I distinctly remember nervously approaching the Mail offices more than four years ago.

I was 27 years old and a disillusioned council worker and although I loved every minute of working in the community and being on the front line, I disliked the bureaucracy which came with it. After nearly 10 years in social services, I had decided to chase my dream to become a journalist.

I first read the Mail some 18 years earlier while my father was serving in the RAF abroad. My grandfather would collect the week’s Mails and send them out to us. I liked the community-oriented approach, the openness to include all views, the variety of in-depth news and features and of course, the sports coverage.

But how should I start off my career in journalism as a mature student? What training would I need and where?

For once in my life I was in the right place at the right time. I was completing work experience at the Mail as the new scholarship scheme was launched, and was determined to be part of it.

I was elated to find out I had been successful. This was an opportunity to gain a university qualification at degree level, supported by structured work experience.

I studied at The University of Lincoln. This turned out to boast the latest industry standard equipment in all media specialities, from television and radio production – editing and sound recording – through to website and page design; and I tried them all.

There were more academic requirements in areas such as law and journalistic principles. But fundamentally, the combined scholarship and degree empowers you to begin your role as a junior journalist in any medium. After three years, you may just end up with a full-time role as a trainee reporter at your local newspaper. I did!

Read Andrew’s story here.

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