Is It Really Possible to Become a Journalist Without a Degree?

Attending university takes time and money and involves a lot of late nights studying things that have nothing to do with your dream. Maybe you already have a degree in a subject other than journalism. Maybe you are working in another career and just want to submit articles as a freelancer. 

Not knowing what to write and how to pitch editors can make getting published difficult.

As the editor of a community newspaper I worked with many journalists and freelance writers. Some had degrees and some didn't. I found having a degree did not equal success at the job. In this course, you'll learn what's really important to editors and how you can deliver. 

By the end of the course, you will have at least two published articles (or more!) and will be able to comfortably create and pitch your work to newspapers and magazines. Best of all, you'll have the confidence to interview, write and pitch with ease. 

What You'll Learn

The first step is to gain the knowledge and confidence to succeed as a freelancer. Once you have a portfolio, you can start to apply for staff jobs or keep freelancing because you like being your own boss!

  • Learn the secrets to news reporting and the formula for writing quickly

  • Expand your creativity and portfolio with in-depth feature writing

  • Get clarity and confidence with four live group coaching calls. We will also provide feedback on your stories and pitch.

  • Learn how to pitch with confidence. Give editors what they want to become their writer of choice

  • Learn how to take photos that get published so you can increase your value and get more gigs

What You Will Learn

  • Writing for the Media

    The media follows certain styles and conventions that you will need to know before getting started. We'll work on style and craft so you can always put your best work in front of editors.

  • Conducting a Great Interview

    Working with sources is exciting, but complicated. We'll discuss how to find sources and how to get a great interview on record which will make you invaluable to editors.

  • Stand Out Portfolio

    Once you have a stand-out portfolio, you will be in charge of your career. Raise your rates, pitch to bigger outlets or apply for full-time jobs. We'll help you take your career to the next level.

Bonus material

Join now to access these important bonuses to propel your career forward

  • Pitch templates

    $15 value

    Know exactly how to pitch editors and how to sell your services. Our fillable pitch template will give you confidence.

  • Resource Pack

    $175 value

    A downloadable resource pack containing journalism style guides, writing templates, editing checklists, and a list of useful tools and apps for journalists.

  • Career Guide

    $27 value

    There's more to news writing than just covering your town or neighbourhood. In this career guide, we discuss different niches such as travel, sports and lifestyle and tips for gaining entry.

Who Am I

Journalist and Editor Shella Gardezi

Shella Gardezi

Shella Gardezi is an experienced editor and journalist who has mentored reporters and freelancers who came to journalism with no experience or degree. She realized that there was little difference between reporters who have a degree and those who don't. This realization caused her to write How to Become a Journalist Without a Degree and to begin working with writers who want to break into the industry as freelancers.

FAQ

  • Who is this course suitable for?

    This course is suitable for anyone who loves to write and isn't afraid to ask questions. You can take this course if your career goal is to become a journalist or even if you just want to make extra money on the side. This is suitable for learners of all ages. No matter what your background, you'll find that your life experience is a big asset in journalism. If you have a degree in a different field, you can apply your knowledge to your writing, but no degree is required.

  • What will I learn in the course?

    First we will discuss the assets you already have and how you can apply them to your work. You'll learn how to conduct your first interviews and write at least one news story and one feature article. You'll learn how to pitch your articles and get published before the course is over. You'll also learn how to take great news photos. You'll end with a portfolio that you can use to get additional gigs or to apply for staff jobs.

  • Is any prior writing experience required?

    No prior writing experience is required. The only requirement is that you love to write. You can also apply the skills we are going to learn into other media such photojournalism, online reporting, radio or TV. However, the portfolio we are going to create will consist of written articles. Also, be aware that broadcast journalism requires additional technical skills that you will need to acquire elsewhere if you want to be a radio or TV journalist.

  • How long does the course take to complete?

    This is an eight-week course, but you will have access to the videos as long as the course is online and can submit your work for feedback up to four weeks after the final week.

  • What sets this course apart from others?

    We believe in learning by doing. You will not be learning involved theory and unrelated information. We will get you started with creating content as soon as possible and support you with feedback and live coaching calls.

  • Are there any additional costs?

    The course fee covers the recorded lessons, live coaching calls and written feedback on your two submitted articles and pitches to publications. You will need to have a computer and Internet, possibly a smartphone or handheld recorder to record interviews and a camera. However, smartphone or point-and-shoot cameras are fine for what we will be covering.

  • Is there a guarantee?

    If you have followed all the lessons and made an effort to write your stories and pitch them to appropriate media, you should be successful with our program. We encourage you to book a trouble-shooting session if you are struggling. However, we will consider full or partial refund requests on a case-by-case basis.

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