Journalism Student Survey: Since You Began Your Course, Have Your Career Plans Changed?

Journalism Student Survey 1. Since you began your course, have your career plans changed?

I am keener than ever to go into

Response

Response

Percent

Count

29.9%

43

41.7%

60

21.5%

31

6.9%

10

Why?

91

answered question

144

skipped question

0

journalism I still want to go into journalism I am no longer sure about going into journalism I don't want to go into journalism

Why? 1

Greater opportunities for innovative thinking. Fast-developing new methods of May 11, 2009 7:00 AM storytelling.

2

It is vital to our republic for someone to do it. That person is me.

May 11, 2009 7:08 AM

3

I still want to stay in journalism, though I have broadened my idea of what I can do in the field.

May 11, 2009 7:23 AM

4

its a career i can see myself doing in the future, made me look at sport differently.

May 11, 2009 12:12 PM

5

Most of the issues that exist today existed before I intended university and has May 11, 2009 12:43 PM just encouraged me more.

6

It's a calling.

May 11, 2009 12:51 PM

7

The new entrepreneurial spirit in journalism is exciting, and I don't have to support myself, which gives me a lot of leeway.

May 11, 2009 2:18 PM

8

Because is very interesting course and I always wanted to follow this career.

May 11, 2009 2:48 PM

9

because I write my own magazine. I wanted to get a qualification and learn to May 11, 2009 2:51 PM write in a journalistic way.

10

the job has always been appealing but the type of journalism i am planning has changed

May 11, 2009 2:52 PM

11

I don't think I would want to go into news journalism as it seems very restrictive, but I would like to write for a magazine as you get to be more creative and I enjoy writing reviews.

May 11, 2009 3:05 PM

12

...but not sure which area i want to go into. First wanted to go into written film journalism, after doing the broadcast module however i'm not sure if i want to do print or broadcast.

May 11, 2009 3:12 PM

13

because I have attained work experience on the sprots desk at the local paper May 11, 2009 3:12 PM an involvement in a real life newsroom has made me more enthusiastic

14

It was my intention to work in the field of journalism prior to the commencement of this course and remains so.

May 11, 2009 3:14 PM

15

It is a lot more work than i first imagined

May 11, 2009 3:17 PM

16

Lack of jobs

May 11, 2009 3:19 PM

1 of 4

Why? 17

More opportunities for students with the abilities and knowledge of online/web May 11, 2009 3:20 PM cultures.

18

Because I've seen the industry id worth fighting for.

May 11, 2009 3:45 PM

19

Industry is failing, maybe more financially viable to take another job for a while.

May 11, 2009 3:45 PM

20

I still want to work as a journalist but am resigned to perhaps having to do this May 11, 2009 4:03 PM freelance alongside a job in communications or PR.

21

There are more opportunities for innovation in journalism than there ever was May 11, 2009 5:02 PM before, and as someone who lives "outside the box" journalism is more appealing.

22

I have always been very passionate about journalism and writing, but having May 11, 2009 5:28 PM formal training has dramatically increased my confidence across the whole spectrum of journalistic skills. I have met so many interesting people and made excellent contacts during my course and so I feel more dedicated to the industry than ever.

23

Merely for personal reasons. Journalism just does not appeal to me anymore. May 11, 2009 6:15 PM

24

Since I began my course, I have learned more about the industry and acquired skills htat have made me more determined than ever to go into journalism after I graduate.

25

I've learned so much on how the media works. I am so engrossed in the news May 11, 2009 6:17 PM gathering process and being the sole source of information to the public.

26

I'm in too deep

May 11, 2009 6:17 PM

27

The uncertainty of the industry

May 11, 2009 6:31 PM

28

Because I'm now more equipt to thrive in a newsroom. It's just less likely to actually happen in the near future.

May 11, 2009 6:32 PM

29

Because there are no jobs

May 11, 2009 6:39 PM

30

Despite the course no being very practice-oriented, studying the theory and May 11, 2009 6:43 PM criticism of journalism on which my course is based encourages me to look for new ways to put it into practice.

31

Because I've wanted to be a journalist for several years now and I've worked hard at university and developed many skills so I feel prepared to enter journalism.

