[mummasaurus]

Deleted for privacy.

This post has been edited by mummasaurus: 27/02/2013, 12:07 PM

[Saecularis Angel...]

Just a suggestion, rather than a "this is what I would do," but with the study you've done, if employment in journalism itself is looking grim, could you look to work in media relations for a different organisation?

[Bel Rowley]

I'm in a similar position. I am finishing my last unit (next week!) in a Bachelor of Communication majoring in Journalism. I am also finishing up my 3rd internship, and I am a volunteer subeditor. Other than that I haven't been working for the last 4 years. I have been applying for jobs in journalism, communications, and even admin with some publishing/editing type stuff thrown in. So far, nothing. All the feedback I am getting from people I work with is that extra study will not really advance my career prospects, it is far more about networking, meeting the right people, getting my name out there and getting as much practical experience as possible. Of course it's hard to get more experience if nobody will give you a job... and being an unpaid intern is taking a big financial toll, I can't afford to keep working for nothing and putting my kids in child care. At this point I just want to work, in pretty much anything related to my chosen field, so I can make some money and perhaps get my foot in the door somewhere.

Obviously the difference for you is you are willing to do more study and you are a little younger than me. Honestly I'd be happy to do another 2 or 3 years of postgrad if I thought it would help me get me work in the media, but I don't know that it would.

[RealityBites]

Just a word of warning: don't go into academia looking for employability or job security. There are way too many unemployed PhDs around, in all fields.

Your degree is fairly generalist, I would start looking for a PR/media type job in business.

[GenWhy]

If be doing a postgrad in business management personally. It may be a more secure job option?

[little bird]

I've done a Bachelor of Communication (PR) and have the study bug again. I've been thinking of a Bachelor of Behavioural Studies (Marketing) as another option rather than the standard, and possibly useless, path of Postgrad Communications. Would something like that interest you?

[k-lo]

I would recommend not doing any more study until you have some work experience.
Firstly, you're at risk of becoming unemployable if you have too many qualifications and little experience - employers wont be able to give you upper level roles and they'll be too scared to give you entry level ones because you'll seem 'over qualified'.
Secondly, its impossible to know what jobs and industries are really like until you work in them. IME what you study at uni is very different to how people actually operate day to day.
Also, from what I have seen of friends, journalism is not very family friendly...

[Academic]

I agree with all of the above. Academia is no guarantee of job security - far from it. And an Honours degree won't help you get a job - it will only help you go into further postgraduate study.

Journalism is indeed not a strong field to be heading into at the moment, but PR and comms is still going pretty strong. I've been applying for comms and marketing jobs (with a background in publishing, event management and writing) but not having much luck because I lack the specific qualification. If I were you, I would jump into finding a graduate position straight away. You can always go back to post-grad later if you want, and with some real-world experience under your belt as well.

ETA: Along the lines of what little bird mentioned, you might want to consider a post-grad diploma instead of Honours, in something that enhances your Bachelor's. Business and marketing skills would likely be seen as a great benefit to many employers.

This post has been edited by Academic: 22/02/2013, 12:31 AM

[mummasaurus]

Thanks for the replies.

Ange: I think if I was to look for a job straight after I graduate it would be the sort of role you described, but I'm not sure if there is much of this sort of work available for someone who doesn't have an actual PR qualification.

Bel Rowley: I have seen your posts regarding study and internships before. Best of luck with your graduation! I agree that making contacts is crucial. I'm in a difficult position because I can't work (in a paid or unpaid role) until my son starts school, which obviously limits my ability to network. I appreciate your input, though, and I agree with much of what you have said. I also hope the job search proves fruitful for you soon!

little bird: that is a good suggestion, and one I will look into. Marketing is not something that interests me at all, but having had a quick search of Behavioural Studies degrees it seems there is a variety of specialisations available to undertake.

Thanks to those who commented about working in academia. I agree that it is not a reliable or secure career path -- otherwise it would be the one I'd be following -- but it's helpful to hear from those who have more practical experience than I do (ie. absolutely none lol).

I had considered a graduate entry law degree. Does anyone have any comment about this option? And whether or not it would be a good match for my journalism degree?

Thanks, again, to all those who have replied. I'm feeling a bit lost as to what the next few years will hold for me, and it's good to get some new/different perspectives.

This post has been edited by mummasaurus: 27/02/2013, 12:08 PM

[Iliketophaff]

A question for you OP, as I have a related issue, when your son is in school what working hours will you have available? Will you need PT work or would you be able to handle 9-5?