I do have a journalism degree but to be honest I don’t think it’s had any bearing on my career to date. I don’t think it really taught me anything that I use regularly today. A passion for writing and for a particular subject will always shine through way brighter than a piece of paper from a university! And for those based in the UK like myself, an NCTJ qualification is far more sought-after than a uni degree
Very nice. We spoke a few weeks ago about something adjacent to this. Since then I've had a few ideas about the direction I would like to take my writing, but nothing concrete as of yet. I really appreciate your candidness about getting started in the industry and the paths that are open.
The hardest part for me, and I imagine many others, is simply getting started. I'm terrified to write about the *wrong* things. I'm scared that I'm not good enough. I'm scared I am good enough, but won't be able to capitalize on it.
I also wanted to ask, how would a person go about finding an editor if they are just getting started? I know I don't have the money to hire someone, so I would probably be relying on friends and family.
Yes! Love this. Because even if someone has a journalism degree (kudos) that doesn't meant they understand the sport or the intended audience like a passionate fan. Hope more aspiring writers see this and take it to heart.
Amen. Writing and reporting has changed. Need to keep up rather than rest on a degree
I do have a journalism degree but to be honest I don’t think it’s had any bearing on my career to date. I don’t think it really taught me anything that I use regularly today. A passion for writing and for a particular subject will always shine through way brighter than a piece of paper from a university! And for those based in the UK like myself, an NCTJ qualification is far more sought-after than a uni degree
Very nice. We spoke a few weeks ago about something adjacent to this. Since then I've had a few ideas about the direction I would like to take my writing, but nothing concrete as of yet. I really appreciate your candidness about getting started in the industry and the paths that are open.
The hardest part for me, and I imagine many others, is simply getting started. I'm terrified to write about the *wrong* things. I'm scared that I'm not good enough. I'm scared I am good enough, but won't be able to capitalize on it.
I also wanted to ask, how would a person go about finding an editor if they are just getting started? I know I don't have the money to hire someone, so I would probably be relying on friends and family.
Yes! Love this. Because even if someone has a journalism degree (kudos) that doesn't meant they understand the sport or the intended audience like a passionate fan. Hope more aspiring writers see this and take it to heart.