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Magazine journalists research, write and edit stories, features and articles for use within a variety of media including magazines, journals and corporate publications.

Typical responsibilities of the job include:

• generating ideas for future stories and features that would interest the magazine's readers

• reading and researching features and articles

• verifying information and interviewing sources

• writing, editing, proofreading, and subbing text

• attending relevant events, fairs and conferences

• creating and maintaining a network of contacts

• meeting and liaising with other staff including designers, photographers, editors and subs

• staying up-to-date with privacy, defamation and contempt law

• complying with industry and ethical guidelines

• generating ideas for future stories and features.

Qualifications and training required

There are routes into a career in editorial for both school leavers and university graduates. However, entry into the profession without a degree is becoming less and less usual.

Relevant experience gained via freelance work, articles in magazines, student newspapers, writing competitions or voluntary work is essential. The Professional Publishers Association Ltd (PPA) can provide details about organisations offering work experience opportunities.

It can be difficult to secure a position as a magazine journalist without relevant work experience. Although work experience placements and internships in this area are often unpaid, there are some paid opportunities or those where expenses are covered.

Key skills for magazine journalists

• Enthusiasm

• Determination and perseverence

• Good general and current affairs knowledge

• Excellent oral and written communication skills

• Interpersonal skills

• IT skills

Typical employers of magazine journalists

• Major commercial publishing houses (such as TI Media or Ascential)

• Smaller specialist publishers

• In-house magazines for corporate customers

• Consumer or specialist magazines