Working in journalisn

Depends where you want to work. I've never met anyone in the magazine business who can do shorthand. In terms of newspapers, unless you want to be a court reporter, it's increasingly possible to get away with using a dictaphone. It all depends on the individual policies of the publication you work for. I've recently done an NCTJ journalism course and three or four of my colleagues have managed to get jobs on local and specialist papers without being able to do shorthand. On the other hand some newspaper groups do insist on 100wpm. I wouldn't of thought age is a barrier. The main thing most proprietors are looking for, like most capitalists, is people prepared to work long hours for very little money. My friend has just started working full time as a reporter for one of Britain's leading Asian newspapers on a wage of around £12,000 a year. I don't think I'd do that myself.

Thanks for your help. Where did you do the NCTJ course? ALso don't most local papers expect reporters to be able to do court reporting and local government meeting etc John

You could always work in radio! No shorthand needed there - I was a working journalist on national newspapers, radio and TV for more than 25 years and I can't do shorthand! I do write my own version and can take long verbatim quotes - but don't get hung up on the need for shorthand. Do try to learn to type very fast though as that is very very useful! The NUJ will help you with details of NCTJ courses. Best of luck!