Sport is everywhere. Whether you stumble across a group of lads throwing a rugby ball in the park or get irritated by a co-worker whistling the Match of the Day theme tune, sport is always prominent in our daily life. It is all around us and impossible to get away from, so why not embrace it?

The plan was to play as many different sports as I physically could. There surely had to be at least one in which I was brilliant, where I would go on to represent my country and become a world superstar. Unfortunately, my dreams soon fell apart. Jonny Wilkinson was never in the B team. The plan had to be altered slightly; if I can’t play sport to a high level I can do the next best thing, write about it.



The landscape of student journalism is changing. Jobs are harder to come by and once there, the internal ladders are harder to climb. The first lesson learnt as a journalism student, get connected. Guest lecturers from the industry are often bombarded with keen listeners desperate to obtain an email address.

A career in journalism, like many other professions, begins with a good reputation. A degree is a start but this needs to be backed up with work experience, internships, published work. When trying to find a full time job after university, employers may look at potential but nearly every successful applicant will already be the (wo)man for the job having already learnt the trade after years of coffee runs and shadowing those deemed above them.



Luckily, people are willing to help. It just takes persistence. Get used to rejection, get used to re-sending emails because the recipient doesn’t reply, it’s not over until they actually say no. I am fortunate enough to have received help from people I know, both on a professional or personal level but any experience is good experience.

Before I seem too pessimistic about the prospects of a job in journalism there is hope and there is a need for students.



The industry is changing, the media as a whole is changing. No longer are newspapers the only way of accessing news or radio the only way to voice opinions.  Technology is being used as the primary vehicle to spread news and exchange information. Stories often break first on Twitter while articles are being tailored to fit onto smaller screens so it can be accessed on the go. We as students have grown up with this constant development of technology. It was us who were the first users of social media and perhaps this is the way forward.

Shouldn’t journalism be a conversation? A debate in how we could better our current society. Social media encourages this. It can be politics or sport but whatever the issue, everyone can get involved and contribute to the argument. It is up to student journalists, those who have grown up with this technology, to start these conversations and get the opinions of ordinary people. Maybe a fresh look at the world is what employers need to keep up with an ever-changing industry.



This month’s What’s Up Column was written by Ed Krarup, a final year student from University of Arts London. Ed’s article expresses the importance of gaining tangible experience when trying to progress in the field of sports journalism and this comes just in time to remind any budding journalists about the FISU Young Reporters Programme 2017. The deadline to apply to this programme is December 15.

Here is some feedback from the graduates of the previous edition of FISU YRP about their experiences and reflection about the programme:

"You’ll fall asleep immediately after the plane takes off," our mentors said. After two weeks of challenges and hard work I was tired indeed. But I was just too excited to fall asleep during my flight back home. The FISU’s Young Reporters’ Programme left me with so many great memories and I can genuinely say it made me a better journalist. When getting into stressful situations, it’s all about experience. I know that I wouldn't be as calm and careful a reporter as I am now without the YRP. Because I gained that experience at the Summer Universiade 2015. As a FISU Young Reporter you will be challenged. You’ll see a huge mountain in front of you. But in the end you’ll be on top of that mountain – with a whole new perspective.
-Maximilian Laenge, Germany



Being a part of FISU Young Reporter Program during the 2015 Universiade in Gwangju was a lifetime experience I will forever be grateful for. It let me develop not only my English and writing skills, but most importantly my skills in front of the camera which led to getting a job as a reporter on national Czech TV and cooperating with International School Sport Federation. It was one of the toughest internships I've been to - the stress, the lack of sleep and other things was balanced with unforgettable memories and new international friendships. I wouldn't change a thing and I would do it all again if I had the chance!
-Lucie Hrdlickova, Czech Republic

Are you a student with an opinion? We are looking for new contributors for our student column every month. Feel free to contact stc@eusa.eu to offer a piece or propose a topic.