Regardless of the fact that I am not in a media related job, I am still a journalist. Surely, because I’m not officially employed in the industry – what I’ve given as advice and help to other students shouldn’t be ignored?

I’m not selectively applying for my ‘dream job’ as you put it, I’m trying to get my foot into the industry, and carve a name out for myself – but given the current climate, it’s becoming increasingly difficult. I have already proven myself as an entrepreneur by building and maintaining my own CMS and website, drawing a large global audience.

I was taught at university how to pitch story ideas, deal with the administration and the freelancing etiquette, work on stories with a low-budget, etc and they are skills that i have not forgotten, and will stay with me throughout my career.

Azeem Ahmad.

Knowing how to use efficiently the new media certainly helps, but it’s not enough, as Azeem Ahmad’s exemple shows.

Journalism students should probably be told to forget about their “dream job”, and to think more in terms of “dream work.” Not that the dream jobs don’t exist anymore, but it seems to me that employers rely more and more on contract workers, freelancers, etc. There are opportunities if you are a little bit of an entrepreneur.

Students should be prepared to pitch story ideas, deal with the administration and the freelancing etiquette, work on stories with a low-budget, etc. It’s rarely taught at school, unfortunately.

-Fp