There’s so much to be optimistic about in these uncertain times - YEP Voices of the Future

The narrowing of jobs in the media sector during lockdown has been a tough reminder for young journalists of just how difficult it is to enter the industry.Yet, having extra time and resources available online has really spurred on young writers to eventually pursue their career goals.

One hundred and 80 job losses announced at The Guardian; 450 gone at the BBC. This whilst The Mirror and the Express are dropping 550 jobs.

These are just some of the myriad headlines over the past few weeks.

But has this deterred young journalists from entering the industry? In my view, no. If anything, the constant reports of jobs thinning seems to spur me on even more as I look at what more I could be doing to stand out as a young journalist.

Don’t get me wrong, it isn’t easy and the instability of the sector feels very disheartening.

Yet, those who enter into journalism do it for one thing, and one thing only - a love for the job.

It is well known that journalism is not the best paid industry and therefore those who enter into it seem to need two key traits: a thick skin and a real passion for telling stories. I’m still working on the first.

Lockdown has opened up a range of possibilities that young journalists wouldn’t otherwise have access to. From Zoom talks to virtual networking events, the extra free time that young journalists have had has been put to good use as writers have built up contacts and developed key skills for future job applications.

Leeds based reporter Zoe Pickburn currently works in marketing but, during lockdown, has started to shift her focus to starting a career in journalism.

“Having to move everything online has decentralised it and make it more accessible to working class women like myself”, she added.

By having more free time and a set focus during lockdown, Zoe has been able to set up the website for the women-led project, Empoword Journalism, as well as get her first commissioned piece published in the Metro.

Other young journalists have also praised the support they have received from journalists online, as they carried out mentoring sessions, workshops and responded to messages asking for advice.

“Experienced journalists have been so generous with their time because they understand that this is a really difficult time to enter the industry”, Alice Porter, a 21-year-old student from Liverpool, said.

Whilst advice from experienced journalists has been key to developing confidence in young reporters, peer to peer support has also been essential.

“The support young journalists have given each other during lockdown has been incredible”, praised Charlotte King, a Devon based writer.

Whilst the future of the industry may look uncertain, there’s still so much to be optimistic about.