We use cookies to improve and customise your experience, for analytics and metrics, and to track any purchases you make both on this website and on others. To find out more about the cookies we use see our cookie policy
More info
- Write stories and articles for magazines
- You'll need great research skills, the ability to present your ideas and excellent writing skills
- You could work as a freelancer or as part of a magazine's staff team, and there are progression routes into editing
As a magazine journalist, you'll specialise in articles and features, needing up-to-date knowledge of the magazine's style and current trends.
DAY-TO-DAY DUTIES
- Going to meetings to plan the content of the magazine
- Suggesting ideas for articles
- Interviewing and researching to collect information for articles
- Writing articles to suit the magazine's style
- Keeping up-to-date with developments and trends in the magazine's subject area
- Working as a critic, reviewing things like films, food or concerts
DAY-TO-DAY ENVIRONMENT
You'll work in an office or from home.
You'll need
To be a magazine journalist, it takes knowledge of Engish language, media production and communication; thoroughness and attention to detail; the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure; excellent written and verbal communication skills; ambition and a desire to succeed; and persistence and determination.
You could apply directly for jobs, especially if you have knowledge of a specialist area. You would need to build up a network of contacts as many journalist jobs are not advertised.
This job role is competitive, so examples of your published work in a portfolio would be useful, as well as practical experience which can be achieved through contacting magazines asking for work experience, writing review of films, plays or products, volunteering to work on newsletters, or writing your own blog and having an online presence.
You might get this job through a degree in a subject like journalism or media, which will help you learn about the magazine industry and help develop skills needed. You could also do a postgraduate course in journalism.
You could also do a college course in journalism. Some colleges offer the Level 3 Certificate in Foundation Journalism and courses in Shorthand, which are accredited by the National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ).
You can also get this job role by starting with an advanced apprenticeship as a junior journalist.
You could alternatively study a range of professional qualifications in journalism, either online or part time at a training centre, accredited by the NCTJ.
CAREER PROSPECTS
With experience you may be able to progress to an editing position or move into another area like newspaper journalism, radio or TV. You could go freelance and write for various publications, or become a staff writer.