When you’re studying media or journalism, or even just any university degree, placements feel like the holy grail.
No one wants a student straight out of university without experience in the field, but how are they to expect that if no one will let you in, it’s a vicious circle.
Everyone’s talking about them, applying for them, and stressing over them. And for good reason, placements are valuable.
They give you industry exposure, contacts, and experience you can’t always get in a classroom.
But here’s the thing no one really says out loud: even if you’re willing to work for free, sometimes you just don’t get them.
Not because you’re not talented. Not because you’re not trying. But because the opportunities are limited, competitive, and sometimes just down to timing or who you know.
I’ve been there, sending emails that never get a reply, feeling like everyone else has something lined up while you’re stuck refreshing your inbox.
It can feel disheartening, like the door to the industry is closed before you’ve even had the chance to knock.
But here’s what I’ve learned: placements aren’t the only way in.
Experience looks different for everyone
A TikTok series, a podcast, a Substack newsletter, it all counts. The point isn’t whether it’s official or unpaid at a big name, but whether you’re actually doing the work.
This blog, for example, started as a way for me to keep writing, reflecting, and building something tangible while I figure things out.
It’s not a “placement,” but it is proof of initiative, creativity, and consistency and employers value that.
It’s easy to compare yourself to people with shiny CV lines like BBC placement or intern at Vogue.
But your work is no less valid because you built it yourself. If anything, it shows you weren’t waiting around for permission.
Experience doesn’t even need to be a physical product either, networking and getting to know people in your industry grows your links as well as hearing what they have experienced to better prepare you for when its your time to start working.
Placements are great, but they’re not the only route to success, journalism and media are about proof of skill, not just proof of where you’ve worked.
So if you don’t land the placement you wanted, don’t take it as a stop sign, make your own start line.
Create something, write something share something, because sometimes the opportunity you’re looking for is the one you build for yourself.
