I've wanted to be a journalist since I was a child, so studying in this direction was inevitable. However, in order to broaden my horizons, I decided against studying journalism alone and instead studying media with a focus on journalism. Looking back, I would have liked more input into journalism; I still felt too inexperienced. What to do? I didn't want to start further studies; all the traineeship places in my region had already been taken. Then I discovered the journalism training course at the German Journalists Academy and my decision was made. You will find out whether it was the right one in the following report.
What does the German Journalists Academy offer?
Through Google research, I came across the German Journalism Academy, a multi-award-winning, certified journalism school and an ideal alternative to a traineeship or studying journalism. The journalism training is a purely distance learning course that lasts four or twelve months, depending on the subject area. A total of 22 distance learning courses are offered.
What are the benefits of distance learning journalism?
My decision to train as a journalist via distance learning journalism was based on several factors. The main argument was the freedom of time that distance learning offers: I was able to go to work normally - a position in a small local editorial office - and complete my online courses in the evening or on weekends. With an average weekly time commitment of six hours, this is easy to achieve, but there is also the option of doubling the length of study free of charge.
The varied design of the journalism distance learning course was also positive: video lectures, webinars, online practical workshops or exchange opportunities never allowed for boredom and imparted knowledge in an exciting way.
In general, the focus of the course differs from other providers, as I noticed in a direct comparison. This journalism training program offers, among other things, advanced courses in departmental journalism and media genres or the distance learning courses in public relations or entrepreneurial journalism.
What do you learn thanks to journalism training at the German Journalists Academy?
The journalism distance learning course gave me so much knowledge that my studies and job only touched on superficially or didn't take up at all. This includes, among other things, time management in the profession of journalism, i.e. how long does it take to research, write and proofread articles. Explicitly for research, I also learned how to research and where to find information or interview partners.
The lecturers were excellent teachers and experts in their fields. They offered numerous instructions, tips and suggestions and discussed all the texts with a critical eye. Your constructive criticism showed me where my strengths and weaknesses lie and how I can work on the latter.
Conclusion: Distance learning journalism is definitely recommended
For me personally, the journalism training at the German Journalists Academy definitely brought added value. It filled the gaps that emerged during my studies and helps me to deliver better results in my work and to become a better journalist in general. The freedom to schedule my time was crucial for me and thanks to the flexibility, no additional pressure built up outside of the job. The costs for distance learning are kept within limits; two installment plans are even offered, depending on your financial situation. After successful completion, you receive a reference and a certificate, which further enhances your CV.
You can read on allmaxx whether my decision to train as a journalist via distance learning at the German Journalism Academy was worth it.
