*****BA in Journalism*****

JayC5

Hi,

I applied to study the BA in Journalism as a mature student and have been called for an interview within the next week. I'm just wondering if anyone could shed some light on what to expect or offer some advice on preperation. Will it be an informal event or should I expect a severe grilling? I don't have that much experience in the world of journalism as regards published work but I have completed a certificate in a journalism introductory course earlier this year and received a distinction in my exams. I am a tad nervous about the interview as I really want to work in this field. I have spent the past 8 years of my life working in a non-related area and realised about a year ago that it was not for me and decided to pursue a degree in journalism. I'd appreciate any pointers or tips no matter how small. Any information on the course itself as regards past-pupil experiences and advice would also be very helpful. Thanks for your time and help, wish me luck - I'm about to chase the dream!

Stargal

Best of luck dude, hope it goes well for you.

Can I ask why you didn't just apply for the Masters instead of the BA? It would only have been one year, rather than 3.

JayC5

Cheers

I didn't think I'd be ready for the Masters to be honest - having come through some personal upheaval within the past while which I've only recently come to terms with and also lack of experience and confidence in general, plus I was in college for 1 year about 8 years ago and had to drop out for financial reasons - I ended up in a vocation which I eventually hated, it makes my stomach turn to get up and go to my job every morning at this stage. I feel I missed out on life by not getting to fully experience college, both the social and educational aspects at that. In a way my job destroyed a part of me which I hope to rediscover. I have been exploited and lied to, the company which I currently work for made promises of funding college courses when I sat the interview - bull excrement! I'm expected to do unpaid overtime (which is usually every evening at this stage) and future prospects look extremely grim. I know you are probably thinking why didn't I leave sooner, well I had some debts to pay back and the job paid handsomely so I decided to stick it out clear my loans, save some cash and apply to study as a mature student (I felt that it would pay off in the long term). In a sense I took a wrong turn eight years ago and have only found reverse in the past year, but the experience was invaluable I may add, working in a company that has little respect for people has made me appreciate myself more and pushed me to fulfill my potential. I am driven and passionate to change direction in my life, I have applied for completely academic reasons - I am not a midlife crisis late twenties party stoat! I will put my heart into this and hopefully I may even do the Masters following my degree, also I aim to spend my summer months travelling or working abroad, maybe even some voluntary work. I'm looking forward to feeling alive again, driven by a hunger for knowledge and a passion for something new. I realise now that money is not the answer but contentment in my vocation - I feel Journalism would be a vibrant, colourful and exciting choice, one that suits my skills and personality. I have been robbed of the past few years of my life, kinda like Andy Dufrane from The Shawshank Redemption, now it's my turn!

Alfla

Well if that doesn't nail you the interview I don't know what will.

silvine

Some samples of your work might help i.e. a few written articles you have.

Also they may ask you what is in the new on a particular day and why you think is newsworthy.

Brush up on your current affairs and politics. Know what areas you are interested in i.e. print, television, new media etc.

It wouldn't hurt to know a bit about the various media organisations in the country and who owns what paper, who the various editors are and which journalists you admire.

Have a look a the course syllabus and have some questions to ask them about it - makes you seem keen.

I'm sure you will be fine, what with all the other experience you have. It's all relevant in journalism.

JayC5

Thanks for your advice - much appreciated. Sat the interview today, was tough - asked a lot of questions, grilled me on a few things - had it all prepared tho so hopefully it went ok. If not then it's plan B time. Woohoo!

Cheers
JayC5

silvine

Best of luck!

Dudess

OP, I hope you get it, but if you don't, do a BA, get involved with the college radio station/newspaper and then apply for the MA in Journalism at DCU. That's what I did. Great course.