Industry Guide - Publishing, Journalism & Languages
Over View
Publishing:
Publishing represents a popular choice among graduates who recognise a career that offers the opportunity to develop ideas and be creative, often getting great satisfaction and pride from seeing something they’ve worked on as a visible end product. Having been shaped by the likes of media mogul Rupert Murdoch and controversial writer Julie Burchill, publishing is certainly an exhilarating environment to be working in today.
It is a diverse industry that can be divided into the two distinct areas of book publishing and magazine publishing. Although publishing encompasses a broad spectrum of organisations from large multinational groups to small independent specialist houses, in recent years the sector has experienced dramatic change as a significant number of smaller publishers have merged or been taken over.
Use of the Internet and digital technology has not only revolutionised the operational side of printing and publishing, but it has also radically altered how information can be accessed, creating a host of new challenges. Although print is still the main medium, electronic forms of publishing are growing in importance. Digital printing has dramatically reduced production times and many publishers now complement their traditional print publishing with CD-ROM and online products and some new companies specialise exclusively in electronic publishing. Despite the significant role the Internet will evidently play in the future of publishing, books, magazines and newspapers look well set to survive any threat for some time yet, having already survived the advent of television and cinema.
Journalism:
The activities of journalists are all too evident, whether through our radio or television set or reading newspapers and magazines. Journalism influences the way we perceive and think about social and political issues and prominent individuals. Many of the leading political commentators, such as Trevor Kavanagh of the Sun, are regarded as having as much power as some senior politicians, being able to influence the voting habits of their readership. Other journalists working in investigative roles have uncovered scandals that have lead to the downfall of companies and even governments.
It is important to remember however that whilst journalism may at times appear to offer a glamorous career, the reality is usually much less attractive. Potential interviewees are often unwilling to cooperate and many are highly suspicious of journalists, who will probably put the needs of a story before the sensitivities of any individual. Similarly a research project could be approaching its conclusion when circumstances change, rendering months of extensive travel and working late entirely redundant.
Nevertheless, despite the evident pitfalls, to work as a journalist remains the ambition of thousands of those who graduate each year, making it one of the most competitive sectors to break into. Work experience placements are at a premium and yet they are virtually a prerequisite for anyone seriously considering such a role. Although entry into the profession is notoriously difficult and job security is generally regarded as a luxury rather than a right, journalism still remains a career that offers unparalleled powers to influence and inform.
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