The job typically involves:

• reading press releases
• researching articles
• establishing and maintaining contacts
• interviewing sources
• attending events
• writing, editing and submitting copy
• publishing copy online through a content management system
• verifying statements and facts
• staying up to date with privacy, contempt and defamation law
• liaising with editors, sub-editors, designers and photographers.

It is possible to transfer between television, radio, newspaper and publishing work.

Who employs journalists?

• Newspapers and their associated websites
• Magazines
• Newswires
• Press agencies
• Websites
• Radio stations
• Television companies
• Periodical publishers

Many journalists work freelance. However, to do so you will need a network of industry contacts, the ability to propose strong pitches and a reputation for reliability.

Journalism graduate jobs are advertised online, in Campaign, Press Gazette, Broadcast and The Bookseller. Many jobs receive little advertising, so networking, internships and speculative applications (including samples of published work) are advisable. Use The Writers' & Artists' Yearbook to find contact details and other information about a wide range of newspapers and magazines.

Some employers, including The Times, The Guardian and the BBC, operate graduate trainee schemes – early applications for such schemes are advisable.