WORK EXPERIENCE AT THE BUCKS FREE PRESS

Thank you for your interest in a work experience placement at the Bucks Free Press.

We have, as you would expect, a high volume of similar applications but can only find room for one unpaid placement a week in our small and very busy newsroom.

Therefore, we have to insist on a number of requirements which are as follows:

All successful candidates must be aged 18 and over. We are not able to deviate from this strict policy under any circumstances;

All successful candidates must show a clear interest in pursuing a career in journalism. They should be on, or about to embark on, a pre-entry course, or should at least be interested in examining the options for entering the industry.

All applicants must submit by email to us a 250 word piece about themselves, their career aspirations and why they are interested in journalism before they can be considered. Please send this to Associate Editor Victoria Birch at victoria.birch@london.newsquest.co.uk.

Those successful in obtaining a placement should be prepared to work at our offices from 9am to 5.30pm every weekday for the entire week, and – apart from in the case of exceptional circumstances - we require two weeks’ advanced notice if you need to cancel the placement so we can offer it to another candidate. Sadly, we have had a number of applicants cancelling very shortly before the placement begins, and it is in everyone’s interest to avoid a repeat of this.

Finally, it’s worth mentioning that work experience is normally a valuable and enjoyable undertaking. Many of those who have had placements at the Bucks Free Press have gone on to enjoy successful careers as journalists. We look forward to hearing from you.