There are placements available on the Guardian’s News, Features, Books, Arts, Sport, Business, Multimedia and Pictures desks, as well as the option to apply for ‘Specialist/other’ areas. Applicants can apply to more than one category, but must apply to each separately.

Getting a placement is incredibly competitive and you must fulfill the following requirements:

• Be at least 18 years old
• You must have the right to live and work in the UK
• Have a demonstrable passion for journalism, i.e. ‘serious involvement’ in student journalism, ‘substantial’ work experience on local/specialist publications, and/or an ‘impressive’ website or blog
• Have not had work experience with the Guardian or any of its associated bodies in the last two years
• Be flexible (you are more likely to be picked if you can do dates outside university vacations)

To apply you will need to send a CV, statement saying why you would benefit from the placement (400 words), a separate statement explaining your interest in your chosen area and how a placement with a specific desk would benefit you, and some cuttings to GNM through their official form, here, by April 21.

Ones to Watch

We are looking for current students at UK universities with an interest in journalism to work on the site alongside their studies.

There are vacancies for four editorial assistants – three general and one specialising in sport. See below for a detailed job description and person specification.

Candidates for all positions must be committed to working from home for two days a week (approx. 2-3 hours each day worked, timings are flexible), starting the week beginning April 8, until June 31 2013. There will be an option to continue after this date, but this is the minimum required commitment.

Everyone who works at Ones to Watch volunteers their time for free, so these posts are unpaid. However all successful candidates will be given help in progressing their journalism careers, including references and assistance gaining work experience, wherever possible.

All potential candidates must be available for a training session on April 6 or 7, although this date may change depending on the number of applications. Training will be held via Skype.

To apply, email editor@onestowatchmedia.com by Wednesday, April 3 with the following:

For the General editorial assistant position:

:: Your CV (no more than one A4 page)
:: Cover letter (no more than 250 words) outlining your experience and why you want the role
:: A link to any piece of student journalism (old or current, but should not be your own work) that you think would be suitable for featuring on OTW and an explanation of why (no more than 150 words, excluding link)

For the Sports editorial assistant position:

:: Your CV (no more than two A4 pages)
:: Cover letter (no more than 250 words) outlining your experience and why you want the role
:: A link to any piece of student sports journalism (old or current, but should not be your own work) that you think would be suitable for featuring on OTW and an explanation of why (no more than 150 words, excluding link)

Please state whether you are applying for the general or sports position in the subject line of your email.

The ability to edit is vital to all roles so applications breaching the word limit will not be considered.

Editorial assistant (general and sports)

Salary: Unpaid

Commitment: Two days per week, approximately 2-3 hours each day work. Exact days and timings to be confirmed on an individual basis. From April 8 until June 31 2013, with possibility for extension.

Main responsibilities will include:

• Monitoring student media and selecting relevant articles for publication
• Editing copy
• Posting stories and pictures online using WordPress
• Using social media
• Working as a team with other editorial assistants and sub-editors
• Reporting to the deputy editor/editor as required

Skills required:

Essential

• Strong news sense
• A genuine interest in journalism, current affairs and student life (those applying for the sports role should also have a demonstrable interest in both sports and sports journalism)
• Exceptional written skills
• Good communication and research skills
• Excellent time management and ability to self-motivate
• Experience using social media, particularly Twitter and Facebook

Desirable

• Previous work experience in media, whether student or professional
• Experience of using WordPress

The Independent

Young journalists are invited to submit a news report of 500 to 700 words about “an aspect of Britain or British society that rarely makes the headlines”.

Entries must be well-researched on an “unusual and eye-opening” topic. They must also be accurate and “stylishly written”.

The winner will receive £1,000, get their entry published in The Independent and a two-week work experience placement at the newspaper.

To enter, you must be aged 25 or under (as of January 31, 2013) and either be in training as a journalist or in your first paid job. The competition is open to journalists of any nationality.

Deadline January 12. For more information and to submission details see here.

Ones to Watch

We are looking for current students at UK universities with an interest in journalism to work on the site alongside their studies.

There are vacancies for three editorial assistants - two general and one specialising in sport. See below for a detailed job description and person specification.

Candidates for all positions must be committed to working from home for two days a week (approx. 2-3 hours each day worked, timings are flexible), starting the week beginning October 29, until January 31 2013. There will be an option to continue  after this date, but this is the minimum required commitment.

The posts are currently unpaid, however all successful candidates will be given help in progressing their journalism careers, including references and assistance gaining work experience, wherever possible.

