Journalism: Tips for attracting fellowship opportunities, by Goodness Chibunna

One day, while scrolling through social media, I came across a call for applications for the Female Reporters Leadership Programme by the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism. It piqued my interest because it focused on women in journalism.

At first, I hesitated. I wasn’t sure I was “good enough” or “experienced enough” to apply. But then, I remembered some advice a senior colleague gave me: “Opportunities won’t wait for you to feel ready. You just have to go for them.” That was a lightbulb moment for me. I applied in 2018, and to my surprise, I was accepted.

That fellowship not only boosted my confidence but also opened doors to other opportunities, like the Climate Change Media Fellowship at Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development and the Global Press Institute’s Narrative Change Reporting Programme.

So, how do you attract these kinds of opportunities? Here are four tips that have helped me along the way:

1. Build a strong portfolio

Your work speaks louder than any application ever could. I made it a point to consistently produce quality work, even when it meant late nights and tight deadlines. When it was time to apply for fellowships, I had a robust body of work to showcase my skills and dedication.

2. Tailor your applications to each fellowship

It’s not enough to just want a fellowship; you have to show why you’re the right fit. When I applied for the WSCIJ fellowship, I didn’t just talk about my experience; I connected it to the specific goals of the programme. What are the organisers looking for? How can your background and aspirations align with their objectives? Customising your application to highlight this alignment can make a significant difference.

3. Network, Network, Network

I can’t stress this enough. Attend journalism conferences, workshops, and webinars. Join professional groups on social media. Engage with other journalists and industry leaders. Many of my fellowship opportunities came through connections I made at events or online. Don’t be shy to reach out and build relationships. You never know where a conversation might lead!

4. Be persistent and resilient

Rejection is part of the process. I’ve faced my fair share of ‘thank you for your application, but…’ emails. Instead of getting discouraged, I used each rejection as a learning opportunity. I’d ask for feedback, work on improving my skills, and apply again. Remember, every ‘no’ is just a step closer to a ‘yes’.

Looking back, these fellowships have been more than just milestones on my CV; they’ve shaped me into the journalist I am today. They’ve provided me with the tools, knowledge, and networks to tackle some of the biggest stories of my career.

If you’re hesitating to apply for that fellowship or grant, remember this: you don’t have to be the most experienced or the most knowledgeable. So go ahead, take that leap. You might just surprise yourself.

What’s your experience with applying for fellowships? I’d like to hear your story.

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