As a university student wanting experience of working in the exciting field of journalism, you’re eager to learn as much as possible, gain valuable experience and expand your portfolio of work.
We are a group of ten online publications regulated by the independent press monitor, IMPRESS. Each of the Bylines is run by volunteers, and everyone who reads our work does so for free. Our teams are comprised of citizen journalists who are writers, videographers, podcasters and cartoonists. They are assisted by editors, uploaders and social media content contributors, together with a central team that provides technical and other support. Between us, we exemplify democracy by giving voice to people in our communities.
What’s in it for you?
Flexibility
Joining our network allows you to seamlessly integrate your work with the demands of your studies. Working from home, you'll have the freedom to tailor your work with us around your studies and other commitments. Remote working can prepare you for a career in a digital newsroom. This setup fosters enhanced time management skills, allowing you to effectively prioritise tasks, meet deadlines, and excel in a remote work environment.
Choice of roles
This is an exciting opportunity to engage in a multitude of tasks, depending on your chosen role. As a writer or videographer, you'll delve into researching diverse topics, adding a plethora of captivating stories to your portfolio. Editors will learn the art of transforming raw content into engaging narratives, while tech enthusiasts will gain valuable skills in website design (including WordPress) and management, image creation (including utilising AI), graphic design and general IT under the expert guidance from our operations manager.
Building a portfolio
Whatever roles you choose won’t just add significant weight to your CV, but you’ll have concrete work that showcases your abilities to potential employers that will and help you stand out. This, together with references we can provide, can be a game-changer in your job search.
What’s in it for us?
Maintaining relevance
Your involvement with the Bylines Network is more than an experience—it's an opportunity to make a meaningful impact. By contributing to our publications, you become a vital cog in our wheel, bridging gaps in our teams and infusing fresh ideas and perspectives. Your collaboration ensures our output remains relevant and resonates with our diverse readership.
Gaining fresh perspectives
As young people, many from abroad, your unique experiences add to our teams, ensuring a harmonious blend of wisdom and fresh ideas. This collaboration helps create an environment that promotes mentorship, growth, and a sense of collective achievement. Your fresh perspective will be a vital part of ensuring our work remains relevant and informative.
Amplifying unheard voices
We cherish diversity and inclusion, and your unique experiences add immense value to our teams. We have a dedicated Inclusivity Coordinator to ensure that everyone's voice is heard and respected. Your collaboration creates an environment that promotes mentorship, growth, and a sense of collective achievement. Together, we amplify unheard voices and tell stories that matter.
Who are we?
Our journey began with the inception of Yorkshire Bylines during the lockdown in 2020. Since then, we’ve witnessed remarkable growth, expanding our reach to encompass Scotland, Wales, and eight English regions. In just three years, our publications have garnered over ten million visits to our websites and made waves by breaking important stories that were subsequently picked up by national newspapers.
At the Bylines Network, we are committed to strengthening our relationship with universities and educational institutions. Through partnerships, we aim to create a mutually beneficial learning environment where you, as students, can apply your academic knowledge to real-world scenarios, gaining valuable experience contributing to the growth of ethical, responsible citizen journalism. Together, we can shape the future of media.
Join us at the Bylines Network and embark on a journey that amalgamates your academic knowledge with real-world scenarios. Together, we’ll champion ethical journalism, craft a media landscape that mirrors our collective aspirations, and shape the future of responsible storytelling. Your journey into journalism starts here!
