Journalism, Publishing and Translation Career Guide

 

Potential Roles in Journalism, Publishing and Translation

---

Reporters identify, investigate and share newsworthy events through print (newspapers) or broadcasting (websites, radio programmes or TV). A job as a reporter requires a high level of spoken and written English and the ability to work to tight deadlines. Reporters are typically curious and driven people with an eye for a good story and the confidence to challenge the status quo.

Commissioning editors find authors and writers and manage the publishing process from the proposal to publication. A commissioning editor job is a mid-level or senior position that requires a keen passion for books and reading and a good eye for what will sell. The role includes managing budgets, considering profitability and managing the writers you commission.

Translators convert written communications from a source language to a target language. They can work with fiction writing or specialise in a niche non-fiction area where they have specific knowledge or education, like financial, political, scientific or fiction writing translation. You can find translation jobs in the public sector (civil service, government departments) or the private sector (commercial publishing houses).

 

Salary and Career Progression

---

Most professional roles in the journalism, publishing and translation industry have a clear career progression track, providing opportunities to rise to senior positions and earn more money with experience and hard work.

Reporters can move up to more senior job positions as they gain experience, from junior reporter to chief or senior reporter roles. Career progression can also come from specialising in a niche area, like politics or economics, or moving from smaller, regional publications to larger, national news providers.

Reporters’ salaries can vary depending on seniority and the type of media (news or broadcasting). A junior reporter can expect to earn about £18,000, rising to £40,000 or more with experience. Television reporters in high-profile positions can make significantly more.

Commissioning editors typically have some experience working in publishing before reaching this level of seniority, and there is no clear path to further promotion from this position. However, a good commissioning editor who makes profitable decisions will be in demand and can choose to work in more established or prestigious publishing houses with better pay. Salaries vary, but commissioning editors can expect to earn around £28,000 to £50,000 or more.

Translators often work freelance, so salaries vary significantly from person to person. In-house translators can expect to earn around £18,000 to £30,000. Translators can progress in their careers by gaining experience, niching into a specific topic area, taking on larger and more complex projects, and translating into a language that is in demand.

 

Qualifications, Education and Experience

---

Reporters may benefit from the following:

• 4-5 GSCEs and 2-3 A Levels to access a university degree
• A Bachelor’s degree in any subject, although a journalism or English degree, or one relevant to the area in which you want to specialise, e.g. politics, finance or business, may be desirable
• A course accredited by the National Council for the Training of Journalists, such as the Diploma in Journalism
• An industry-recognised course, like the National Qualification in Journalism
• Experience working in a junior or voluntary journalism role

Commissioning editors typically need a university education to secure a job. The following are helpful:

• 4-5 GSCEs and 2-3 A Levels to access a university degree
• A Bachelor’s degree in a relevant subject, like journalism or publishing
• A post-graduate qualification, such as a Master’s degree in Publishing, can be advantageous
• Experience working as an editorial assistant

Translators must be fluent in at least two languages and can also benefit from the following:

• A Bachelor’s degree, preferably in a relevant subject, like modern languages or translation studies
• A post-graduate qualification may be helpful, e.g. a Master’s degree in translation
• A Certificate in Translation from The Chartered Institute of Linguists
• A professional qualification, like the Level 7 Diploma in Translation
• The ability to demonstrate written fluency in both languages

 

Skills

---

Reporters must have a range of skills to be successful, including:

• Excellent written and verbal communication
• A pleasant and approachable nature
• Knowledge of the media industry
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines
• Tenacity and courage to speak out
• Ability to converse with and build a rapport with all different kinds of people
• Interview skills
• Excellent listening skills
• Flexibility
• Resilience
• IT skills

Commissioning editors may benefit from the following skills:

• Financial and commercial awareness
• A love of reading and books
• Strong research skills
• Excellent communication skills
• Time management and ability to set and meet deadlines
• Ability to manage people and support writers and authors
• Self-motivation
• Attention to detail
• Flexibility
• IT skills

Translators need the following skills:

• Fluency in the relevant languages
• Excellent communication skills
• Self-motivation
• Ability to take feedback
• Attention to detail
• Good timekeeping and ability to meet deadlines
• Skills in using software to aid the translation process

 

Working Hours

---

The various roles within the journalism, publishing and translation industry require different working hours. Due to the time-sensitive nature of news reporting, people working in this area often work outside of office hours, sometimes undertaking very long shifts to be the first to break a news story.

Book publishing is less time-sensitive and usually involves longer, more in-depth projects. Commissioning editors typically have control over their working hours, mainly working standard office hours of 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. However, they may sometimes be required to attend a book event, launch or trip in the evenings or at weekends.

Other professionals in this industry, including translators, authors and editors, can generally choose their hours as long as they complete their work by the specified deadline.

 

Notable Locations

---

Many of the more prominent news and publishing houses in the UK are located in London. Some have additional offices in other UK cities, including:

• Dublin
• Salford
• Manchester
• Glasgow
• Cardiff
• Belfast

 

Notable Companies

---

• Government Communications Headquarters (GHCQ): The UK government department responsible for publishing official papers, policies and documents that are translated into multiple languages
• London Translations: Translation company that specialises in language services for businesses across multiple industries, including pharmaceutical, legal and education
• Penguin Random House: One of the UK’s biggest publishing houses, Penguin has two London offices as well as other locations around the world
• The BBC: Reporting and broadcasting organisation that employs journalists, correspondents and editors at its central locations in London and Salford and across the UK and globally

 

Next Steps

---

Start your job search by signing up to JobLookup to receive the latest journalism, publishing and translation jobs straight to your inbox.

You can also find tips and guidance on how to find and secure the perfect job role in The Ultimate Jobseeker Guide.