May 11, 2009 7:10 PM

32

Still enjoy it, but have changed direction (no longer want to go into newspapers)

May 11, 2009 7:44 PM

33

Because despite all the negativity about trying to get a "media" career right now, it's the only thing I really want to do and have done since I was 13. I'm not one for giving up easily.

May 11, 2009 8:39 PM

34

I've learnt valuable skills and have had experience of what I would like to end up doing for a career.

May 11, 2009 8:53 PM

35

I don't feel the course has prepared me for the career that i originally had in mind

May 11, 2009 9:23 PM

36

I can see that, despite the dim job prospects, journalism is transforming into one of the most interesting careers I could have.

May 11, 2009 9:35 PM

37

I have worked temporary on a online newspaper, when I finished I realised I was definately born to be a journalist.

May 11, 2009 11:05 PM

38

It is the only thing I know I will get up for everyday.

May 11, 2009 11:14 PM

39

No longer interested in the subject

May 12, 2009 8:16 AM

40

No longer interested in the subject

May 12, 2009 8:16 AM

41

It is not what I expected and it has put me off this as a career.

May 12, 2009 8:18 AM

42

I would see it as a waste of time and effort not using skills i have learned and will learn in all of my degree

May 12, 2009 8:19 AM

43

Because I'm a good journalist

May 12, 2009 8:20 AM

44

Current economic climate.

May 12, 2009 8:20 AM

45

I enjoy writing about things I am interested in.

May 12, 2009 8:21 AM

2 of 4

May 11, 2009 6:15 PM

Why? 46

considering other media jobs that are related i.e. media officer etc also I would May 12, 2009 9:37 AM like to be a resarcher.

47

Although the course has not further encouraged me, I still have a passion for sport and music, and would still love to find a job writing about either.

May 12, 2009 10:52 AM

48

Not really interested in news reporting. Loss of enthusiasm for the course

May 12, 2009 10:52 AM

49

Im enthusiastic about sport (football) and would like a job which involves writing about it.

May 12, 2009 10:52 AM

50

hate shorthand

May 12, 2009 10:53 AM

51

Because it's an innovative and exciting industry that is forever changing, and May 12, 2009 10:53 AM its the one thing that keeps me interested from day to day. My only problem is the rubbish pay that trainee journalists seem to get!

52

I have learnt a lot about the job of journalism and it seems fulfilling and a job which will be a lot of fun.

53

I would like to develop my own magazine, based on the online one I currently May 12, 2009 10:57 AM have. I enjoy the creative side of journalism and would love to be able to create a unique magazine and have control over editorial content. I am heavily interested in the design side to magazines (colours, layout, artwork etc).

May 12, 2009 10:53 AM

On the other hand I am also interested in becoming a screen writer after taking the course last semester because I thoroughly enjoyed it and I have a lot of script ideas. 54

I don't think I have the passion to embark on a career in the field. I am May 12, 2009 11:24 AM enthusiastic about features and enthusiastic about coming up with ideas because they resonate and engage me, but trying to source filler news stories every day would still not appeal even if I had to plunge into Penelope Cruz's vagina to get them. Combined with the fact that competition is only going to become more fierce as jobs become scarce, I am not sure that I am best suited to the job.

55

It has opened my eyes more to the reality of journalism. It's easy to see that there is much more effort needed for little reward.

May 12, 2009 4:52 PM

56

The job market has put me off as well as the fact that the course I am on is very much geared towards local news journalism and having spent time on work experience on local news desks I am unsure it is what I want to do.

May 13, 2009 8:17 AM

57

Three years of being taught absolutely nothing at all has led me to believe the May 13, 2009 2:38 PM job is awful.

58

Because the pay level is quite low and there are so few jobs around

59

I had a narrow idea of what publications I wanted to work when my course May 14, 2009 5:20 PM started. But I have found I have enjoyed so many aspects of the course I see I could enjoy working anywhere!

60

After spending a year teaching English in France I feel that is what I wish to pursue presently although I would be very interested to go into an area of journalism in a couple of years.

