Getting Ready for Journalism Training
Starting a career in journalism isn't about showing up on day one with zero preparation. There are things you can do right now that'll make your first few months way less overwhelming.
I've watched people come into newsrooms with completely different starting points. Some hit the ground running because they'd already picked up a few basics. Others spent weeks playing catch-up on stuff they could've sorted out beforehand.
This isn't about becoming an expert before you start. It's about setting yourself up for success rather than scrambling to figure out basics when you should be focused on learning the craft.
Think of this as your practical checklist — the stuff that actually matters when you're starting to learn journalism, not the fluff that sounds good but doesn't help you in real situations.
Start Reading Properly
Most people think they're decent readers. But journalism school will push you to absorb information faster than you're probably used to right now.
You don't need fancy courses for this. Just start reading more — and I mean actually reading, not skimming headlines on your phone between other tasks.
Pick up a major Malaysian newspaper. Read international news from proper sources. Get into long-form articles that require focus. The goal is building stamina for heavy reading days and training your brain to spot what matters in a story.
When you start training in March or April 2026, you'll be expected to consume massive amounts of text daily. Start building that habit now so it's not a shock to your system later.
Reading Skills That'll Help You
Basic Tools Worth Having
You don't need expensive equipment to start learning journalism. But having a few basics sorted will save you headaches when assignments start rolling in.
Reliable Computer
You'll be writing constantly. Get something dependable that can handle multiple browser tabs, word processing, and basic research tasks without freezing up.
Good Internet Access
Research, fact-checking, and staying current all require stable internet. Make sure you've got reliable access at home before training starts.
Note-Taking System
Whether you prefer digital or paper, have a system ready. You'll be taking notes constantly and need to find information quickly later.
Keep It Practical
Don't stress about having the latest tech. A mid-range laptop from the past few years works fine. Same with phones — you don't need the newest model to record decent audio for practice interviews. Focus on reliability over specs. Save the fancy equipment upgrades for when you actually know what you need based on your chosen specialization.
The Right Mindset Matters More Than You Think
Technical skills can be taught. But the attitude you bring to journalism training will determine how much you actually get out of it.
This field moves fast. Stories break at odd hours. Deadlines don't care about your personal schedule. And you'll constantly be learning new things because the media landscape keeps shifting.
The people who struggle most aren't usually the ones without talent — they're the ones who can't adapt quickly or who get defensive when their work gets critiqued.
What You're Actually Getting Into
Journalism training isn't like most education programs. You won't just sit through lectures and take tests. You'll be producing actual work that gets critiqued in detail.
Expect to write more than you ever have before. Expect your first attempts to need serious revision. Expect to feel like you're drinking from a fire hose for the first few weeks.
But if you come in with the basics sorted — reading skills developed, tech ready to go, mindset prepared for feedback — you'll adapt much faster than people who didn't bother preparing.
Programs starting in early 2026 will fill up through late 2025. If journalism is something you're serious about, start your preparation now and reach out to discuss training options that fit your situation.