Journalist (NSW) | Job Guide

Journalist (NSW/ACT)

Education and Training:

To become a journalist you usually have to complete a degree at university with a major in journalism or a related field, followed by a 1-year graduate cadetship involving on-the-job training. Alternatively, you can become a journalist by completing a 3-year cadetship, during which you receive instruction and gain experience in practical journalism under the supervision of senior journalists.

To get into the degree courses you usually need to gain your HSC/ACT Year 12. A number of universities in Australia offer degrees with a major in journalism. Universities have different prerequisites and some have flexible entry requirements or offer external study. Contact Open Universities Australia or the universities you are interested in for more information as requirements may change.

Additional Information:

Cadetships are offered by national, regional and local media organisations. Entry requirements vary, but you will need to demonstrate a passion for journalism and a flair for writing. Competition is very strong. Contact the organisations you are interested in to find out about their cadetship program and application process.

Related Courses:

While the following courses are related to this occupation, they may not necessarily lead directly to employment, nor provide the most direct pathway to the occupation. Courses which provide preliminary or informal training, as well as those which provide additional job skills following initial qualifications may also be listed.

*Course is offered by more than one institution. Click link for details.

Employment Opportunities:

Most journalists work for country, metropolitan and suburban newspapers; magazines; radio and television stations; or press agencies. Some work on a freelance basis. Others move into publicity roles in government departments, work as press secretaries for government ministers or work in related fields such as advertising, marketing and public relations.

Technological changes have increased the speed of information exchange, leading to a more interpretative role for journalists. This has increased the demand for journalists with expertise in specialist fields such as economics and political science.

Factors that influence employment range from the number, size and economic viability of media organisations, to the use of modern technology and the degree of networking and resource sharing between organisations.