Aims:

To give a realistic idea of the working life of a trainee journalist, including:

• researching and writing local stories
• working to deadlines
• interviewing a wide range of people
• working shifts
• the skills, interests and personality needed
• demanding and stressful aspects of the job
• the newsroom environment and the production process.

To raise issues of self-development and career development, including:

• managing time and the pressures of shift-work on personal life
• coping with stress, deadlines and expectations
• professional behaviour with the public and colleagues
• self-awareness and career ambition
• taking professional criticism
• rising to challenges and contemplating career advancement in the short and long term.