If I had a pound for every time I’ve heard that since enrolling on a journalism course, I’d be free of student debt.

Student journalists are constantly being reminded that in order to succeed in the world of journalism, one must be a highly-skilled and multi-talented – showing the ‘old-school’ journalist the new-media skills that will pave the way for the future.

Before reeling off a list of skills new journalists may need; it is, in my opinion, worth looking at the existing skills journalists are required to have in order to succeed.

These skills are the backbone of journalism; they have been in the past, and they will be in the future.

The new skills brought to the table will merely aid journalists to use their existing skills more efficiently.

The ability to: gather news, find the angle, write concisely, connect with an audience, build contacts and tell a good story, remain as important as ever.

I am of the opinion that in order to succeed in journalism there must be an ability to do the basic requirements, complemented by new skills/knowledge.

After all, ability is innate, whilst skill is learned.

The current crop of student journalists are in a powerful position, they have the ability, the skills and the means to make exciting change happen; it’s just about whether they are willing to step out of the protective student bubble and make that change.

But, how can young journalists match experience with innovation?

They can make their own experiences through innovation.

By setting up a hyperlocal site, by taking a step out of their comfort zone and trying something new; by taking risks and testing out a radical idea – every success started out as an idea at some point, make your own success happen.

What new journalists need to succeed is a lack of fear and a desire to learn.

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This post was a response to the first question from ‘Tomorrow’s News, Tomorrow’s Journalists‘ – which was “What skills do new journalists need?”

To join the debate, register here, see the post on the Journalism.co.uk website, or leave a comment below.

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