All potential candidates must be available for a training session on Tuesday October 23. Training will either be in London or via Skype, depending on individual availability. Please state which you prefer at the end of your cover letter.

To apply, email editor@onestowatchmedia.com by Monday, October 15 with the following:

:: Your CV (no more than one A4 page)
:: Cover letter (no more than 250 words) outlining your experience and why you want the role
:: A link to any piece of student journalism (old or current, but should not be your own work) that you think would be suitable for featuring on OTW and an explanation of why (no more than 150 words, excluding link)

Please state whether you are applying for the general or sports position in the subject line of your email.

The ability to edit is vital to all roles so applications breaching the word limit will not be considered.

Editorial assistant (general and sports)

Salary: Unpaid

Commitment: Two days per week, approximately 2-3 hours each day work. Exact days and timings to be confirmed on an individual basis. From October 29 (plus training October 23) until January 31 2013, with possibility for extension.

Main responsibilities will include:

• Monitoring student media and selecting relevant articles for publication
• Editing copy
• Posting stories and pictures online using WordPress
• Using social media
• Working as a team with other editorial assistants and sub-editors
• Reporting to the deputy editor/editor as required

Skills required:

Essential

• Strong news sense
• A genuine interest in journalism, current affairs and student life (those applying for the sports role should also have a demonstrable interest in both sports and sports journalism)
• Exceptional written skills
• Good communication and research skills
• Excellent time management and ability to self-motivate
• Experience using social media, particularly Twitter and Facebook

Desirable

• Previous work experience in media, whether student or professional
• Experience of using WordPress

Here’s what Phil Chamberlain, who is leading the project, has to say:

Students are turning to prostitution – or are they?

 The BBC reported last November that the National Union of Students believes increasing numbers of students are turning to prostitution to fund their studies because of a lack of jobs and the rise in fees.

The evidence appears anecdotal and parochial –but it is a story which has a powerful attraction for the media.

 Now student journalists across the UK are currently investigating the facts behind the headlines.  As part of a Help Me Investigate project students from, among others, Bristol, Salford and Birmingham are asking student welfare departments if they have figures on students who have approached them because they’re involved in sex work. They also want to know if they have policies to deal with such issues. And they’re checking with outreach groups to see what their experience is.

 It’s an issue made complex by the nature of the work which shifts between the legal pole dancer, the grey area of escort work and outright prostitution.

 The story has surfaced most recently in The Telegraph which reports research suggesting “one in ten students know someone who works in sex trade”.

 A number of local newspapers and student publications have carried stories about student prostitutes but the format is usually an interview with one person involved in the sex trade and little contextual evidence. For instance in 2010, Cherwell interviewed Oxford students involved in escort work.

 If you want to get involved and use HMI to help find out what the story is in your local area then visit the Help Me Investigation Education site.

Students are turning to prostitution – or are they?

The BBC reported last November (Link: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-16157522) that the National Union of Students believes increasing numbers of students are turning to prostitution to fund their studies because of a lack of jobs and the rise in fees. The evidence appears anecdotal and parochial –but it is a story which has a powerful attraction for the media.
Now student journalists across the UK are currently investigating the facts behind the headlines.
As part of a Help Me Investigate project (Link: http://helpmeinvestigate.com/education/2012/02/students-are-increasingly-turning-to-prostitution-to-fund-their-studies-or-are-they/) students from, among others, Bristol, Salford and Birmingham are asking student welfare departments if they have figures on students who have approached them because they’re involved in sex work. They also want to know if they have policies to deal with such issues. And they’re checking with outreach groups to see what their experience is.
It’s an issue made complex by the nature of the work which shifts between the legal pole dancer, the grey area of escort work and outright prostitution.
The story has surfaced most recently in The Telegraph (link: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/education/educationnews/9112217/Universities-take-millions-from-student-sex-traders.html) which reports research suggesting “one in ten students know someone who works in sex trade”.
A number of local newspapers and student publications have carried stories about student prostitutes but the format is usually an interview with one person involved in the sex trade and little contextual evidence. For instance in 2010, Cherwell interviewed Oxford students involved in escort work (Link: http://www.cherwell.org/news/2010/10/06/cherwell-goes-under-the-covers).
If you want to get involved and use HMI to help find out what the story is in your local area then visit http://helpmeinvestigate.com/education.

