Episode 44: Conversation with Paul Bradshaw, Michelle McGhee & Carmen Aguilar-Garcia
May 31, 2022
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Join Paul Bradshaw, Michelle McGhee, and Carmen Aguilar-Garcia as they discuss breaking into data journalism, the evolution of data journalism education, transitioning from a software engineer to a data journalist, collaboration and diversity in data journalism teams, and techniques for crafting clear and engaging pitches. Learn about the challenges and the importance of communication in collaborative projects, along with valuable resources and upcoming videos shared by Paul.
Data journalism offers diverse career paths for individuals with technical and editorial skills.
Transitioning to data journalism involves combining formal education, practical experience, and online learning.
Deep dives
Evolution of Data Journalism Education and Career Paths
Data journalism education has become more popular and international, attracting students from various backgrounds. Graduates entering the industry come from diverse fields, including journalism, technical backgrounds, and recent graduates. The key to success lies in possessing a mix of technical and editorial skills for a wide range of job opportunities beyond traditional news organizations, such as charities and data visualization studios.
Transitioning into Data Journalism
Transitioning into data journalism often involves a journey of discovery and adaptation. Individuals like Carmen Aguilar Diaz started as traditional journalists and gradually moved into data journalism through hands-on projects and online courses. The decision to pursue formal education like a master's degree, combined with practical experience and online learning, can lead to successful transitions into data journalism roles.
Collaboration and Portfolio Building
Collaboration plays a crucial role in data journalism projects, with effective teamwork enhancing the quality and impact of stories. Building diverse teams of two to five members with complementary skills can optimize project efficiency. Additionally, creating impactful portfolios through engaging visualizations and storytelling techniques can attract attention from potential employers or collaborators.
Pitching Editors and Building Skills
Pitching data-driven stories to editors requires concise storytelling and a clear focus on the impact and relevance of the narrative. Developing essential coding and design skills through online tutorials, resources like Google, and studying exemplary projects can help data journalists grow their expertise. Effective pitching involves articulating ideas clearly, showcasing proof of concepts, and embracing a variety of tools and languages based on the project's requirements.
This episode features a conversation with Paul Bradshaw from Birmingham City University, Michelle McGhee from The Pudding and Carmen Aguilar-Garcia from Sky News. The trio speaks to us about breaking into data journalism and the numerous educational paths one can pursue. Drawing on the panel's mixed experience, we also hear advice on transitioning from a technical or general news role into data storytelling.
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