Journalism placements: how to obtain them, and how to succeed in them

Nguvi Mberirua, a second-year undergraduate student of journalism at London Met, recently completed work experience placements at two top tier media outlets

Date: 05 November 2024

In her own words, Nguvi shares her experiences and insights gained from working at Sky Sports News and 5 News on placement.

From my perspective, securing work placements can be quite challenging, particularly for newcomers to the journalism field who do not have an established network. I wanted to share my personal experiences and offer several strategies for effectively securing placements and navigating them once you have been onboarded.

5 News production insights                

I have always wanted to work for 5 News – so would therefore like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to Daniel Sado, an alumnus of London Metropolitan University, for initiating the inaugural placement opportunity for London Met students at 5 News (ITN). As a recruitment partner at ITN, Dan’s efforts have been instrumental, and I am privileged to be the first student from London Metropolitan University to receive this opportunity.

The application process for this placement was simple; it required the completion of an application form along with a cover letter and an interview. My cover letter was genuine, showcasing my strengths, accomplishments, and my reason for pursuing a career in journalism. Determining your ‘why’ as a student can take time, but it is crucial for students to identify and articulate this reason adequately, as it can significantly enhance their job applications.

During my five days at Sky Sports News and 5 News, I worked with the planning, production, reporting, and news editorial teams. All teams utilised iNews and Avid, and my prior knowledge of these applications allowed me to contribute to news stories from my very first day. There are numerous online tutorials available for iNews and Avid, enabling students to learn these tools independently, which can make their applications more appealing to potential employers.

One of the greatest benefits of the placements was the chance to work alongside some of the most accomplished professionals in the journalism field, gaining valuable insights from them and preparing me for future career opportunities. I enhanced my journalism skills by embracing a variety of tasks and, in doing so, I developed amazing professional relationships with the various teams. I will always value these experiences, as they have equipped me for future career endeavours.

Sky Sports News lessons in broadcast             

I have always wanted to become a TV Presenter and Reporter, especially for Sky Sports News; however, my applications for entry-level positions were previously unsuccessful. It became clear to me that the traditional approach was unlikely to lead to a position within the Sky Sports Newsroom.

Consequently, I conducted thorough research on LinkedIn, which enabled me to connect with one of their Development Operations Officers, to whom I pitched my qualifications to. Following a successful pitch, I was granted an interview with a senior member of the News Desk, resulting in a five-day placement opportunity.

My pitch included a video reel and a link to my portfolio website, which provides a comprehensive overview of my journalistic work. The journalism faculty at London Metropolitan University organises news weeks twice each semester, allowing students to refine their journalistic skills and create showreels. It is crucial for students to take advantage of these news weeks to develop their portfolios, as this can significantly enhance their job application prospects.

For more information about journalism at London Met, please visit the course pages

London Met student profile photo alongside Sky News studio panoramic view

Nguvi Mberirua in the broadcast studio