It is sometimes thought that to make it as a journalist you need formal training or a prestigious degree. In fact, with a good idea and the tools to turn it into a strong pitch, you could already be on your way to breaking into the industry and helping to shape our political and culture conversation.

As this masterclass with the Guardian’s senior editor for diversity and development, Joseph Harker, will demonstrate, lived experience is one of the most crucial ingredients to a career in journalism. In this hands-on evening class, you will learn how to identify what editors are looking for and how you can marry this with your own ideas, as well as how to develop your niche and become an expert on a particular topic.

Prior to the course, you will be invited to complete a short piece of written work, plus a pitch for it, that you’d send to a Guardian commissioning editor. A selection of these will be reviewed live in the class - though don’t worry; if you’re not yet at the stage where you feel ready to write or pitch, this class will equip you with the tools to get to that level.

In this rare opportunity to gain crucial industry insights, you will also learn how to cope with rejection and why tenacity and determination is so important to succeeding in a career in journalism.

This course is for …

Anyone looking to break into, or find out more about, journalism - no matter their level of experience

Course content

Routes into journalism:

The many pathways
Joseph’s background in journalism, and how it led to his current post at the Guardian
Bursaries, internships, mentoring and more
Are degrees and journalism qualifications essential?

Having the idea:

Knowing what you want to write
Developing your specialism and expertise
The different journalistic personality types
Staying authentic - always be yourself

Pitching:

Where to pitch
Starting your portfolio
What makes a story interesting - and more likely to be commissioned
What editors are looking for

Breaking free of self-doubt:

How to deal with rejection and ask for feedback
Finding your way if the organisational culture or hierarchy doesn’t represent you
Building a support network
Drawing on your life experience to thrive
Developing confidence and determination

Tutor profile

Joseph Harker is the Guardian’s senior editor for diversity and development and is co-lead on the Legacies of Enslavement project. He is also a columnist – writing about race, politics, sport and culture – and a former deputy Opinion editor. Before coming to the Guardian he was the editor and publisher of the weekly newspaper, Black Briton. View his Guardian profile here.

Course Details

Date: Thursday 3 November 2022
Time: 6pm-8pm GMT

A catch up recording will be shared after the class and will be available for two weeks.

This masterclass is available globally. If you are joining us from outside the United Kingdom, please use this time zone converter to check your local live streaming time.

6pm GMT | 7pm CST | 10am PT | 1pm ET

You will be sent a link to the webinar 24 hours and 30 minutes before the start time. Please email masterclasses@theguardian.com if you do not receive the access link.

We aim to make Guardian Masterclasses accessible to all. If you require any adjustments to enable your participation in this course, please get in touch with us at masterclasses@theguardian.com.

This event will be hosted on a third-party live streaming platform Zoom, please refer to their privacy policy and terms and conditions before purchasing a ticket to the class.

Once a purchase is complete we will not be able to refund you where you do not attend or if you cancel your event booking. Please see our terms and conditions for more information on our refund policy.

How to break into journalism: A masterclass with Joseph Harker