May 14, 2009 5:23 PM

61

because the course has provided me with a taste of what my day to day life would be as a journalist... and i love it!

May 14, 2009 5:27 PM

62

I am worried about the job market and I don't want to be unemployed for a long period of time.

May 14, 2009 5:31 PM

63

I am going into teaching next year as part of a graduate 'Teach First' (teach before you go into your preferred employment) programme, because journo prospects look grim at the moment. But I will snap at the chance to get back into it during/ after the 2 year teaching course.

May 14, 2009 5:43 PM

64

With the current shortage of jobs, I am also considering production.

May 14, 2009 5:54 PM

65

It is not well-paid enough for all the stress and pain you have to go through. May 14, 2009 6:03 PM We are also repeatedly told that we will probably not get a job 'due to the current economic climate'. I have also realised that journalism = lies and that it is quasi impossible to hold on to your ideals and ethics in such a job. If the course is in any way related to the real world,... Simply: I used to love it, now I hate it.

66

I am more interested in the legal side of the media now 3 of 4

May 13, 2009 4:24 PM

May 14, 2009 6:39 PM

Why? 67

I still want to go into journalism although I would also entertain the idae of going into PR or Communications roles as well.

68

Because I have had the experience to see what I prefer. It has given me May 14, 2009 7:01 PM greater opportunities and I have become very involved in the University radio.

69

Because of the pay

May 14, 2009 7:08 PM

70

I didn't want to until I did work experience which gave me a new found enthusiasm.

May 14, 2009 7:50 PM

71

The course has confirmed that it is the job that I would love to do.

May 14, 2009 8:09 PM

72

It is what I am interested in and what I enjoy doing.

May 14, 2009 8:43 PM

73

To put my newly-learnt skills into practice.

May 14, 2009 8:59 PM

74

I think it is an important career and one which I enjoy, I can't see me doing anything else.

May 14, 2009 9:19 PM

75

I greatly enjoy my course and look forward to putting the skills I am learning into practice

May 14, 2009 10:02 PM

76

The pay is terrible and the prospect of getting a job rather bleak.

May 14, 2009 10:05 PM

77

Journalism is a lot more work than it seems! You pursue a hundred leads, to get one great story.

May 14, 2009 11:42 PM

78

The salary is the most off-putting aspect. I am more likely to go into PR.

May 15, 2009 1:02 AM

79

Because I still think I can be the best in the world at it.

May 15, 2009 9:08 AM

80

Job prospects - nothing available, even in London (which I was never keen on May 15, 2009 10:09 AM anyway!)

81

It's becoming more and more interesting, the more I learn.

May 15, 2009 11:48 AM

82

I've always wanted to be a journalist and the course has made me want to do it even more.

May 15, 2009 4:43 PM

83

I'm not sure I have the relevant personal characteristics.

May 16, 2009 1:20 PM

84

Not very well paid, hard to get into if you want to do well.

May 16, 2009 2:23 PM

85

I am starting up as a freelance web designer and search engine optimiserthere is a certain level of content writing involved, but not necessarily 'journalism'

May 16, 2009 3:30 PM

86

Primarily due to the economic climate, but also realising that 'the media' is May 16, 2009 3:57 PM quite a wide industry, and different from what could be seen as 'pure journalism.' The course has certainly made me realise that I'm not the most technical person ever, and certainly don't want to go into that area. For me, my interest is as much in the media itself as journalism. The industry, the way it changes, new media, it's role in society and in politics, and in the developing world, is all of great interest to me. But that doesn't necessarily, unfortunately, translate into skills.

87

There are so many oppportunities available within Media that can be accessed through Journalism.

May 16, 2009 4:34 PM

88

I feel that my industry needs me more than ever.

May 19, 2009 12:12 AM

89

Jobs are fewer then they were at the beginning of the course, and jobs that still exist are more demanding than ever, for not any more pay.

May 19, 2009 10:31 AM

90

I think it can help me improve my social or the other skills in my life and very interested.

Jun 16, 2009 2:10 AM

91

I have passion about it.

Jun 19, 2009 7:56 AM

4 of 4

May 14, 2009 6:53 PM