The wait is over. Finally, we are pleased to be able to reveal the best journalism work placement, as voted by the readers of Wannabe Hacks. After beating 45 great placements to the accolade (see 50 – 41, 40 – 31, 30 – 21, 20 – 11 and 10 – 5), these are the crème de la crème of media work experience – each got two votes (they were the only five to do so) and then we ranked them based on what the nominees got to do whilst they were there and how useful they were. So without further ado, here goes..
5. Metro digital intern | four months | unpaid
I learnt everything you need to know about online journalism, had work published on the site every day, received excellent feedback and guidance – and I met and interviewed the Inbetweeners! 40 words isn’t enough to describe the invaluable experience gained! – Daniella Graham
Metro digital intern | three months | unpaid
Simply put, the skills I learned during my internship with Metro paved the way for my current role and gave me an incredible platform on which to seek paid work. Plus, they throw a bloody good party – Ibrahim Salha
4. NUJ Delegate Meeting work experience placement | four days | free
Students have free reign to experiment in reporting, developing the newsroom between photographers and writers. There’s obviously huge opportunity to network here with hacks at local and national publications, and meet other students. It’s free too, the NUJ paying all expenses – Matthew Taylor
NUJ Delegate Meeting work experience placement | four days | free
Not only did I get individual feedback after the placement (something I hadn’t received on any other placement), the number of people there meant that I walked away with a wide range of contacts including a network of young journalists to share best practice and tips between with – Liz Houghton
3. Bucks Herald | four weeks | unpaid
Work experience at the Bucks Herald is what you make of it – if you’re enthusiastic and capable then you’ll get plenty of bylines, and the small friendly team will always offer advice and constructive feedback on your work – Anonymous
Bucks Herald | one week | unpaid
In just one week I got a good clutch of bylines and had my writing tightened up by an attentive editor. gritty trips to Aylesbury Magistrates Court were also a highlight. Wow – Bossy
2. BBC Radio 4 | unpaid
Thrown in at deep end, getting stories on air from the off, staff very helpful, good range of shifts across programme & great on CV – James Glynn
BBC Radio4 afternoon programme | two weeks | unpaid
BBC Radio 4’s PM program for best work experience – everyone was helpful and learnt a lot from sitting in on editorial meetings – Eimear O’Shea
AND THE WINNER IS…….
1. Press Gazette | two weeks | unpaid
I loved Press Gazette – plus [editor] Dom Ponsford was great. Was a few years ago and a bit bigger then, mind – James Ball
Press Gazette | two weeks | unpaid
They have a miniscule editorial team so from your first minute at the desk you’ll be tasked with writing stories for its news aggregator blog, the site or the magazine. Editor Dom Ponsford provides fantastic feedback and places real trust in his interns, despite their lack of “real world” experience. As a result of my placement I managed to secure a regular freelance shift at the magazine, which helped me secure my current job – Lara O’Reilly
Disagree with where your placement has come? Drop a comment below or email [email protected] and we’ll be sure to get back to you.
Tags: Digital and online journalism magazine newspaper newspapers placement radio television work experience