Getting a placement is incredibly competitive and you must fulfill the following requirements:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Have a demonstrable passion for journalism, i.e. ‘serious involvement’ in student journalism, ‘substantial’ work experience on local/specialist publications, and/or an ‘impressive’ website or blog
• Have not had work experience with the Guardian or any of its associated bodies in the last two years
• Be flexible (you are more likely to be picked if you can do dates outside university vacations)

To apply you will need to send a CV, statement saying why you would benefit from the placement (400 words) and some cuttings to GNM through their official form, here, by March 31.

Emerging Students, a paid-for luxury student magazine, is looking for freelance writers (£35 per article) on culture, arts, start-ups and entrepreneurship based in Nottingham. They also welcome freelance contributors on sports, start-ups, entrepreneurship, design, architecture and real world affairs from writers based anywhere. Broadcast journalists and film/media producers can also submit work, payment from £150 (see contact details below).

There are also unpaid vacancies for a PR Intern (the ideal candidate should have good links with several universities), a contributing Culture Editor (must be fluent in English), and a contributing Affairs Editor (must be fluent in English).

All freelance writers or applicants must be a people person, be committed and versatile, think outside the box, be social media savvy and have knowledge of the magazine industry. You do know have to be a student to apply.

Send a few samples of your writing and a brief cover letter asap to contributors@emergingstudents.com.

*********************

Help Me Investigate is looking for journalism student across the UK to work on a collaborative investigative project for their studies or for student media.

Here’s the blurb: Help Me Investigate: Networks will involve a number of journalism departments in supporting students to produce journalism investigating one of the following areas: education, health, welfare, and the Olympics.

The aim is for students and lecturers to be able to exchange tips and ideas, gain access to a wider range of journalists and expertise, and combine their work to expand regional stories into national ones. Learning resources will be available on the Help Me Investigate sites (already hosting a set of common resources and contacts), and a teaching pack is available to support tutors. National and regional news organisations are also involved.

No need to apply with a CV, just be keen and contact Paul Bradshaw by January 27 at paul@helpmeinvestigate.com.

*********************

Bloomberg is looking for news interns for a paid 10-week programme starting on June 25. You will get the chance to work alongside full-time reporters based in London to produce breaking news stories.

Candidates should have an undergraduate degree or equivalent, have an interest in financial markets, be fluent in English and have prior reporting experience. A second language and experience of working in a real-time news environment are desirable.

Deadline February 29. Full details here.

*********************

The Daily Express is taking on a fashion intern for a four-week placement starting in February. Unpaid, with up to £8 a day expenses. You will be mainly based within the fashion cupboard, calling in and returning samples for shoots, but there will be opportunities to assist on fashion and still life shoots, as well as helping with picture and trend research, credits and general administrative duties.

Send a CV and cover letter to Simona Russo simona.russo@express.co.uk asap.

*********************

The Huffington Post is hiring an unpaid intern to spend six weeks on its UK-based Culture section. You will learn web publishing skills, assist with research and transcribing, and gain writing and editing experience. Travel and food expenses will be paid

You should be a good writer with a passion for arts and books and a good knowledge of both fields. Experience of working online (it can be in student media) and a strong social media presence are desired.

Apply by sending a CV and two examples of relevent pieces of writing to sam.parker@teamaol.com

Ones to Watch

Luke is a third-year BA Biological Sciences student at the University of Oxford. He enjoys writing, taking photos, and walking up hills in the Lake District. In the future he would like to see the world, write, do a PhD in crop sciences, and maybe even find a job.

His entry, written in answer to the question ‘With fees tripling to £9,000 a year at most universities, is it inevitable that the student will become a consumer?‘, has been published on guardian.co.uk, as part of the launch of the Blogging Students section.

He writes:

It’s 9:45, I’m mildly hungover, and relying on a strong black coffee to stay awake. The dulcet tones of a greying, portly biochemistry professor rumble around a gloomy lecture hall, which is clad in oak and filled with tacky plastic chairs. We’re learning about the organization of the plant metabolic network, which is only about half as much fun as it sounds.

After the summary, which seems strangely unfamiliar, we each rummage around, pull out £30, and place it on the front desk in a heap of crumpled notes and loose change. Sam asks me to lend him some cash; he’s forgotten his wallet for the third time this month. The professor pulls out a hessian sack and starts sweeping the money (about £1800) into it, then walks outside whistling.

I get ten lectures a week, some of them from obtuse or incomprehensible lecturers, and place £300 weekly at the front of the lecture hall. There are 30 teaching weeks in a year, so pay around £9,000 for all my lectures. I think about this, look for a paracetamol in my bag, and wonder if I’m getting my money’s worth.

