How to become
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- a college course
- working towards this role
- applying directly
University
It may help to have a higher national diploma (HND), foundation degree or degree in a subject such as:
- graphic design
- illustration
- fine art
- photography
- publishing
Work experience at university
Your creative skills will be as important to employers as your degree. It's important to get work experience and build a portfolio to show what you can do.
Your university careers service can help you find relevant work experience, internship and year placement opportunities.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- a foundation diploma in art and design
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
More Information
College
You could apply for a job as an assistant editor after completing a creative or media related course at college.
Relevant subjects include:
- Level 3 Diploma in Photography
- Level 3 National Diploma in Art and Design
Entry requirements
You may need:
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course
- 1 or 2 A levels, a level 3 diploma or relevant experience for a level 4 or level 5 course
More Information
Work
You could get into this job by joining a magazine as a graphic designer or picture editor.
You could then move on to become deputy art editor then editor.
Volunteering
You should get yourself known and build up your contacts in the industry to help find paid work.
To do this you could:
- create a blog or build your online 'brand' through social media
- build a website to showcase your work
- find design opportunities with charities or student organisations
- follow magazines on social media to find out about events, work experience and jobs
Direct Application
You can apply directly for jobs if you've got the right skills and experience. For specialist magazines, you may have an advantage if you have a special interest or background in the subject.
For example, an interest in science or architecture will be useful if you want to work on magazines covering those topics.
More Information
Career tips
It's useful to get experience of print and digital work. Showing you can use up to date desktop publishing and computer graphics software will make your application stand out.
Professional and industry bodies
You may find it useful to join the Professional Publishers Association (PPA) for professional recognition, training opportunities and to make industry contacts.
Further information
You can also find out more about working in art, publishing and other creative careers from Discover Creative Careers.