of freelance journalists and those who work in the media, their members often share exclusive journo opportunities.
Young Journalist Community
This group is crammed full of opportunities tailored towards new and aspiring young journalists.
POC / BME in journalism, media and the arts UK
Network, ask for advice and find job opportunities and positive action schemes aimed at those from Black, Asian, and minority ethnic backgrounds.
Journo Resources
We can’t endorse them enough, and it’s the same for their Facebook group!
https://twitter.com/colombochar/status/1367469535943667714
See this excellent bumper thread of free or affordable journo resources from @colombochar!
media.info jobs
Jobs across the media industry
Journo Resources
Paid opportunities only
Cision Jobs
The Twitter feed of Cision Jobs
So You Want To Be A Journalist
Stay up to date with the latest pitching call outs and job opportunities on Instagram.
And one last thing...
You can also follow the publications and journalists you admire on social media to keep up-to-date with relevant roles. And, most importantly, don’t forget to talk to people: Networking really is one of the best ways to get access to opportunities not advertised elsewhere.
Good luck on your search!