The protagonist (Joe) of this tale lives in a slightly different world, with £9000 tuition fees that are payable on a pay-as-you-go system. It’s like Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep, with education instead of appliances. In this world, Joe can stop attending the lectures on plant metabolism he finds so dreary, and so will save money on this module. Perhaps he will spend a small fraction of it on a plant metabolism textbook to help in the exams. Joe is a consumer: he only pays for what he wants, and as such the University receives detailed feedback on which topics and lecturers the student body values most. In our world, students pay the full fee at the start of each year, and turn up to all (or some) of the lectures, laboratory work, and classes that the University provides.

With fees tripling, it is inevitable that students, other than those born to very wealthy families, will think harder about whether and where to go to University, as well as what to study. Despite the Government’s hollow promises of social mobility (it’s certainly not going to increase mobility, is it?) and hypocritical insistence that you can spend any amount of money provided that it’s borrowed at a low interest, poorer students will have to ensure they can justify the expenditure. We’ve watched banks go down, and drag countries down, due to excessive borrowing, so mountainous debt isn’t appealing, regardless of the interest rate.

Making young people think harder about the value of their degree may not be a bad thing. However, the monetary value of a degree is the perception of that degree’s value by prospective employers, which may have little bearing on how well it was taught. If Oxford stopped giving lectures tomorrow (and the media didn’t notice), it would take many years for employers to realize the increased ineptitude of Oxford graduates, and start discriminating accordingly.

In contrast, even the most dynamic, useful and thrilling degree may be undersubscribed if offered by the new kid on the block, as employers don’t demand it. The problem with the fee rise is that it renders students as consumers who lack real choice. They can only pick between degrees, not within them, which both robs students of the opportunity to only pay for what benefits them most, and Universities of the chance to learn how best to teach their students.

Luke’s work has also been published by guardian.co.uk here.

Oli is a first-year BA Multimedia Journalism student at Bournemouth University. He describes himself as “a farmer’s son from Somerset hoping to forge a career in the world of journalism”. Oli also blogs here.

His entry, written in answer to the question ‘With fees tripling to £9,000 a year at most universities, is it inevitable that the student will become a consumer?‘, has been published on guardian.co.uk, as part of the launch of the Blogging Students section.

He writes:

‘Tis that time of year where the next batch of university hopefuls draft and re-draft their personal statements, pester businesses near and far for work experience opportunities or simply sit on their behinds and implement an inspired plan to join the ever growing dole queue.

Universities have evolved a great deal in the past few decades, switching from an elitist privilege to an educational free for all, where you may embark on a degree based upon anything from ‘knitting’ to ‘the art of walking’. If you don’t believe me, please do check the UCAS website for yourselves. Some argue that unis are now reverting back to the olden days of pompous, highbrow education, reserved for those with the backing of a substantial ‘Bank of Mum and Dad’.

Whether that’s true or not one thing is for certain, the government can no longer sustain this level of subsidy. This has caused many a prospective student to flap their arms furiously in the air, claiming the revelation to be the end of their short lives…

See Oli’s full entry here.

Follow him on Twitter here.

The competition winner will be announced and published on Tuesday, January 17.

Lucy is a third-year BA English student at the University of Leeds and is features editor of Leeds Student, and has previously written columns for the i Newspaper, after entering their iwriters competition.

Her entry, written in answer to the question ‘With fees tripling to £9,000 a year at most universities, is it inevitable that the student will become a consumer?‘, has been published on guardian.co.uk to mark the launch of the Blogging Students section.

She writes:

“Students as consumers” is one of those horrid phrases that stimulates much indignant bleating: Education becoming a commodity, Universities becoming sausage factories, lecturers becoming Gove’s finger puppets.

But students have been consumers ever since fees were introduced, by definition. University offers us a product – libraries, access to expertise, careers advice – and, rightly or wrongly, we pay what the government deems is an appropriate price.

The question is, will increasing these fees make students more aware of their status as consumers, and demand more bang for their buck? And will the result of this demand be a creativity-sapping Dickensian nightmare, Mr M’Choakumchild at the helm churning out graduates like ‘so many pianoforte legs’?

See Lucy’s full entry here.

Follow her on Twitter here.

The second runner-up will be announced on Ones to Watch and published on guardian.co.uk on Friday, January 13. The winner will be announced and published on Tuesday, January 17.